How to Turn Your Old Smartphone into a Budget-Friendly Smart Dash Cam

Dash cams are gaining popularity for recording road trips, capturing scenic routes, and providing crucial footage in case of accidents or insurance disputes. However, buying a dedicated dash cam can be expensive. Fortunately, you can repurpose an old smartphone into a fully functional dash cam with minimal cost and effort. Here’s how to do it.

Steps to Convert Your Smartphone into a Dash Cam

1. Download a Dash Cam App

Choose a reliable dash cam app like Droid Dashcam or AutoBoy Dash Cam that offers features such as:

• Timestamp and GPS tracking
• Loop recording to manage storage efficiently
• Vehicle speed tracking
• Automatic recording when driving begins

Many apps allow background recording, so you can still take calls or use other phone functions.

2. Get a Sturdy Phone Mount

A stable mount is essential for clear, steady recordings. Look for a mount that:

• Provides adjustable angles for the best road view
• Fits your car’s dashboard or windshield securely
• Is compatible with your phone size

Affordable options are available online or at local stores.

3. Use a Charging Cable

Continuous recording can drain your phone’s battery quickly. A long, durable charging cable will:

• Provide consistent power
• Support fast charging
• Keep the setup clutter-free

4. Set Up the Dash Cam in Your Car

Once you have the app and mount ready:

1. Attach the mount to your dashboard or windshield.
2. Secure your phone in the mount.
3. Plug in the charging cable.
4. Open the dash cam app and configure the settings (e.g., resolution, loop duration).

Your DIY dash cam is now ready to go!

Essential Items You’ll Need

• An old smartphone (or your current one, if feasible)
• A dash cam app (such as Droid Dashcam or AutoBoy Dash Cam)
• A secure phone mount
• A charging cable to prevent battery drain

Bonus Tips to Improve Your Dash Cam Setup

Use a MicroSD Card: If your phone has expandable storage, a high-capacity SD card can help prevent space issues.
Add a Polarized Filter: A clip-on filter can reduce glare from the windshield, improving video quality.
Keep the Lens Clean: Regularly wipe your phone’s camera lens for clearer footage.
Protect Against Heat: Cars can get extremely hot; use a heat-resistant case or remove the phone when not in use.

Pros and Cons of Using a Phone as a Dash Cam

Pros:
✔ Cost-effective way to repurpose an old device
✔ Apps offer advanced features like GPS tracking and cloud backups
✔ Instant access to recordings for playback and sharing

Cons:
✘ A visible phone may attract theft
✘ Bulkier compared to dedicated dash cams
✘ Older phone models may have lower video quality or lack night vision

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it legal to use a phone as a dash cam?
Yes, in most places, as long as the phone is securely mounted and not manually operated while driving. Check local laws for specific regulations.

2. Are dash cam apps free?
Many apps have free versions, but premium upgrades may include ad-free usage, higher video resolution, and cloud storage.

3. Do I need a SIM card for my phone to work as a dash cam?
No, a SIM card is not required. Videos can be saved locally or uploaded to the cloud when connected to Wi-Fi.

Final Thoughts

Converting an old smartphone into a dash cam is an affordable and practical solution for recording your drives. While it may not have the sleek design or specialized features of dedicated dash cams, it provides a reliable and cost-effective alternative. Ensure your phone is up to the task, especially for night driving, and enjoy added security and peace of mind on the road.

So, whether you’re embarking on a scenic journey or just want an extra layer of protection while driving, repurpose your old phone into a functional dash cam—it’s easier and cheaper than you think!