How to View Sentry Mode Events on Your iPhone

Sentry Mode is a key security feature that allows Tesla owners to monitor their vehicle's surroundings while it's parked. If suspicious activity is detected, the vehicle records footage using its cameras, and in severe cases, the alarm is triggered. It's amazing to have access to the cameras from anywhere in the world through the app, but there are several steps to access them. Here’s how to view Sentry Mode events on your iPhone and enable live camera viewing for real-time monitoring.

1. Ensure You Have Premium Connectivity

Before you can access live Sentry Mode video on your iPhone, you need to subscribe to Premium Connectivity. This service unlocks features like live traffic visualization, satellite-view maps, and live camera access. Without Premium Connectivity, you will still receive alerts about Sentry Mode events, but you won’t be able to view the live feed.

Premium Connectivity costs around $9.99 per month depending on your region and is required for the live camera feature in Sentry Mode. Read our piece here on if we think Premium Connectivity is worth it > Is Tesla Premium Connectivity Worth It?

2. Enabling Sentry Mode in Your Tesla

To monitor your vehicle's surroundings and view events, you need to enable Sentry Mode. This can be done in different ways, either through the touchscreen, the Tesla app, or voice commands. Below are the steps to enable Sentry Mode depending on your model:

• On your vehicle’s touchscreen:
  • Go to Controls > Safety & Security > Sentry Mode.
  • You can also activate Sentry Mode via Voice Command by saying "Enable Sentry Mode."
• Through the Tesla app:
  • Open the app, navigate to Security & Drivers and toggle the  Sentry Mode button on.

Once Sentry Mode is activated, the cameras will monitor for suspicious activity, and you will receive alerts via the Tesla app if an event is detected. Note that Sentry Mode remains active until your vehicle’s battery drops below 20%, at which point the system will deactivate to conserve power.

3. Enable Live Camera Access for Real-Time Viewing

Live Camera lets you remotely view your Tesla’s surroundings through the cameras, allowing you to check the environment before returning to your vehicle. To enable this feature, you need to turn it on via your car's touchscreen and the Tesla app.

Here’s how to activate Live Camera access based on your Tesla model:

• For Model S and Model X (2021 and later):
  • On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Safety > View Live Camera via Mobile App.
• For Model 3 and Model Y:
  • Navigate to Controls > Safety & Security > View Live Camera via Mobile App.

This setting allows you to stream the live video to your iPhone and other mobile devices. Once enabled, you can also interact with the vehicle by honking the horn, flashing the lights, or speaking through the vehicle's speaker (if available). Note that Live Camera is end-to-end encrypted, and even Tesla cannot access the video feed.

Live Camera is compatible with iOS and Android devices running Tesla app version 4.2.1 or higher.

4. Viewing Live Camera on Your iPhone

Once you've enabled the live camera feature, you can view the feed directly from the Tesla app. Here’s how to access it:

1. Open the Tesla app on your iPhone.
2. Click on the Live Camera button right from the front page
3. Alternatively, from Security & Drivers, click on the small text View live camera.

While viewing live footage, the vehicle may flash its lights periodically to alert nearby people that the cameras are active. Keep in mind that the live camera viewing session is typically limited to 1 hour of cumulative time per day or 15-minute intervals, depending on your region.

5. Viewing Recorded Sentry Mode Events

If Sentry Mode detects an event while you’re away from your car, it records the footage on a USB drive. To view these recorded events, you’ll need to ensure your dashcam is properly installed and equipped with a USB drive. Without the USB drive, Sentry Mode won’t record any footage.

• Recorded events can be accessed in two ways:
  • On the vehicle’s touchscreen: Insert the USB drive into your vehicle’s port, and navigate to Controls > Safety & Security to view saved clips.
  • In the Tesla app: When Sentry Mode detects a threat, you’ll receive a notification, and you can review the event within the app. Tap Sentry Mode Events to view recorded clips saved to the USB drive.

6. Important Considerations

• Dashcam Installation: Ensure your Tesla’s dashcam is properly set up with a formatted USB drive, as Sentry Mode will not record footage without it. The USB drive should be inserted into the glovebox port for better security.
• Battery Requirements: Sentry Mode requires a minimum of 20% battery. When the battery falls below this threshold, Sentry Mode will automatically deactivate.
• Limitations: Sentry Mode cannot prevent all threats, but it serves as a strong deterrent against potential security risks. It’s important to remain aware of local regulations regarding camera usage, as they vary by location.

Summary

Tesla’s Sentry Mode is a powerful feature that provides security for your vehicle when parked. By subscribing to Premium Connectivity, you can unlock live camera viewing on your iPhone, allowing you to remotely monitor your car and interact with it via the Tesla app. Ensure that Sentry Mode and Live Camera are enabled through your vehicle’s settings, and remember to have a USB drive ready to capture any recorded events.

Like what you've read? Subscribe to our newsletter and browse our best sellers for more info.