When activated, Sentry Mode ensures that your vehicle's cameras and sensors are kept on and prepared to capture any suspicious activities occurring in the vicinity. If a possible threat is detected, the car will flash its headlights, trigger the alarm, and show a warning message on the touchscreen, clearly indicating to potential intruders that they are under surveillance.

Additionally, Sentry Mode sends an alert through your Tesla mobile app and records the incident onto a USB drive if one is connected. This means you'll receive immediate notification if someone attempts to interfere with your vehicle, and you'll have crucial evidence to provide to law enforcement.

With at least nine states reporting incidents of arson, gunfire, and vandalism against Tesla vehicles and properties since January 2025, leveraging this powerful security feature has become increasingly essential. Although Sentry Mode cannot defend against every conceivable threat, it serves as an important tool in combating domestic terrorism and vandalism.

How can you turn on Sentry Mode in your Tesla?
It's straightforward—simply access the car's touchscreen, the Tesla app, or use a voice command to activate the feature. Just ensure your vehicle is parked, locked, and has a minimum of 20% battery charge.

Tesla owners can now enable a security feature known as "Sentry Mode," which helps deter or counter threats amidst a surge of vandalism aimed at the electric car manufacturer. When activated, Sentry Mode keeps the cameras and sensors active and ready to document suspicious happenings in the area. If a threat is recognized, the vehicle will flash its headlights, set off the alarm, and show a message on the touchscreen indicating that recording may be in progress.

The system also informs the owner via the Tesla mobile app and stores footage of the occurrence on a USB drive, if one is plugged into the vehicle. This sophisticated security feature has gained attention after nationwide incidents targeting Tesla electric vehicles, dealerships, storage facilities, and charging stations in protests against Elon Musk's leadership.

Since January 2025, Teslas have faced targeting in at least nine states, with events involving arson, gunfire, and vandalism, including graffiti expressing grievances against perceived racists, fascists, or political rivals. Three individuals have been charged federally for using Molotov cocktails in attacks on Tesla properties, facing penalties of a minimum five years and up to twenty years in prison.

To enable Sentry Mode, owners can navigate to the control panel and safety subsection on the car's touchscreen, or utilize the Tesla app or the voice command “Keep Tesla Safe.” The vehicle must be parked and locked, with battery life exceeding 20% to remain operational. While Sentry Mode can help in deterring certain threats, Tesla advises that it should not be solely depended upon for complete security, as no system can safeguard against all possible attacks.