How to Update Dash Cam Firmware?

A dash cam adds another layer of safety and comfort to your drives. It gives you clear video proof if you ever need it and gives you peace of mind each time you get behind the wheel. To keep your dash cam working in the best way possible, you need to update its software. Learning how to update dash cam firmware is much easier than it sounds.

When you use your dash cam each day, you want it to work well every single time. Firmware is the software inside your camera that controls how it works. Updates arrive now and then to make your dash cam better, faster and safer.

Manufacturers offer these updates not only to solve problems, but also to add features, boost reliability and adapt to drivers'needs. With a little attention and about ten minutes, you can update your dash cam. The benefits you get will improve your camera's job in every drive.

When you keep your firmware up to date, your dash cam can work much better. Updates often mean your camera will start quicker, respond to your commands right away and give you smooth videos. These improvements also mean the dash cam can deal with recording for long times without getting hot or slow. If you want each journey to start with a camera that is ready for action, this small update can make a real difference.

A good thing about a dash cam firmware update is the chance you will find new features each time. Many dash cam companies listen to their customers and often add better settings, clearer video or new ways to use your app. When you update, you do not only fix bugs—you get a camera that can do even more without buying a new one for your car.

Maybe you have seen your dash cam "freeze" or shut down without warning. This can be stressful—especially if it happens when you least want it. Many firmware updates stop these problems so your dash cam works all the time. By removing software errors, your camera becomes reliable. Every time you start your car, you know your dash cam is ready to record and protect you.

Every product may have small mistakes or bugs, that sometimes show up after launch. These could cause little things like incorrect menus or, in some cases, larger problems. The main way to solve these is through a dash cam firmware update. When you update your firmware, you help your camera work more smoothly and stop any problem before it grows into a headache.

Before you do a dash cam firmware update, you need to know which firmware version you already have. This tells you if it is time for an update. You do not want to add a version you already have or use the wrong file. Most dash cams let you check this in a couple of places. Manufacturers like Redtiger also make it simple, so anyone can do it.

You can find the firmware version right from your dash cam, usually within its menus. Turn on your dash cam and use the buttons to go to the "settings", "system",  or "about" menu. On the screen, you will spot a number with the label "Firmware Version".  Write down this number—this will help you check if an update is needed on the maker's website or in your companion app.

If you have a dash cam that works with a phone app, for example the Redtiger app, this step gets even easier. Connect your phone to the dash cam's Wi-Fi. Open the app, then go to the section for your device's settings. Here, you will find the current firmware version. Many apps also tell you directly if there is a new update, so you always know if you need to download something.

Getting ready before a dash cam firmware update helps avoid the most common problems. You want your update to go smoothly and safely every time. A few easy checks now can save you trouble later. It is important to match the right update file to your model, have safe power and use a good memory card.

One of your first steps is confirming your current firmware version. Use your dash cam menu or app, as mentioned above. Once you have this version number, compare it to the latest one on the Redtiger website or manual. If your device already runs the newest version, you do not need to update. Checking this first means you spend your time where it counts.

Each dash cam has a specific model name or number. Firmware updates made for one model may not work on another. Take a look at your dash cam's body, user manual or the box it came in for the right model name. For example, Redtiger F17 Elite and Redtiger ViewClear 70 are not the same. Having the exact name at hand lets you pick the right update and steer clear of problems.

Your dash cam needs to stay powered the whole time during a firmware update. If it loses power, the software inside it could get damaged and the dash cam may not work again. Before you start, plug your dash cam into your car charger or hardwire it with the fuse box for steady power from start to finish. This gives you peace of mind.

The microSD card you use should be in great shape and of good quality. Brands that support long use work best. You should format your card inside the dash cam before starting, to clear out old files and get it ready for the update. A correctly prepared card keeps the process smooth.

You now have everything ready. Doing a dash cam firmware update is next. There are two ways you might update your dash cam—by microSD card or with a mobile app. The way you update depends on your model. Redtiger dash cams make both ways simple so you can follow along.

