How to remove dash cam mount from windshield: Safe & Easy Guide

If you are wondering how to remove dash cam mount from windshield without causing damage, you are in the right place. Removing your dash cam mount is all about knowing which type you have in your car. Some mounts use a suction cup, some use an adhesive pad, and others use a static film to stick to your glass.

Before you start, it is important to know exactly what type of mount your dash cam uses. You need to look at how your camera connects to your windshield.

• You might have a suction cup base. This type relies on a rubber pad and a vacuum seal to stay on your car's glass. You will usually see a small lever or a pull tab on the base to release the vacuum pressure.
• You might have an adhesive pad mount. This style uses a strong foam tape to stick permanently to your auto glass. You will see a thick layer of foam tape between the plastic base and your window.
• You might have a static cling film mount. This setup utilizes a clear plastic sheet that sticks to the glass through static electricity. You attach the sticky base to this clear film instead of the glass.
• You might have a slide-in camera on a base. The main plastic bracket stays glued to the window while the actual camera detaches. You need to slide the camera off the bracket before you remove the glued base.
• If you feel unsure, you can perform a micro-checklist to find out. Look for a lever or tab first. Search for a see-through film on the glass. Check for a foam tape edge around the base of your device.

To safely learn how to remove dash cam mount from windshield, you want to gather the right tools before you start.

• You need dental floss or a plastic card for separation. These soft items cut through the tough foam tape without leaving scratches on your auto glass. You can also use a thick fishing line if you lack dental floss.
• You need a hair dryer or a heat gun to soften the glue. Heat makes the tight bond weak and pliable. You must keep the heat source in motion to prevent a cracked window from sudden temperature changes.
• You need an adhesive remover to clean the glass. You can use products like Goo Gone or standard rubbing alcohol. These liquids dissolve the leftover glue residue without damage to your interior dashboard.
• You need a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the area clean. This cloth absorbs the liquid cleaner and picks up the loose dirt. You will leave the glass spotless and ready for your next dash cam installation.

Removing a suction cup dash cam mount is usually very simple. When you have this type of base, you do not need much force or effort.

You must locate the small lever on the base of your mount. Pull this lever up or push it down to break the main vacuum seal. Some mounts feature a small rubber tab instead of a lever. You must pull this tab to let air under the rubber cup. You will hear a small pop when the air enters.

You can now pull the base away from the glass. You must pull with a gentle force. Do not yank the device hard. If the rubber feels stuck, you can wiggle it side to side. The rubber might feel stiff in cold weather. You can turn on your car heater to warm the rubber first.

You might see a round smudge on your window after you detach the device. You should use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe the spot. Wipe the area until the glass looks perfectly clear. You highlight that suction mounts detach with minimal effort. You can now store your Redtiger camera safely.

When you have an adhesive dash cam mount, it can be tricky to take off because the sticky foam tape holds on tightly to your glass.

You must use a hair dryer to soften the glue for easier removal. Turn the dryer to a medium heat setting. Point the warm air at the outside of the glass right behind the mount. Move the dryer back and forth for a full minute. The heat transfers through the glass to melt the glue bond.

You need to slide dental floss or a plastic tool behind the mount. Move the floss in a back-and-forth motion like a saw. You will slice through the thick foam tape. You must keep the floss tight as you pull it downward. A plastic card works well to pry the edges gently.

You must apply steady pressure to pull the base away from the glass. You must avoid a sudden force to prevent glass damage. Wiggle the base left and right to stretch the remaining glue. If the base feels too tight, you must apply more heat with your dryer. Never use a metal tool to pry it.

You will see sticky residue on your car window. You need to use an adhesive remover or alcohol to clean the leftover glue. Spray the liquid onto a cloth first. Press the cloth against the glue to soak it. Rub the area until the glass feels perfectly smooth.

You don't want any sticky glue or marks on your windshield after you take off your dash cam mount. Taking off the mount is just as important as cleaning up the last bits of glue or marks.

You should put regular rubbing alcohol on your soft cloth. You need to rub the sticky spots in small areas. The light glue marks come off quickly with the alcohol. To get the dirt off the glass, you have to rub it in a circle.

You might find spots of glue that are very hard. For these tough stains, you should use a chemical remover that is made just for them. You need to try the chemical in a small area first. Put on the liquid and let it sit for two minutes. Use your cloth to wipe away the melted glue.

You will notice an oily haze left behind by the chemical removers. You must spray a standard glass cleaner on the window to fix this. Wipe the area until the glass sparkles. You must use extra caution on aftermarket window tint and defroster lines. 

If you want a more detailed step-by-step guide on safely removing dash cam mounts and stickers without damaging your windshield, you can read this guide: How to Take Off Dash Cam Sticker

Your dash cam might come with a static sticker mount. This method doesn't leave any sticky mess on your glass, as you can see.

You need to find the edge of the clear film on your glass. Use your fingernail to lift this little edge. You need to slowly pull the film back. The whole sheet will come off the glass easily. There won't be any sticky mess on your window.

Yes, you can use this static film again later. If you still have the protective covers, you need to keep them. You should keep the film clean and dust-free. Use plain water to wash it and then let it dry in the air.

Sometimes, you might run into problems while working on your dash cam mount.

• If it will not budge, you need more gentle heat and the floss method. Apply warm air for another minute to soften the hard bond. Slice through the foam tape with your string.
• If the adhesive smears everywhere, you must let the solvent dwell longer. You should wipe the area softly and not grind the dirt into the glass. Let the chemical do the hard work for you.
• If you worry about scratches, you must stop immediately and switch to plastic tools only. Metal blades will ruin your auto glass forever. Plastic cards provide the safest leverage for your car.
• If the base stayed but the camera slides off, you must check the latch direction. Slide the camera back onto the rail first. Focus your efforts on the glued base against the glass.

You have finished the removal process. Since you know how to remove the dash cam mount from the windshield, you are ready to install your Redtiger camera again.

• You must clean the surface thoroughly before you reinstall the device. Use a glass cleaner to strip away all the oil and dust. A perfectly clean window guarantees a strong bond for your new tape.
• You must choose the correct placement behind your rearview mirror. This spot keeps the device out of your direct line of sight. You will capture the best road view from this high center angle.
• You must allow the new adhesive to cure properly. Press the base firmly against the glass for sixty seconds. Wait a full day before you attach the heavy camera to the bracket.
• You should consider removable options if you frequently switch vehicles. Buy a suction cup base or use static films for your Redtiger. These options save you time and effort down the road.

You now understand the step-by-step process for taking off your dash cam mount in a safe and easy way. By following these instructions, you protect your windshield and window tint and avoid any sticky mess left behind. These simple actions mean you can reinstall your Redtiger dash cam whenever you want and you will always feel confident about caring for your car.