Buying one of the best dash cams is all well and good, but you might not want to sink that much money into onedash cam. Even if you opt for a highly-rated budget model, you’re still looking at paying upwards of £50 for a turn-key unit.
Fortunately, there is an alternative if you’re looking to keep your costs to a minimum: use a mobile phone, old or current, as a dash cam. All you’ll need is a suitable phone, an in-car phone mount, and one of myriad free apps, and you can be on your way while recording the road ahead in no time at all.
Using a mobile phone as a dash cam is also a great option for situations where an in-car camera is needed unexpectedly. For example, if you’re renting a vehicle and want to record your trip, or if you don’t have your regular dash cam available, your phone can serve as a handy substitute.
Can I really use a mobile phone as a dash cam?
Yes, you can use a mobile phone as a dash cam. Even older phones should be capable of recording good- or high-quality footage in many situations, and a newer phone will certainly have no problem recording driving footage. Possibly to a higher quality than an actual dash cam.
There are also numerous dash cam apps available for both Android and Apple iOS devices. They have the functions and features needed to turn a mobile phone into a serviceable dash cam. For example, they can access the phone’s accelerometer – which monitors how the phone is moving – to automatically save footage should emergency braking or a hefty bump be detected.
Is using a phone as a dash cam legal?
You can legally use a phone as a dash cam, provided it is installed safely in a mount and that you do not interact with it at all once you have set off. You’ll need to fit the device, make sure it is secure, start it recording, start your car, then drive off when safe to do so. Don’t touch the device again until you have come to a complete stop in a safe area. If you want to learn more, head over to our page on UK mobile phone driving laws.
The phone must also be mounted in a way that does not block your line of sight, so ensure you have an unobstructed view of the road and traffic ahead when you are installing the phone. You basically treat the phone in the same way as if you were using it for satellite navigation; you set it up, make sure it’s not in your way, set it running, then don’t touch it until you get to your destination. Remember that it is illegal to interact with or hold any mobile device while you are driving your car or riding a motorcycle.
What are the advantages of using a phone as a dash cam?
Accessibility is the major advantage of using a phone as a dash cam. You’ve no doubt got a phone, or a spare older phone you could use, and you may well have a suitable in-car mount to hand. Consequently, you don’t need any new hardware. Many dash cam apps are free to download and use. Some have advertising in them but that won’t stop you using the functions you need.
That means you can often set yourself up with what is basically a dash cam for the sum total of nothing. That can be ideal if you just want to experiment, or if you’ve a particular trip you’re about to undertake that you want a bit of reassurance on. Alternatively, you might be leaping into a hire car, or borrowing a car, and want to document the drive without buying or fitting a dash cam.
Using a phone as a dash cam also means you don’t have to buy another piece of technology; you could use your current phone with a dash cam app when you’re out on drives, and not have to buy and fit a conventional dash cam into your car, saving both money and time. Many apps also have features such as auto-record when your phone is connected to a charger.
What are the disadvantages of using a phone as a dash cam?
There are a few snags to employing a phone, old or new, as a stand-in for a normal car dash cam. For starters, a phone is much bulkier than a dash cam, so it’ll take up more windscreen real estate and be obvious to other road users and pedestrians.
The quality of the captured footage will also vary, depending on your phone and the capabilities of its camera, and you may find its performance lacking – especially when it comes to more challenging conditions, such as recording in the dark or rain. You might have to experiment a bit, and see what the footage looks like, to know whether it’s a viable option for you.
Using a phone with dash cam apps can also be more fiddly and complicated than a standalone dash cam, which could get annoying if you’re using it regularly. Additionally, some phones may struggle for battery life and/or generate a lot of heat when tasked with recording video for extended periods.
Furthermore, you often won’t benefit from many of the features offered by conventional dash cams, such as dual-camera functionality, for recording behind the car as well as in front of it, and options such as parking modes.
What do I need to use a phone as a dash cam?
