Parked-Camera Security Mode
A parked-camera security mode keeps selected vehicle cameras or sensors active while the car is parked so it can detect, record, or report activity. Sentry Mode is Tesla's trademarked implementation of this broader feature category, not a generic name for every manufacturer's system.
How it works
Depending on the vehicle, the system can react to motion, proximity, an impact, an alarm trigger, or attempted entry. It may save clips locally, notify a companion app, flash lights, sound an alarm, or provide an encrypted live view. Available cameras, triggers, recording duration, storage, connectivity requirements, and remote access vary.
Limits and trade-offs
The feature does not guarantee that an incident will be detected or that useful footage will be captured. Camera coverage, darkness, dirt, blocked views, full storage, low-power modes, and network loss can affect it. Keeping cameras and computers awake also consumes energy while parked.
Owners must follow local privacy, surveillance, and property rules. Tesla's manual, for example, warns that equipment and behavior vary by region and configuration and that Sentry Mode cannot prevent every threat. Tesla Owner's Manual: Sentry Mode
Learn more
See Vehicle surveillance systems for parked monitoring, alarms, privacy, energy use, and ownership considerations.