How to Power a Dash Cam: 4 Easy Ways to Keep Your Camera Running

When you want to know how to power a dash cam, you want an answer that is simple and easy to use. A dash cam helps you keep safe on the road, but only if you know your camera has power at all times. If you pick the right power method, your dash cam keeps watch while you drive or when your car is parked. If you use a Redtiger dash cam, you get many useful options for your needs.

You can power your dash cam via the cigarette lighter, OBD-II port, hardwiring kit, or a dedicated dash cam battery pack.

Each method offers different advantages in terms of installation, appearance, and parking mode support — here's how each option works.

One of the most common choices for how to power a dash cam is your car's cigarette lighter or 12V socket. If you want something quick, this is a good option. You just put your dash cam's adapter into the socket and the power goes straight to your camera. You do not need any special tools or skills.

If you want a cleaner install, you might think about how to power a dash cam by connecting it to your car's fuse box. You hide the wires so your car looks neat. This choice also lets your dash cam keep working, even with the car off, if your dash cam supports parking recording.

You might have seen an OBD-II port under your dash. Many cars made after 1996 have one. You can pick this method for how to power a dash cam if you want power all the time, but without a lot of work. You just connect a special power cable to the port.

Some people worry about their car battery running low. You can use a battery pack just for your dash cam, so you never touch your car's battery. Battery packs let your dash cam work for a long time, even when parked. Some dash cams use capacitors inside instead of small batteries. Capacitors hold a quick charge for short power loss events, and work well in hot weather.

If you drive an electric or hybrid car, powering your dash cam is a little different because the power systems are not the same as regular cars.

If you use parking mode on your EV or hybrid and your dash cam draws power for hours, your car battery might run out. The 12V battery in these cars is usually smaller. Long recording time while parked puts more load on the system.

Hardwiring your dash cam by tapping into your fuse box may be harder with some EVs or hybrids. Sometimes you cannot find a good fuse, or the wires you need are hard to get to. You also want to protect your car's special electronics.

If you do not want to take risks with the fuse box in your EV or hybrid, the OBD-II port gives you a simpler way to connect a dash cam with constant power. Just plug in a power cable for your dash cam, and you do not have to mess with your car's main wiring.

Battery packs give you peace of mind if you park your EV or hybrid for a long time. You power your dash cam all day or night without using the main car battery at all. This is the best pick for many drivers who want to keep their battery strong and still use parking mode on their dash cam.

You know how many choices there are for powering your dash cam.

Some power options for dash cams are easier to install than others. The 12V adapter is simple because you only need to plug it in. You do not need tools. The OBD-II port power cable is also quick. Hardwiring, though, needs more work, so you might want to ask a professional.

If you want the power set up to look neat and always work, you can try hardwiring the dash cam. You hide the wires, so your car looks tidy. The wires out of sight also mean less mess. If you want a similar look with less work, using the OBD-II port keeps wires hidden too. The 12V adapter works but leaves a cable showing.

Do you want your dash cam to watch over your car while you park? Then you want a power choice that delivers constant power even when your car is off. Hardwiring or OBD-II power both allow this mode. The 12V socket might not work for parking mode unless it has constant power.

12V adapters work in just about every car. OBD-II ports have been in most cars for the last 20 years. Hardwiring will work in most cars, but you should check if your car's warranty could be at risk if you tap into the fuse box.

You usually get a 12V adapter with your dash cam, so this is the cheapest path. Hardwire kits and OBD-II cables cost a bit more but give more features. If you want a battery pack for long parking mode, you spend the most, but you get the most flexibility for your camera.

When you pick the right power source, you want a setup that keeps your camera working and does not make things complicated. This guide helps you know what you will need and what to do at each step.

To use your 12V socket, you just need to do a few easy steps.

• Plug in the Adapter: Use your Redtiger dash cam power adapter. Put it into your car’s 12V or cigarette lighter socket. If the adapter light turns on, that means it is ready to give your dash cam power.
• Connect the Cable: Next, put the other end of the cable into your dash cam. Your camera will power on as soon as you start your car or turn the key, so it is ready to record.
• Route the Cable: Run the wire along the top edge of your car’s window and tuck it down the side. Hide the wire so it will not get in your way while you drive, and so it looks neat.

Hardwiring isn't as hard as it sounds, but you get the best results if you take your time.

• Locate the Fuse Box: Look for your car's fuse box under the dash or in the engine bay. Use your manual to find it. You need a Redtiger hardwire kit for this method.
• Identify the Fuses: Find two types of fuses. One should have power all the time (constant). Another only gets power when the car is on (ACC). Use a simple test tool to check which is which.
• Connect the Wires: Connect the wires from your kit to the right fuses with a fuse tap. The black wire hooks onto any bare metal bolt for a good ground. This step gives your camera the right kind of power.
• Run the Power Cable: Push the cable behind the car trim up to your dash cam. You get a tidy result, and the cable stays safe and out of the way.

This method is simple and does not need any tools.

• Find the OBD-II Port: Your car's OBD-II port sits under the steering wheel, close to your knees. Look for a small rectangular plug. Check your car’s manual to see the spot.
• Plug in the Cable: Fit the OBD-II power cable into the port. You do not need to force it. If it goes in, it is working. This way, your camera can record anytime you like.
• Route to the Dash Cam: Hide the cable by placing it along the dashboard edge and up the side pillar. This gives your car a neat look, and the cable does not get in your way.

For more wire-hiding techniques, read our guide on how to hide dash cam wires.

A battery pack can power your dash cam for hours with your car turned off.

• Charge the Battery Pack: Before you put it in, charge your battery pack at home with a wall plug. When all lights are on, your battery pack is full and ready.
• Find a Secure Location: Put your battery pack under your seat or in the glove box so it does not move while you drive. Pick a spot with some air space.
• Connect the Wires: To charge your pack, plug it into your 12V socket. Next, plug your dash cam into the battery pack. This keeps your camera running for a long time.

You want your dash cam to work without trouble, so you should follow a few rules to stay safe and keep your car safe too.

• Disconnect the Battery: Always remove the negative terminal from the car battery before you start hardwiring. This stops any electricity that might hurt you or the car.
• Use a Circuit Tester: Use a simple test light or tester to figure out which fuses have power with the car off and with the car on, so you make the right connections.
• Route Cables Away from Airbags: Keep your dash cam cables away from where airbags sit in your car. This stops wires from blocking airbags if you ever need them.
• Properly Ground the Connection: If you hardwire, the ground wire must touch bare metal. This gives your dash cam a good connection and better power.

You have learned the easy ways for how to power a dash cam. There is the quick route with the 12V socket, the clean and reliable setup with a hardwire kit or OBD-II cable, and extra long power with a battery pack. The option you pick depends on you, your car, and the way you want your camera to record. No matter the choice you make, your Redtiger dash cam will work when you need it most and help keep you safe each day.