To use a phone as a dash cam, you just need a phone, a suitable in-car mount that will give the phone a decent view of the road ahead without impeding yours, and a charging cable. A charging cable isn’t strictly necessary, but the demands imposed by constant recording and the apps might drain your phone’s battery quickly. So it’s best to have a charging solution on hand to ensure it keeps going.
While you can just use the phone to record video while you drive along, it’s easier and more effective to use a dedicated dash cam app – for one thing, aside from the fact that many are free, features such as loop recording mean they won’t just fill up your phone’s storage and then stop recording.
What dash cam apps are available for phones?
There are lots of dash cam apps out there, for both Android and Apple iOS devices. Usefully, they’re often free to download and experiment with, so you can quickly get an idea of whether you’re comfortable with the interface and if the app does what you need it to. Here are some of the ones you’ll see at the top of the recommended lists when you visit the Google Play store and Mac App Store:
Smart Dash Cam (Android/iOS): IPCamSoft’s dash cam app is free and benefits from options such as auto-recording mode and configurable auto-loop technology. A paid-for version is available, which removes the adverts.
Navmii AI Dashcam (Android/iOS): This ad-free app uses built-in artificial intelligence to continuously analyse the road ahead. It comes loaded with features like speed limit indication, actual speed tracking, and configurable loop recording.
Driver: Dash Cam & Cloud Sync (iOS): If you want an app with lots of options, and don’t mind spending a little, have a look at this one. It can use the different cameras on your phone, has a cloud storage mode, and offers stacks of customization.
Droid Dashcam – Video Recorder (Android): This app is easy to use and offers an array of great features, including the ability to use wide-angle cameras and G-shock sensors. It also has auto-start modes and loop recording, and ads can be removed for a small fee.
Should I just buy a proper dash cam instead?
If you’re looking for a device that you can leave in your car, and one that you don’t have to think about too much, it’s probably best to buy a dedicated dash cam. It’ll be easier to use, be more reliable, and it’ll be less conspicuous.
But if you just want something to use on the odd trip, and you’re not fussed about how it looks, using an old phone as a dash cam has some merit. The required apps are usually free, and even ad-free upgrades often cost a few pounds, if that, and you’ll only otherwise need a suitable holder. And, if you’ve longer usage in mind, a way to charge the phone while it’s in your car.
A proper dash cam doesn’t need to be expensive, though. One of our favourite budget dash cams, the Orskey S680, costs just £39.48. Beyond the camera itself, you’ll only need a suitable dash cam memory card for it, but that should only cost around £10.
So, for about £50 all-in, you’ll have a dedicated dash cam that works well and has a great array of features. It offers 1080p recording at 30 frames per second, has a 170-degree viewing angle, and it’s simple to use. Put it in your car, plug it in, and it’ll turn on and start recording when you start the car.
FAQs
Do I need a sim card for a dash cam?
Whether you need a SIM card for your dash cam is very much dependant what model the device is. Basic dash cams typically record onto an SD card and don’t require a SIM card. However, some advanced dash cams with features like live streaming, remote access, or real-time location tracking may need a SIM card to connect to mobile networks. Always check the specific requirements and features of the dash cam you’re considering.
Why won’t my dash cam connect to my phone?
There are several reasons why your dash cam might not be connecting to your phone, but it’s usually an easy fix. Here are some of the common issues:
- Bluetooth/wi-fi issues: Ensure both the dash cam and phone have Bluetooth or wi-fi enabled. Make sure to double check that they are within range for connection.
- Device memory: It can be easily overlooked, but make sure the memory card is properly inserted has sufficiency storage space left. Some devices may not function if the memory card is playing up.
- Reboot devices: It may seem obvious, however trying turning the devices off and back on. That will hopefully reboot both the dash cam and phone to reset their connection settings.
- App compatibility: Double check that you have downloaded the correct app for the specific model of dash cam you have. Not every app is compatible with specific devices.
Can I watch my dash cam from my phone?
Yes, as long as you have a reliable mobile phone with enough storage to store videos you will be able to watch the feed from your dash cam on your phone. A dash cam with wi-fi or other connectivity systems will allow you to connect directly to your phone and conveniently watch and monitor footage remotely through an app.
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