Turn Your Old Smartphone into a Dash Cam – Easy & Affordable!

Dash cams are great for recording road trips, capturing scenic routes, and having proof in case of accidents or insurance claims. But buying one can be pricey. The good news? You can turn your old smartphone into a dash cam with minimal cost and effort. Here’s how!

What You’ll Need

✔ An old smartphone (or your current one, if possible)
✔ A dash cam app (like Droid Dashcam or AutoBoy Dash Cam)
✔ A secure phone mount
✔ A charging cable

1. Get a Sturdy Phone Mount

A strong mount is important for stable recordings. Look for one that:
✅ Can be adjusted for the best road view
✅ Fits well on your dashboard or windshield
✅ Works with your phone size
You can find affordable options online or in stores.

2. Use a Charging Cable

Recording drains your phone battery quickly. A reliable charging cable will:
✅ Keep your phone powered at all times
✅ Support fast charging
✅ Keep your setup neat and clutter-free

3. Download a Dash Cam App

Install a dash cam app like Droid Dashcam or AutoBoy Dash Cam. These apps offer useful features such as:
✅ Time and GPS tracking
✅ Loop recording (so storage doesn’t fill up)
✅ Speed tracking
✅ Automatic recording when you start driving
Some apps allow background recording, so you can still take calls or use other apps.

4. Set It Up in Your Car

Once you have everything:
1️⃣ Attach the mount to your dashboard or windshield.
2️⃣ Secure your phone in the mount.
3️⃣ Plug in the charging cable.
4️⃣ Open the dash cam app and adjust the settings.

Now your DIY dash cam is ready to go! 🚗💨

Extra Tips for Better Recordings

💾 Use a MicroSD Card – If your phone has expandable storage, a large SD card will prevent space issues.
🧼 Keep the Camera Lens Clean – Wipe it often for sharp footage.
🔥 Protect Against Heat – Cars can get very hot, so use a heat-resistant case or remove the phone when not in use.
☀️ Add a Polarized Filter – Reduces glare from the windshield for clearer videos.

Pros & Cons of Using a Phone as a Dash Cam

✔ Pros:
✅ Saves money by reusing an old phone
✅ Offers features like GPS tracking and cloud backups
✅ Easy access to recordings for instant playback

✘ Cons:
🚨 A visible phone might attract theft
📱 Bulkier than a regular dash cam
🌙 Older phones may have lower video quality, especially at night

FAQs

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 used by hand while driving. Check local laws to be sure.

2. Are dash cam apps free?
Many have free versions, but premium upgrades may offer better quality, no ads, and cloud storage.

3. Do I need a SIM card?
No, a SIM card isn’t needed. Videos save to your phone and can be uploaded to the cloud when connected to Wi-Fi.

Final Thoughts

Turning an old smartphone into a dash cam is a simple, budget-friendly way to record your drives. While it might not be as sleek as a dedicated dash cam, it works well and provides extra security on the road.

So, whether you’re going on a road trip or just want extra protection while driving, try using your old phone as a dash cam—it’s easy, cheap, and useful! 🚗📷✨