Drive Smarter configures capable devices to connect to a Wi-Fi network, often called a "hotspot."  

  • Dash cams may use an in-vehicle Wi-Fi "hotspot" for remote security features (often coupled with a "hardwire" to constant power, enabling the cam to stay powered up when the vehicle is off.)
  • Radar detectors can connect to Wi-Fi for device updates (be it a home Wi-Fi that reaches your driveway, or an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot.)
  • All devices connected to an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot will receive real-time Defender and Live Community Alerts through the Wi-Fi connection (in lieu of having the Drive Smarter app open on your phone to get that information.) 


Device Compatibility:  

  • Dash Cams:  SC 110, SC 120, SC 220C, SC 250R, and SC 400.
  • Radar Detectors:  All "connected" radar detectors (models with a "c" after the 360) including Max 360c, Max 360c 
  • MKII, MAXcam 360c, Redline 360c, and the custom installed Redline Ci 360c.

    ** Not all devices have the ability to connect to an external Wi-Fi network. If you do not see this prompt in Drive Smarter nor have the option in settings, your device does not have this feature.  


To connect to a Wi-Fi network when first pairing a new device:  

  1. When you first add the device to your vehicle, you are asked to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot, tap YES.
  2. Choose the desired hotspot from the populated list. 
  3. You will be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi network's password.
  4. Once your device connects to the Wi-Fi network, all connected features are enabled.


To connect an already paired device to Wi-Fi:  

  1. From the map screen, tap the menu (3 bars on the top left) then Devices, and look for your device.  
  2. If the device is not already connected, tap to connect.  Next to the word Connected appearing in green, tap the gear/cog icon to access settings.  
  3. From the device settings, find the Hotspot Configuration setting.  
  4. If there is an existing connection configured that you wish to change, tap the red trash can to remove it.  
  5. Tap the Search button at the bottom to look for your hotspot and follow the prompts.  



Important Notes:  

If the device is connected to a vehicle hotspot without an active data service plan (or the data on your plan is used up until the next billing cycle) then these features will be unavailable. 

We do not recommend using the Wi-Fi hotspot on your phone for stability reasons, which would also not be visible in configuration (to set up anyway, you will need to use Drive Smarter from a second phone to configure the primary phone's hotspot.)  



Troubleshooting


Check App Permissions
  • Drive Smarter requires app permissions to "see" the device, connect, and perform other functionality.  Ensure these permissions are given and "on" for the Drive Smarter app in your phone's settings.  

  • These permissions can be revoked by the phone's operating system for various reasons such as if the app has not been used in a certain amount of time.  

  • Open app permissions for your phone type
    • Android and iPhone with iOS 18 and later:  Settings > Apps > Drive Smarter 
    • iPhone with iOS 17 and below:  Settings > Drive Smarter
  • iPhone permissions required:
    • Location must be "Always" with the "Precise Location" option if available.
    • Bluetooth
    • Local Network (Required!)
    • Notifications
  • Android permissions required: 
    • Location must be "Allow all the time" with the "Use Precise Location" option if available.  
    • Nearby Devices
    • Notifications
Check Device Settings / Factory Reset Device
  • Some devices allow for switching Wi-Fi off, verify that it is ON in your device settings.  Find your product manual on this page if you need assistance.  
  • Power cycle the device (unplug it, plug it back up) then wait 1 full minute before tapping to search for the device again. 
  • Restart your phone.
  • Perform a Factory reset of the device, which configures all settings as default (including enabling Wi-Fi.)  
Restart Everything
  • Power cycle the device (unplug it, plug it back up)
    • Wait 1 full minute before attempting to connect from the Drive Smarter app.
  • Restart your phone.
Check for Interference from Other Software or Devices
  • VPN software may prevent this connection, even when disabled.  If you have trouble, REMOVE or uninstall (not just disable or close) the VPN and try again.  It has been confirmed that several popular VPNs will not allow successful connection until the VPN is uninstalled.  
  • Temporarily disconnect from infotainment systems (e.g. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto)
Reinstall Drive Smarter
Update/Reinstall Device Firmware and Factory Reset
  • Try a factory reset of the device using the device's menu if available, or shortcut keys (check the device manual for the correct shortcut key combination.) 
  • Check for and install Firmware Updates.
  • If already on the latest firmware, try reinstalling the firmware:  (Not available for Cobra radar detectors)
    • Dash Cams can download the .bin file to the camera's SD card while plugged up to a computer (See Firmware Updates links above.)
    • Escort radar detectors require a Windows computer with our Detector Tools software
      • On a Windows PC, ignore the green buttons in the middle of the screen, and instead click the small "Devices" drop down menu near the top of the window, then click "Update All Software" from the menu that drops down. 
      • On a Mac, ignore the green button in the middle of the screen, and instead click the small "Manual Updates" drop down menu at the very top of the screen, then click "Update Firmware" from the menu that drops down.  
  • A factory reset of the device is also recommended after a firmware update or reinstall.  



For additional help and information, choose one of these related articles:


Drive Smarter Self-Service (Main Page)

Connecting/Pairing a Device

Gallery/Live View (Viewing Dash Cam Footage)

Apple CarPlay Guide

Android Auto Guide