Dash cams are becoming increasingly common on cars, offering reliable video evidence in the event of accidents, disputes, or insurance claims. However, many drivers are unsure how to download dash cam footage when needed.
This guide aims to provide a clear and simple overview of the process. Whether your dash cam uses a memory card, mobile app, or cloud storage, we will explain how to locate, save, and export your footage step by step.
Let’s begin with the basics.
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
How to remove footage from your dash cam
Step 1: Know your dash cam type
Before you begin, find out what kind of dash cam you’re using. In Malaysia, most dash cams fall under these two types:
- SD Card Dash Cams
These are the most common. They use a microSD card to store recordings. - Wi-Fi / App-Connected Dash Cams
These dash cams connect to your phone using a mobile app. No need to remove the memory card.
Step 2: How to Download Dash Cam Footage (Using a Memory Card)
If your dash cam uses a microSD card, follow these steps:
- Turn off your dash cam and car engine.
This prevents the file from getting corrupted. - Remove the microSD card from the dash cam.
It’s usually located on the side or bottom of the camera. - Insert the memory card into a card reader or laptop.
You can use a USB card reader or a built-in slot on your laptop. - Open the folder called “DCIM” or “Movies”.
You’ll find all your dash cam videos here, usually sorted by date and time. - Copy the videos you want to your computer or USB drive.
Now you’ve successfully saved the footage.
Step 3: How to Retrieve Dash Cam Footage Using an App
If you have a Wi-Fi dash cam (like 70mai, DDPAI, or Thinkware), here’s how to download the footage:
- Turn on the dash cam.
It should power up automatically when your car is on. - Open the dash cam app on your phone.
Connect to the dash cam’s Wi-Fi signal. This is usually named after the brand. - Go to the “Gallery” or “Playback” section in the app.
Look through the list of videos by date and time. - Select the video and tap “Download”.
The video will be saved to your phone’s gallery. From there, you can easily share it on WhatsApp, email, or upload it to Google Drive.
Bonus Tip: Format your SD card regularly
Dash cams record continuously and overwrite older videos. To avoid file errors, it’s a good idea to format your memory card once a month. Just remember to back up any important footage before formatting.
Common issues and easy fixes
Q: I can’t find the video clip I need.
A: Check your dash cam’s date and time settings. If the time is wrong, your files might be saved under the wrong date.
Q: My computer can’t play the video.
A: Try using VLC Media Player. It supports more video formats than the default player.
Q: Some footage is missing.
A: This could be due to a low-quality or fake memory card. Always use a reliable brand and make sure it's Class 10 or UHS-1.
How to Share Dash Cam Footage
Once you’ve downloaded the footage, you can:
- Upload it to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive
- Copy the share link
- Send it to your insurance company, police, or anyone else who needs it
To keep things clear, rename the file like this: Accident_MidValley_10June2025_4PM.mp4
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to manage your dash cam recordings ensures you’re always prepared, especially during emergencies. With the right knowledge, retrieving important footage can be quick and hassle-free. Whether it’s for an insurance claim, police report, or just for peace of mind, it’s always smart to back up your videos.
If you already own a dash cam, take some time to practice retrieving and exporting the footage. If you don’t have one yet, maybe it’s time to invest in a reliable model; it can save you from a lot of stress on the road.
Drive safe, and always be prepared!