If your dash cam updates need to be done by microSD card, these are the steps you will follow.

1. Go to the manufacturer's website 

• Find the official site for your dash cam (like Redtiger's download center).
• Look for your dash cam's model and download the firmware update file, often a .bin or .zip.

2. Get the file ready

• If your file is a .zip, unzip it.
• Put the firmware file onto the root (main folder) of your newly formatted microSD card.
• Do not put the file inside other folders.

3. Put the microSD card in your dash cam

• Thrown out from your computer safely.
• With your dash cam still off, slide the card in.

4. Start the update

• Turn on your dash cam.
• Your dash cam will see the update file and start on its own.
• The screen might show a loading bar or look blank. Do not unplug or remove the card while this happens.

5. Restart and finish up

• After some minutes, the update will end and the camera will restart.
• When complete, format your microSD card again to clear the update file.

Many newer dash cams such as Redtiger models, offer an update process with an app. If this fits your camera, the steps below describe what you will do.

1. Connect your phone to your dash cam's Wi-Fi

• Open your dash cam's mobile app.
• Make sure your phone is talking directly to your camera.

2. See if an update is available

• The app will often check the firmware version for you.
• If you see a notice for a new update, you will get a message right there.

3. Download the needed update

• Click on download so the firmware update file saves to your phone.

4. Transfer file and start update

• The app will send the file to your dash cam using the Wi-Fi from your phone.
• The update will start; you just wait for it to finish.

5. Keep the power on

• To stop any problems, make sure your dash cam and phone stay powered the whole time.
• When the update is done, your dash cam will download and install the update, then restart by itself.

A firmware update can be very helpful, but it is smart to be careful each time. If your dash cam already works well and does all you need, you might not need to update right now.

Always go to the official manufacturer's website to get firmware update files for your dash cam. With Redtiger dash cams, get your files directly from their support page online. Other places like forums or unofficial pages could give you the wrong file or even unsafe software by accident. Official sites help keep your camera safe and working as it should.

Be sure you have downloaded the firmware meant for your exact dash cam model. The wrong file may not load at all or worse, it could cause your dash cam to stop working completely. Take a minute to look at the file name and your camera model. This small step can prevent much bigger troubles.

While the update is running, do not take out the power, press buttons or pull out the microSD card. Let your dash cam finish the update on its own. Stopping the process early could break the camera software. You may need to wait patiently, but letting it run until the end is the safest approach.

If your dash cam is working the way you want, you can choose not to update right away. Sometimes newer software introduces changes you do not need. Unless an update adds features you want or fixes problems you have right now, you can skip it for the time being.

Updating your dash cam's software is a simple way to get the best performance and features your camera can offer. After you learn how to update dash cam firmware, you can do it quickly each time, without any worries. Updates give you smoother use, new functions and better reliability. Always stick to the steps we shared, check your firmware, use good power and download files from safe sources. By doing these, your Redtiger dash cam or any brand you choose, will keep protecting you on every trip.

Will I lose my saved videos when I update the firmware?

A normal firmware update does not delete your saved videos, but you often need to format your microSD card before updating. That means all files on the card will be erased. Save any videos you want to keep by moving them to your computer first.

Where can I safely download firmware for my dash cam?

For your dash cam, only trust the official website of the brand like Redtiger's own support page. Downloading from the official page makes sure you are getting the right update each time.

What happens if I use the wrong firmware file?

If you try to install firmware made for a different dash cam model, the update might not work and your dash cam could stop working fully. Always check your model and firmware file before starting.

How often should I check for firmware updates?

You do not need to check every day. A good rule is to look for updates every few months or whenever your dash cam starts acting strange or you want new features.

My dash cam will not turn on after a firmware update. What should I do?

If something goes wrong and your dash cam stops turning on, try a hard reset (if your camera has this button). If that doesn't work, contact Redtiger support or the company that made your dash cam. They can give you the next steps to try to recover your dash cam.