Storage
How to Save and Back Up Dash Cam Footage
Because footage overwrites itself, saving an important clip is something you have to do on purpose and soon. Here is a reliable routine.
Lock it in the moment
Right after an incident, press the save or lock button so the camera protects that segment from being overwritten. Many cameras do this automatically on impact.
Copy it off the card
As soon as you can, transfer the clip to your phone over Wi-Fi or to a computer via the card. The card should never be the only copy of something important.
Keep a second copy
Store a backup in cloud storage or another drive. Two copies in two places means a lost or corrupted card does not cost you the footage.
Two ways to get the file off the card
You can pull footage over Wi-Fi to your phone (see How to View Dash Cam Footage on Your Phone) or move it to a computer with a card reader (see How to Transfer Dash Cam Video to a Computer).
Frequently asked questions
How quickly should I save an important clip?
As soon as practical — locking the clip on the camera protects it from the loop immediately, but copying it off the card should happen the same day if possible.
Is one backup copy enough?
It is better than none, but two copies in two places (for example, the card plus a phone or cloud copy) protects you if one storage location fails or is lost.