With the recent addition of 24 hours of rolling footage for Sentry Mode in Software Update 2026.14, the demand for storage capacity in your Tesla is higher than ever. Dashcam and Sentry Mode are invaluable tools for protecting your vehicle when you’re driving or away, and having onboard storage to record any incidents is key.
For owners who leave Sentry Mode active for extended intervals, a standard drive can fill up quickly, which can lead to footage being overwritten. In addition, smaller drives being constantly overwritten can lead to premature drive failure.
Upgrading to a dedicated 1TB or 2TB solid-state storage device resolves these constraints while drastically improving the drive's operational lifespan.
Hardware Recommendations
Our recommendations below take two factors into account. Tesla’s minimum requirements for USB devices and the specs of the USB drive included with Tesla’s latest vehicles.
Since it’s easy to forget to press the pesky save footage button, we recommend getting a USB drive with 1 TB or more of storage, which increases the footage buffer from 1 hour up to 24 hours.
While this extended recording history is available across the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck, your vehicle must meet certain requirements:
Software update 2026.14 (or higher)
Hardware 3 (HW3) or higher
AMD Ryzen infotainment unit (how to tell which you have)
USB drive or solid-state drive (SSD) with a capacity of 1 TB or more
Top Pick: Samsung T7 Shield
Our top pick is the Samsung T7 Shield SSD drive. It’s reliable and comes in larger capacities, which increase the amount of time the vehicle retains footage before it’s automatically deleted. Instead of overwriting footage after one hour, it’ll keep recent footage for up to 24 hours.
The shield is impact- and heat-resistant, boasts IP65 water and dust resistance, and easily meets Tesla’s requirements for sustained write speeds.
Whether your Tesla is in the heat of a desert or the cold of a tundra, the T7 Shield is durable and capable.
You can purchase the T7 Shield in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities.
Rugged Alternative: SanDisk Extreme
The SanDisk Extreme is another exceptionally rugged option for high-heat environments. It features an impact-resistant case and a large heat sink to keep it cooler and running for extended write sessions. This will likely be a better choice in very hot areas and if you’re looking to increase the amount of time before footage is overwritten.
You can purchase the SanDisk Extreme in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities.
High-Endurance: Crucial X9
The Crucial X9 packs high-endurance in a more compact package. While it isn’t as rugged or as survivable as the two options above, it will likely last longer in a temperate climate over the years due to its write endurance.
You can purchase the Crucial X9 in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
OEM Replacement: Samsung BAR Plus
For those who prefer to adhere strictly to Tesla’s factory-recommended form factor but simply require a replacement or higher capacity, the Samsung BAR Plus is the same drive Tesla includes in new cars, just without the little Tesla logo on it.
You can purchase the Samsung BAR Plus drive in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions.
Cheaper Alternative: Micro-SD
If budget is paramount, especially with today’s surging memory prices, utilizing a high-endurance Micro-SD card with a low-profile adapter is another fantastic alternative. Unlike standard consumer flash media, specialized "High Endurance" Micro-SD cards are designed for continuous-loop recording in security systems and dashcams.
You can find our recommended low-profile USB-MicroSD adapter here, and our recommended SD card in 1TB here.
Space-Saver: Sabrent Rocket Nano
The Sabrent Rocket Nano lives up to its moniker, delivering full solid-state performance inside an enclosure barely larger than a standard key fob. If you need every last cubic inch of space in your glovebox, this is your go-to option. Despite its size, it offers sizable storage.
You can purchase the Sabrent Rocket Nano in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
USB Extension Cable
If you decide to go with a USB drive instead of an SSD, do yourself a favor and purchase one of these extension cables as well. They’re cheap and make removing and plugging in your USB drive much easier.
Since any Tesla in recent years requires you to plug the USB drive into the glovebox, it’s often difficult to reach and see the USB port. We recommend the 6” version of this extension cable.
More Than Just Dashcam / Sentry Mode
Take full advantage of your larger USB drive. Tesla allows you to add music to your USB drive for local playback, as well as other features such as custom lock sounds and custom vehicle wraps.
