Installation
How to Install a Dash Cam Yourself
Installing a basic dash cam is a job most drivers can do in under an hour. The goal is a secure mount, a clean cable run, and a view that is not obstructed.
Mount it first
Clean the windshield, then mount the camera high and near the rear-view mirror where it stays out of your sightline but keeps a clear forward view. Level the horizon before the adhesive sets.
Route the cable
Tuck the power cable into the headliner and down the A-pillar, then along the trim to the power source. A plastic trim tool helps push the cable in without scratching anything.
Power and test
Plug into the 12V socket for a simple setup, start the car, and confirm the camera records and the view is centered. Adjust the angle before you finish routing.
Beyond the basic install
This covers a simple 12V-socket setup. If you want the camera to record while parked, or you want the power cable fully invisible, see Hardwiring a Dash Cam and How to Hide Dash Cam Wires.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any special tools to install a dash cam?
For a basic 12V-socket install, no — a plastic trim tool for tucking the cable is helpful but optional. Hardwiring is the setup that needs a fuse tap and a bit more care.
How long does a basic install take?
Most drivers finish a simple mount-and-plug install in 20 to 40 minutes, including routing the cable and checking the camera angle.