Formatting a Memory Card in a Garmin Dash Cam or in the Garmin Drive App

Most Garmin Dash Cam™  series devices do not come with a microSD memory card. See  SD Memory Card Compatibility for Garmin Dash Cams

• It is recommended to format any new microSD memory card using your Garmin Dash Cam™ Mini 3, Garmin Dash Cam™ Mini 2, or Garmin Dash Cam™ Mini. 
• On some occasions, you may also wish to reformat a card that is already in use.

Garmin recommends formatting the card at least every 6 months to maintain optimal recording performance.

NOTE: Formatting a memory card will delete all content, including protected or saved files.  Ensure that you have removed all the data you want to keep before proceeding with formatting the card. 

To Format a Memory Card in the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3, Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2, or Garmin Dash Cam Mini: 

See the detailed video below for instructions linked here or the written instructions below:

1. Connect the device to vehicle power with the provided vehicle USB cable and adapter

• • The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 and Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 cannot format the card in Parking Guard Mode.  See Enable or Disable Parking Guard on a Garmin Dash Cam.
  • The Garmin Dash Cam Mini cannot format the microSD card in Parking Mode. See Parking Mode on a Garmin Dash Cam Mini and Garmin Dash Cam Tandem to disable.
    

Note: A USB charger and USB computer port may not provide enough power to the dash cam to format the memory card.  

2. Hold the microphone () button for eight seconds. The LED at the base of the camera will turn green

When formatting is complete, the LED at the base of the camera will turn red and the device will begin recording.

The Garmin Drive app can also be used to initiate formatting the memory card while installed in the Garmin dash cam.

To Format the Memory Card Using the Garmin Drive App:

1. Open the Garmin Drive app and ensure the dash cam is turned on and paired with the Garmin Drive app
2. Touch the Settings Gear icon in the top right
3. Select the Garmin dash cam from within the Vehicle
4. Touch Format SD Card
5. Touch Format SD Card again to confirm

For more information see:

• Understanding the LED Colors on the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3
• Understanding the LED Colors on the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
• Understanding the LED Colors on the Garmin Dash Cam Mini