To manually update (or reinstall) firmware for your dash cam, you'll need access to a computer or tablet with internet access and a compatible USB port, as well as a USB data cable (one is included with the camera.)  


NOTE:  The instructions below will both update the firmware (if you have an older version) or reinstall the firmware (when the latest version is already installed), so both terms may be used interchangeably.  


Update/Reinstall Instructions:


Step 1:  Connect the camera to your computer using the included USB cable.  

  • The camera will be listed in Windows Explorer (or Finder on a Mac) as a "Removable Disk" or "USB Drive" or similar.
  • Cameras with a display screen should show a plug symbol against a blue background on screen. 
If the camera appears to be recording (not showing the blue screen with a plug, or you cannot access the camera's installed SD card from the computer), you may be using a USB power/charging cable, not one capable of data transfer.  

Please use the cable included with the camera, try any other cable you may have, or obtain one that is capable of "data transfer" which will list "transfer speed" in the product description (the actual speed is unimportant, only that it can transfer data.)



Step 2:  Download the Firmware Update (.bin) file

Mac OS based computers may recognize the downloaded file (ending in ".bin") as an archive to be opened or extracted, this is incorrect.  You should not attempt to open or extract the file after download.



Step 3:  Copy the file to the camera

  • Copy/paste or drag the ".bin" file you downloaded to the camera's storage (the "USB Device" or "Removable Disk").
    • The file should appear in the "root" folder, meaning beside or below any other folders on the camera's storage (e.g. Normal_Front_Camera or similar), but NOT inside any of the folders.  
If the file is downloaded more than once, it will create file names for subsequent downloads with parentheses and a number on the end, for example "this file name (1).bin" 

These files with parentheses on the end will NOT work for the update, it must be named "this file name.bin" without the " (1)" at the end.  

Be sure not to use those or remove the parentheses by renaming the file.  
  • Wait for the file to transfer and then safely disconnect the camera from the computer.


Step 4:  Power up the camera in your vehicle to complete the process

  • Reattach the camera to the power cord used in your vehicle to complete the firmware update/reinstall/
The process cannot complete while powered from the computer with a USB data cable.
  • If the camera has a display screen, it will automatically boot into the Firmware Update Menu.  Follow any directions on screen to proceed with the firmware update (it may involve pressing a button to confirm the update.)  
  • Units without a display screen will begin the update automatically.  
  • The camera may restart several times before returning to normal operation (recording status.)



Using Drive Smarter after the update/reinstall has completed:  


When the camera begins recording after the update, it may take a minute before it will connect to the Drive Smarter app and remain connected.  


If having difficulty, close the Drive Smarter app then restart (power off/on) the camera, wait about 60 seconds, then open the Drive Smarter app to reconnect.  


In very rare cases, you may need to re-pair the unit with Drive Smarter after an update, fortunately this is a very simple process, see below.  


Re-pairing instructions:  (if necessary)


Step 1:  Remove the dash cam from Drive Smarter and your phone's Bluetooth.

  • In your phone's Bluetooth connections, find the dash cam and tap to remove the device (the option may be called "Unpair" or "Forget".)  
  • In Drive Smarter, from the menu tap "Devices" and tap the red trash can next to the device.  
If the trash can is not visible, be sure the power the camera off, and the trash can should become visible.  


Step 2:  Re-pair the dash cam to Drive Smarter

  • Power the camera off, then on again.  Wait about 1 minute before proceeding.  
  • In Drive Smarter (still under "Devices") tap to Add New Device underneath your vehicle. then search.  
If the dash cam isn't found in the first search, remove power to your device then plug it back in, wait one minute, then search again from the app.



If you need additional assistance with the steps above, don't hesitate to fill out our contact form or call us for the fastest response.  


Customer Service:

800.543.1608  

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm ET


When reaching out for support, please include or have ready:  

  • Drive Smarter version number (find by tapping the 3 bars menu on the top left, it is just below the Drive Smarter logo to see the version number) 
  • The dash cam's serial number (typically found on a sticker on the side or bottom of the unit.)  


Thank you.