Tesla Sentry Mode is a feature that allows you to monitor your parked locked vehicle’s surroundings. It utilizes the vehicle’s cameras and sensors to detect potential risks and alert the driver.
Tesla Sentry Mode is disabled by default. However, you can set Tesla Sentry Mode to always be on automatically when the Tesla is parked and locked. Read this article fully to learn more about Tesla Sentry Mode always on.
Tesla Sentry Mode is a security feature that uses car cameras and sensors to monitor parked surroundings.
Quick Glance
- It can be set to activate automatically when parked and locked.
- Alerts through the mobile app and saves footage to a USB drive.
- Requires a minimum 20% battery level.
- Customizable to exclude specific locations.
- Drains 1-2 miles per hour, depending on the activity.
- Consider needs and charging options before keeping it always on.
What is Tesla Sentry Mode?
Tesla Sentry Mode is a security system that activates when your car is locked and in Park. It uses the car’s cameras and sensors (if equipped) to record suspicious activity around your car.
If a threat is detected, Sentry Mode illuminates the headlights, sounds the alarm, and displays a message on the touchscreen informing those outside the vehicle that the cameras may be recording.
If a threat is detected, you will receive an alert on your phone through the mobile app. If a USB drive is installed, footage of the event will be saved to the USB drive.
Sentry Mode requires your battery to be at least 20% charged. If the battery falls below 20%, Sentry Mode turns off, and the mobile app sends you a notification. Also, ensure that Dog Mode and Camp Mode are disabled.
Sentry Mode may cause an increase in energy consumption. When Sentry Mode is enabled, no software updates can be deployed.
Related Post: How Much Battery Does Sentry Mode Use In Tesla?
Why is Tesla Sentry Mode Always on and How to Prevent It?
Sentry Mode is turned off by default. However, your Tesla Sentry mode will always keep turning on automatically if you set toggle on from settings. To disable the Tesla Sentry mode from always turning on when parked and locked:
- Click on the Car icon in the bottom left to go to the Controls menu on Touchscreen.
- Then select Safety.
- If your Sentry Mode toggles on, then turn it off.
You can also use the Tesla mobile app to turn off Sentry Mode easily. To disable using the Tesla mobile app, Go to Security and toggle off Sentry Mode.
However, if you don’t want to toggle off Tesla Sentry mode, then it can be customizable to when and where you want Sentry Mode not to be active. You can choose from three options:
- Exclude Home: Sentry Mode is active everywhere except at your home location.
- Exclude Work: Sentry Mode is active everywhere except at your work location.
- Exclude Favorites: Sentry Mode is active everywhere except at your favorite locations.
To exclude specific locations, go to Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > Manage Excluded Locations.
However, if the problem persists after turning off the toggle Sentry mode, it may be due to a software issue. Check for any available software updates. If a software update is available, then download and install it. If the problem persists, try restarting the Tesla.
To restart your Tesla, you must hold down the Parking Brake knob and both scroll controls on the steering wheel at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds. Your touchscreen will go black before restarting. Wait a few minutes until the power is restored.
If still not fixed after restarting the Tesla, then you can contact Tesla support for further assistance.
How Much Battery Does Sentry Mode Use If Tesla Sentry Mode Is Always On?
Sentry Mode is a security feature offered by Tesla that uses cameras and other sensors (if equipped) to monitor and protect your car when it is parked and locked. However, one downside of Sentry Mode is that it consumes a significant amount of battery power If Tesla Sentry Mode is always on.
According to a Tesla owner, Sentry Mode consumes battery life at a rate of about one to two miles per hour. This means that if you have a Tesla with a range of 262 miles, Sentry Mode will drain the battery completely in about 7 to 11 days.
It is necessary to keep in mind that Sentry Mode shuts off automatically when the battery level drops below 20 percent’s. This means that if you have a Tesla Model S with a range of 370 miles, Sentry Mode will deactivate if it drops below 74 miles or 20 percent.
Related Post: How to View the Tesla Sentry Mode Event Report?
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Does Sentry Mode work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, Sentry Mode can function without Wi-Fi, but you will need an internet connection to download recorded footage to your mobile device.
Does Sentry Mode record audio?
No, for privacy reasons, Sentry Mode does not record audio.
Does Sentry Mode work in all Tesla models?
Yes, Sentry Mode is available on all Tesla models that were built after August 2017.
Can I receive alerts from Sentry Mode on my phone?
Yes, if your car is in the Alarm state due to a severe threat, you will receive an alert on your mobile device if you have the Tesla app installed and notifications enabled.
