How to Turn Your Old Smartphone into a Car Dashcam

Have an old smartphone lying around? Instead of letting it gather dust, why not repurpose it into a handy car dashcam? Dashcams are great for recording your drives, providing evidence in case of accidents, or simply capturing memorable road trips. Using an old smartphone as a dashcam is a budget-friendly solution that requires minimal setup. Here’s how you can easily transform your old device into a reliable car dashcam.

Why Use an Old Smartphone as a Car Dashcam?

• Cost-Effective: Save money by repurposing an existing device instead of buying a dedicated dashcam.
• High-Quality Footage: Many smartphones have high-quality cameras that can record crisp and clear videos.
• Multiple Features: You can use dashcam apps to access features like GPS tracking, speed monitoring, and loop recording.

What You'll Need:

1. An old smartphone with a good camera and a working battery.
2. A dashcam app (free or paid) from the App Store or Google Play Store.
3. A sturdy phone mount for your car.
4. A car charger and USB cable to keep the phone powered during long drives.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Your Old Smartphone into a Car Dashcam

Step 1: Choose a Dashcam App

The first thing you'll need is a dashcam app that allows your phone to function as a dedicated car camera. Here are some popular options:

• DailyRoads Voyager: Free with features like loop recording, speed tracking, and incident marking.
• Autoboy Dash Cam: Offers continuous recording, parking mode, and GPS support.
• Car Camera: Supports 4K recording, manual incident capturing, and various video quality settings.
• Droid Dashcam: A simple, free app with automatic recording, loop recording, and geotagging.

For this guide, we'll use DailyRoads Voyager because of its user-friendly interface and robust feature set.

Step 2: Install and Configure the Dashcam App

1. Download DailyRoads Voyager from the Google Play Store (or a similar dashcam app for iOS users).
2. Open the App: Grant necessary permissions, including access to the camera, location, and storage.
3. Configure Settings: Adjust the settings to suit your needs:
   • Resolution: Set the video resolution based on your phone’s storage capacity. For most situations, 720p or 1080p is sufficient.
   • Loop Recording: Enable loop recording to automatically overwrite old footage and save space.
   • Storage Limit: Set a storage limit for video files to prevent the phone from running out of space.
   • Auto-Start: Enable the auto-start feature to begin recording as soon as the app is launched.

Step 3: Mount Your Smartphone

• Use a sturdy phone mount that attaches to the windshield or dashboard to provide a clear view of the road.
• Position the phone horizontally to capture a wide view. Ensure the mount is stable and doesn’t block the driver’s view.
• Adjust the phone’s camera angle to capture the road ahead, avoiding obstructions from the dashboard or rearview mirror.

Step 4: Power Up the Phone

• Connect the Charger: Plug your phone into a car charger using a reliable USB cable. Continuous power is essential to keep the phone running throughout your drive.
• Use a High-Amp Charger: Choose a charger with at least 2A output to ensure the phone remains charged while recording.

Step 5: Start Recording

• Launch the dashcam app, adjust the camera view if necessary, and start recording.
• Most apps, like DailyRoads Voyager, offer an auto-record feature that starts recording automatically when the car moves, providing a hassle-free experience.

Additional Features to Consider

• GPS Tracking: Some apps offer GPS logging to track your route and speed, which can be useful for reviewing trips or in case of an accident.
• Incident Detection: Enable G-sensor or motion detection features in the app to automatically save clips when sudden movements (e.g., hard braking, collision) are detected.
• Manual Capture: Use manual capture buttons on the app interface to record specific events or take snapshots during the drive.

Tips for Using Your Phone as a Dashcam

• Clear Storage: Regularly clear old recordings to free up storage space. Use the app’s loop recording feature to automate this process.
• Avoid Overheating: Running the phone continuously can cause it to heat up, especially on hot days. Keep the air conditioning on or direct vents toward the phone to help keep it cool.
• Enable Do Not Disturb Mode: Avoid distractions by activating "Do Not Disturb" mode to block incoming calls and notifications while recording.

Conclusion

Turning your old smartphone into a dashcam is a practical and cost-effective way to add a layer of security to your travels. With the right app, mounting setup, and a continuous power source, you can capture high-quality footage of your journeys without investing in new equipment.

Ready to give it a shot? Dust off that old smartphone, download a dashcam app, and hit the road with your new DIY car dashcam!