How to Adjust and View a Dash Cam?

[DeElijah]

To adjust a dash cam, first insert the memory card while the device is powered off, as most dash cams require one. Then, press and hold the power button to turn on the dash cam. When the vehicle starts, the dash cam will automatically begin recording. Finally, locate the "Settings" option and confirm to proceed with adjustments. Below is an introduction to dash cam settings: 1. The main settings that require adjustment on a dash cam include: resolution, loop recording, parking monitoring, screen auto-off, video audio recording, and emergency recording sensitivity. These are just guidelines; specific adjustments should be made according to individual needs. 2. Resolution: Options include 720P, 1080P, 1200P, etc. Higher resolution provides clearer footage but also consumes more memory. For long-distance travel, it is recommended to lower the resolution to extend recording duration. For short trips in urban areas where more detail is desired, higher resolution is advised. 3. Loop recording: Options include off, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes. When set to off, the dash cam will stop recording once the memory card is full. When other options are selected, the dash cam will automatically overwrite the oldest footage when the memory card is full, enabling continuous recording. The 3-minute, 5-minute, and 10-minute settings refer to the duration of each video segment; 2-3 minutes is recommended.

[StAubree]

The way to check the footage on my car's dash cam is quite simple. First, you need to know if it has a screen. My older model has a small screen—just press the button on the device twice while parked to access the menu, then use the directional keys to select the recording date for playback. However, the newer dash cam I recently bought doesn’t have a screen, but it’s more convenient to connect via smartphone. Download the manufacturer’s dedicated app from the app store (I use one called '70mai' for my dash cam), then turn on your phone’s Wi-Fi to connect to the dash cam’s hotspot. Remember to start the car before connecting, or the power might cut off. Once connected, the app will automatically recognize the device. To view recordings, just tap the playback interface—you can even download important clips to your phone’s gallery. You can also use a card reader with a computer, but removing the card often risks damaging the slot, so using the phone is much easier.

[BrynleeAnn]

When I first got my new car, I studied the dashcam operation and found that they are mostly similar. Checking via smartphone is the most convenient, just remember to charge it beforehand. Locate the WiFi name and default password in the manual or on the bottom of the device—mine reset to 12345678 last time. Connect to this hotspot in your phone settings, which will temporarily disconnect you from the internet, but that's fine. Open the app and tap 'Live Preview' to see the current recording. In the playback interface, you can swipe the timeline to select clips. During traffic disputes, I often use the 1x/2x/4x playback speed to pinpoint crucial moments. When the memory card is full, the system automatically overwrites old files, so important footage should be exported to your phone's favorites immediately. Regularly format the card to prevent lag—older videos tend to be blurry and can cause more harm than good when reviewed.

[NovaAnn]

A friend taught me how to view videos using a dashcam, mainly through three methods. For models with a screen, simply click the menu button on the device to playback; for touchscreen models, just swipe the timeline. Using a smartphone is more mainstream—download the app and connect to the device's WiFi hotspot (note that you can't browse the internet simultaneously). I often use the fast-forward feature in the phone app to check accident scenes and save important clips to my phone using the editing function. To save battery, you can remove the memory card and use a card reader with a computer, but remember to long-press the power button to safely eject the card and avoid data loss. Older cards are prone to read failures; for corrupted videos, try using repair software. If all else fails, consider replacing it with a high-speed card.

[VonKatherine]

Last time I helped a neighbor find evidence of a scratch by checking the dash cam, I noticed significant operational differences between brands. Basic models rely on buttons on the device to switch recording modes, while modern versions mostly require pairing with a smartphone. After installing the corresponding brand's app, turn on the phone's WiFi to search for the dash cam's hotspot, with the initial password usually being the numbers on the device's label. Once connected, tap the playback icon—emergency videos locked due to vehicle vibrations are categorized separately, while regular videos are arranged by date. When focusing on parking surveillance footage, remember to select the correct trigger time period, as some dash cams can only save videos when powered. After checking, immediately close the app in the background to save power, and avoid letting the phone and dash cam continue to drain battery.