Tesla vehicles come equipped with an interior-facing camera, typically positioned above the rearview mirror overlooking the driver’s seat. Referred to as the cabin camera, its intended functionality is primarily driver monitoring – tracking attributes like awareness and attentiveness. Computer vision algorithms can then provide alerts when necessary to promote safe driving.
With the introduction of software update 2023.2, Tesla has enabled owners to directly preview the live feed from their vehicle’s cabin camera. This handy feature allows you to understand exactly what the camera can see before enabling data sharing or driver monitoring functions.
To view the cabin camera feed in your Tesla:
- Make sure your vehicle software is updated to 2023.2 or later.
- On your touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Service > Camera Preview.
- The live camera view will display on the right portion of the screen. In a Model 3 or Y, it occupies the entire right side, providing a cleanly detailed perspective.
- Move around, gesture, etc. to test what cabin camera can visually capture in terms of seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and your positioning. This allows you to better understand its field of view before enabling features like driver monitoring.
Having quick access to the cabin camera feed demystifies what the camera observes. With an accurate preview, you can comfortably adjust settings, positioning, or maintaining cleanliness, knowing exactly how the camera perceives the interior through its gaze.
How to View Interior Camera Footage after an Accident
Your Tesla automatically saves short video clips from the cabin camera if you have the data sharing setting enabled and a qualifying “safety critical event” occurs. Safety critical events typically involve collisions, but can also include suspected break-ins or damage from other drivers.
The cabin camera footage, usually comprising the few seconds before and after the incident, provides valuable visual context. This data is transmitted to Tesla with the intent of continuously improving safety features. Tesla does not associate cabin footage with specific vehicle identification numbers to protect privacy.
To request and retrieve accident footage captured by your Tesla:
- Open the Tesla mobile app and navigate to Upgrades > Contact.
- Describe the safety critical event (date/time/location).
- Specify request for cabin camera clips if available.
- The support representative can then search for and provide the relevant footage, if your vehicle had enabled data sharing at the time.
In the next section we’ll talk about how to enable or disable data sharing based on your personal needs.
How to Enable/Disable Cabin Camera Data Sharing
By default, cabin camera images and footage do not leave your vehicle. To adjust this and enable data sharing:
- On your vehicle’s touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Software > Data Sharing.
- Toggle “Allow Cabin Camera Analytics” to on (enabled) or off (disabled).
- When enabled, this allows short cabin camera video segments to be shared with Tesla if:
- A safety critical event occurs (see above).
- Specific diagnostic checks on the camera’s functionality are required.
Data sharing can be enabled and disabled anytime from your vehicle’s touchscreen per your comfort level and preferences.
Interior Camera Maintenance
Like any camera, keeping the cabin camera lens clean is important for optimal visibility and performance. Refer to our comprehensive guide on how to safely clean Tesla cameras without damaging the sensitive lens surface.
Even small specks of dust or residues can distort the camera’s view and degrade the monitoring accuracy. Occasionally wipe down the interior camera covering using the proper technique and materials.
Closing Remarks
The Tesla cabin camera is an integrated component enabling advanced safety features through driver monitoring. Another useful safety feature is Tesla’s blind spot camera, read our guide on how to get started with it ASAP. Its small profile belies a powerful computer vision capability when combined with AI and neural networks.
Knowing precisely how to access the cabin camera feed eliminates uncertainty over what it can perceive. This allows owners to feel fully informed controlling preferences around data sharing for research purposes.
With a wide intended purview spanning multiple seats and the entire dashboard, keeping the camera lens clean ensures optimal functionality, unhindered by obstructing dust. Handle with care and use within regulatory guidelines, this interior camera unlocks new possibilities for safety.
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