Dash Cam Troubleshooting Guide: Solve Your Camera Issues Today

Your dash cam helps you while you drive. It gives you peace of mind and can catch those moments that nobody expects. But if your camera stops working or is not acting right, you may feel stuck. Many drivers have these problems, but you do not need to worry.

This dash cam troubleshooting guide will walk you through all the steps you need. You can fix the most common issues, from when your dash cam will not power on to when it will not record. With this complete dash cam troubleshooting guide, you can get your camera working again and keep your drives safe.

Your dash cam is supposed to power up when you start the car. But if it stays off, it is easy to feel frustrated. Many drivers face this problem. It might be a simple fix that you can do yourself. The next few points show you the main things to check if your dash cam will not turn on.

A working power outlet in your car is needed for your dash cam. If your camera will not turn on, try plugging another device into the same car outlet like a phone. If your phone charges, then the outlet works. If not, you will know where your problem starts.

A fuse protects the power outlet in your car. If the outlet stops working, you might need to look at the fuse box. Find out which fuse goes to your power outlet by checking your car's manual. Look at the fuse and if it looks broken or burnt, you need to swap it for a new one.

Your dash cam uses a power adapter to plug into the outlet. These small parts can sometimes stop working. Try to use a different adapter that you know works. If your dash cam starts this way, then your old adapter is the issue.

Sometimes, the cable you use to power your dash cam is damaged. Cables can be bent, stretched or unplugged too much. Swap your cable for another one and see if your dash cam powers on. A new cable is a simple swap and fixes many power problems. For more tips on related startup issues, check out our blog on why your dash cam struggles to turn on when cold.

Your dash cam turns on, but it does not record anything to the memory card. This can be very confusing for you. Often the cause is easy to solve. These next points help you figure out why your dash cam does not record. If you are stuck, you can also read the full guide on dash cam not recording.

You need a memory card for your dash cam to save videos. Sometimes you might forget to put it in or it may not be in all the way. Take the card out and put it back in, making sure it clicks in place. Many times, this step will get your dash cam recording again.

Your dash cam records over old videos to keep making space. If loop recording is off, your card fills up and the dash cam stops recording. Go into your camera menu and turn loop recording on if it is off. This lets your dash cam always have room for new video.

Your dash cam has a G-sensor to lock video files if it senses a bump. If the sensor is too sensitive, it can lock too many files. This fills your card, leaving no space for new recordings. Lower the sensitivity in your dash cam menu. This helps keep your memory card from filling up with locked files.

Some memory cards can get problems that stop them from saving new videos. Try formatting your memory card inside the dash cam. This wipes everything, so save any files you want to your computer first. After you format, check if your camera records video again.

Your dash cam powers on and works for a while, but it starts getting unusually hot, shuts down, or displays a temperature warning. Overheating can be concerning, but often the cause is simple and fixable. The steps below help you identify why your dash cam is overheating. For a more detailed guide, you can also read the full article on dash cam overheating.

Dash cams installed in direct sunlight or on poorly ventilated windshields can overheat faster. Make sure your camera is mounted where it gets some shade, or use a heat-resistant adhesive mount if needed.

Recording long videos at the highest resolution for extended periods can generate extra heat. Try reducing the video resolution or enabling automatic recording intervals to give your dash cam brief cool-down periods.

If you leave your car parked under direct sun, the internal temperature can rise quickly, causing the dash cam to overheat. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or use a windshield sunshade to lower cabin temperature.

Outdated firmware or unstable power from your vehicle can make your dash cam work harder, producing more heat. Check for firmware updates and ensure you are using a stable power source recommended by the manufacturer.

When there are problems with your memory card, your dash cam cannot save anything for you. This makes your camera feel useless. You need a memory card that works every time you drive. The tips below cover the most common storage problems that happen with dash cams.

If you want your memory card to last longer and avoid problems, you should format it often. Formatting gives your SD card a fresh start. Your Redtiger dash cam menu has a format option. Try to do this at least once a month so you keep your card working well.

Your dash cam writes on its SD card all the time. Most regular memory cards are not made for this. A high-endurance card is made for long, heavy use. Look in your dash cam manual to find which card type is right for your device. Choosing the right memory card protects your recorded videos.

Your dash cam may say "card error" if something is wrong with your card. You can try to fix it by wiping the card clean with your computer. If that does not work, you may need to get a new card for your dash cam.

