Why Won't My Dash Cam Turn On?

A faulty power cord or adapter is a common cause of dash cam power issues. Cables can wear out or become damaged over time, resulting in intermittent power supply or full failure. We recommend checking the power cord and power port for evident signs of wear, fraying, or damage. If there are any problems, replace the cable with a new, high-quality one. Also try powering with an alternative power cable, such as the cigarette lighter adapter that is normally included. If you have a rear/interior camera connected to your front camera, try disconnecting it completely before powering the front camera.

If everything is properly plugged in and the power source appears to be operational, you might want to test the memory card. It's possible that a problem with the card is causing the camera to fail. Memory card problems could be caused by a corrupted file or a formatting error. If you have access to the memory card, you can always reformat it. However, if the memory card becomes corrupted, you may need to replace it.

Outdated software or firmware can also cause your dash cam not to turn on. Updates are frequently released by manufacturers to resolve bugs and improve functionality, which you can access through their respective websites. If updates are available, install them according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If your dash cam stops working due to corrupted software or firmware, you may need to do a factory reset or contact the manufacturer's support for assistance. For up-to-date firmware, check out our firmware and downloads page.

Just like smartphones, dash cameras can also overheat, especially in hot climates or when used for an extended period of time. If it’s built with a lithium-ion battery and not a supercapacitor, the more it gets prone, the shorter its life will be.

We recommend you position the dash cam within your car to handle this issue. Install it in an area that receives little direct sunlight, as excessive heat might hasten overheating. Some dash cams include built-in thermal safety capabilities like Smart Parking Mode for Thinkware, so make sure your dash cam software is up to date to use these protections.

Once you have checked the power source, memory card, physical form, and the dashcam still won’t turn on, you can also check the settings. For dash cams like VIOFO, the most common setting that needs to be adjusted is the “Auto Power Off” setting. If this setting is turned on, it will cause the dashcam to turn off after a certain period of time.