Tesla is moving forward with a software update designed to address a long-standing Dashcam limitation reported by many vehicle owners. The current Dashcam system has been capped at storing only 60 minutes of footage before overwriting older files, regardless of the capacity of the connected USB drive. As dashcam use increasingly factors into the driving experience and even legal matters following incidents, the demand for more flexible and extensive recording options has grown. With the system update, Tesla owners will be able to retain substantially more footage — a change expected to provide users with greater peace of mind and improved incident documentation. The adjustment comes following user input and is initially launching in China, with international rollout anticipated in the coming weeks.
Earlier reports concerning Tesla’s Dashcam function highlighted persistent user complaints over limited retention times and lack of flexibility, even when large-capacity drives were installed. Such limitations sometimes resulted in critical footage being lost, especially after extended journeys or unexpected events. Available information from community forums and previous minor updates had suggested incremental improvement, but none matched the extent of the upcoming dynamic duration, which determines recording capacity based on available storage up to 24 hours for large drives. Owners and tech observers alike had speculated about potential software solutions, underscoring a clear demand for more control over saved footage.
How Does Tesla’s Dashcam Update Work?
The software update modifies the Dashcam feature so that recording capacity is dynamically adjusted according to the size of the connected USB drive. For example, a 128GB USB device will now store up to three hours of footage, while a larger 1TB drive can retain up to 24 hours. Tesla clarified,
The dashcam dynamically adjusts the recording duration based on the available storage capacity of the connected USB drive.
This represents a notable upgrade from the fixed hour-long limit, enhancing flexibility for a wide variety of use cases.
When Will the Feature Be Available to U.S. Owners?
The new feature is currently in the rollout phase for Tesla employees in China, as indicated by the latest Release Notes. Expansion to other markets, including the United States, is anticipated within the upcoming weeks or months. Some owners have already expressed anticipation for the update’s arrival, highlighting the expected ease of use.
This ensures that as much video as possible is retained for review before it gets overwritten.
What Should Users Know About Storage Requirements?
While the updated Dashcam feature allows for longer video retention, the actual length of footage depends on the remaining free space on the USB drive. If users store other files on the same drive, this reduces the available space for Dashcam video and can shorten retention time. Tesla encourages customers to use exclusive, high-capacity drives — such as the Tesla Shop’s 1TB SSD — for optimal results.
The decision to revise Dashcam recording limits stems from sustained customer feedback. Allowing increased retention based on user-supplied hardware offers greater flexibility without requiring costly changes to the vehicles themselves. This approach may also set expectations for other automakers who provide built-in driving recorders. Owners who use Tesla’s Full Self-Driving function or those who frequently drive in high-traffic or risky areas could particularly benefit from greater access to extended video archives. As with all software-based improvements, feedback from early adopters and the broader Tesla community will likely inform future adjustments.