All memory cards have a life limit. If you have used a card for a long time, it could be close to wearing out. You can check to see if your memory card is near the end of its life. Find out more about how to check SD card lifespan if you think this may be your problem.

Many dash cams today let you use Wi-Fi so you can connect your phone and view your videos. Redtiger dash cams are very good with this feature. If you cannot get your phone to connect, some easy steps can help you solve this. The advice here can help you get your dash cam's Wi-Fi working again.

Your dash cam must have its Wi-Fi turned on before you can connect your phone. There is a button or menu option on the camera that does this. Look for a Wi-Fi symbol on your dash cam screen. If you see it, your dash cam is sending its signal.

Dash cams make their own Wi-Fi network. Use your phone to look at the list of Wi-Fi networks. Pick the one that matches your dash cam's name. Disconnect from any other network if your phone was connected before, then pick your dash cam's network.

The Wi-Fi from your dash cam does not reach very far. If you are too far away, your phone may not stay connected. Bring your phone closer until you see a strong signal from your dash cam. When you are close, your phone and dash cam can "talk" without problems.

Sometimes, your app or camera needs the newest software. Open your phone's app store and look for updates to your dash cam's app. Check Redtiger's website to find any new firmware for your camera model. Keeping things updated can solve lots of Wi-Fi issues.
If you still can't get your Wi-Fi to work after these steps, don't worry — we've covered more in-depth fixes in this article:

Dash Cam Not Connecting to Wi-Fi? Quick Fixes You Need to Know

If you have tried the basic fixes and your dash cam still does things it should not, a reset may fix the problem. Resetting can clear up a frozen screen or other strange issues by bringing your dash cam back to normal settings. There are two types of resets for your camera.

A soft reset is like turning a gadget off and then on again. You keep your files and settings. Look for a tiny reset button, sometimes in a hole. Use a paperclip to give it a press. This can fix a dash cam that stops responding.

A factory reset wipes out all your settings and gives your dash cam a "fresh start". Only do this if nothing else works. Read about how to reset a dash cam before you start, so you do not lose videos you want to keep.

Your dash cam runs on special software called firmware. Updates for firmware can fix bugs and add new features. Keeping your firmware up to date is an easy way to stop problems before they start.

Go to the website of your dash cam's brand like Redtiger. Look for a downloads or support page and find your exact camera model. You can see if there is a new update for your camera's firmware.

If you find new firmware, download it to your computer and "unzip" the file if needed. Find the special file that your dash cam needs—most use a .bin or .fw file type. Follow any simple steps given on the website.

Put the firmware file on your SD card. The file must go at the top level—not inside any folder. This step is easy, just plug the card into your computer and drag the file over.

With the firmware file on your SD card, turn off your dash cam and put in the memory card. Turn the camera on and it will update itself. Wait until it finishes. Once the camera restarts, your firmware update is done.

To see a full step-by-step example and troubleshooting tips, check out our detailed guide here: How to Update Dash Cam Firmware？

It is annoying to set up your dash cam, only for it to fall down from your windshield. When this happens, the camera cannot capture what you need. Your dash cam should stay where you put it. The tips here can help keep your camera safe and steady on your glass.

If your windshield is dirty, no mount will stay stuck for long. Before you place your mount, clean the area well. Wipe off oils and dust with a soft towel and glass cleaner or alcohol. This small step can help your dash cam's mount grip better.

Hot or cold days can change how well a mount sticks. Too much heat softens sticky pads and cold makes them hard to stick. Pick a day that is not too hot or cold to attach the mount, so it works well.

Your dash cam may use either a suction cup or a sticky pad mount. Sticky pads last longer but are permanent. Suction cups let you move your camera around. If your suction cup keeps falling, try using a sticky pad mount instead like the kind you get with your Redtiger dash cam.

Before sticking your mount in place, make sure everything is clean and dry. For a suction cup, moistening the seal just a bit may help. If you use a sticky mount, press it firmly and hold for half a minute. This helps your dash cam stay up.

At Redtiger, we provide dedicated support, extended warranty options, and reliable dash cam solutions to help resolve any issues quickly and effectively.

We offer an 18-month standard warranty, and after you complete the free warranty form, your coverage can be extended by 6 months, giving you up to 24 months of protection.

For even greater peace of mind, you can also purchase an additional one-year extended warranty, bringing your total coverage to as long as 36 months.

Moreover, we promise 24/7 technical support for life. If you have any questions or encounter any issues, feel free to contact us at any time.