Tesla Model Y: how to enable Dashcam recording

Check the complete recording chain

Step by step

1. 1Prepare storageUse a correctly formatted compatible USB drive in the data-capable port.
2. 2Choose a modeOpen Controls > Safety > Dashcam and select the saving behavior you want.
3. 3Check recording statusLook for the active recording indicator before relying on stored footage.

Tick steps as you go. Your progress stays in this tab.

A charging port is not a recording check

For the covered Model Y, start with the glovebox data port. Tesla specifies a compatible USB drive with at least 64 GB of capacity and a sustained write speed of 4 MB/s or more. Peak advertised speed is a different measurement. Back up anything you need before choosing Controls → Safety → Format USB Drive: formatting erases existing contents and prepares the recording folders.

Confirm a saved clip, not only an icon

The red recording indicator means Dashcam is recording; the saved check mark confirms a clip was saved. For a practical check, save a clip, park, open Dashcam from the app launcher and find the timestamp in the Viewer. Manual saving stores the most recent ten minutes. Auto saving depends on event detection, so keep the manual-save method in mind for footage you want to retain.

If footage is missing

Check whether Dashcam is paused, busy or switched off before assuming a camera failed. Busy means footage is not being captured while the system loads, saves or overwrites. Pause recording before removing the USB drive. Move important saved clips elsewhere and maintain free space; Tesla says a full drive cannot save more footage. Opening the in-car Viewer also pauses recording.

Common questions