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Bluetooth Garmin Dash Cam and Garmin Drive App Troubleshooting

TIP:  Many Bluetooth connection issues can be solved by restarting your Garmin Dash Cam™ and restarting your phone.  Give this a try before proceeding with the following troubleshooting options.

Are you having any of these specific issues? If so, click on it below for troubleshooting. (If not, keep scrolling down to 'Level 1 - Try These Common Fixes')


Level 1 - Try These Common Fixes:

  • Phone Requirements 

    • Ensure your phone meets the system requirements for the Garmin Drive app

      • Android phones and tablets require Android version 9.0 or later:

        • Wi-Fi and Cellular capability are required for full functionality
        • The Garmin Drive app will not be available in the Google Play Store if the app is incompatible with the device being used
        • Trying to install the app to an incompatible device from the Garmin website will prompt this error message: "Your device isn't compatible with this version"

        Apple phones and tablets require iOS 16.4 or later:

        • Wi-Fi and Cellular capability are required for full functionality
        • Apple only includes the GPS chipset in the Wi-Fi + Cellular models

    • Check for updates to the phone's operating system

      • Android

        NOTE: These steps will vary depending on the phone and OS combination

        1. Open the phone's Settings menu

        2. Touch Software Update or System Updates 

        3. Touch Download and install or Check for system updates

        4. Touch Download or Yes,  then Install Now if updates are available


        Apple

        NOTE: These steps will vary depending on the phone and iOS combination

        1. Open the phone's Settings menu

        2. Touch General

        3. Touch Software Update

        4. Touch Download and Install, then Install Now if updates are available


    • Ensure your phone's permissions are enabled

    • Ensure that Wi-Fi and/or mobile data is enabled on your phone or tablet

      • The Garmin Drive app must have permission to access your phone's mobile/cellular data for using some dash cam functions.

      • Consult your phone manufacturer for assistance to turn on these services.

  • Check for Garmin Software Updates

  • Toggle Bluetooth Off, then Back On

    • Consult your phone manufacturer for assistance on toggling Bluetooth.

  • Ensure the Dash Cam is Receiving Adequate Power

    • Dash cams without a screen may display a solid green light. This indicates the device is connected to a computer or another low-power USB outlet. The dash cam is not receiving enough power to pair with the Garmin Drive app.

    • Dash cams with a screen may display an image with the Garmin logo and garmin.com/express or garmin.com/dashcamvideos. This indicates the device is connected to a computer or another low-power USB outlet. The dash cam is not receiving enough power to pair with the Garmin Drive app.

    • If your dash cam is not receiving enough power, it is recommended to power it using the longer power cable and the Dual USB Adapter that came with it, plugging directly into a 12V power outlet or cigarette lighter outlet in the vehicle.

Proceed to the troubleshooting below if needed.


Level 2 - Next, Take These Steps if You are Unable to Connect to the Garmin Drive App:

  1. Restore the Dash Cam

    • Restore a Garmin dash cam to its factory default settings.

      NOTE: This will not delete saved or unsaved photos or videos.


      Garmin Dash Cam Mini, Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2, Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3, Garmin Dash Cam Tandem

      NOTE: A microSD memory card must be in the dash cam to perform a restore/master reset.  See SD Memory Card Compatibility for the Garmin Dash Cam Mini, Mini 2, Mini 3, Tandem

      1. Unplug the dash cam.

      2. Wait 5 seconds.

      3. Simultaneously hold the large action button and the microphone button.

      4. Plug in the dash cam while continuing to hold these buttons.

        • The light should turn red.

      5. After several seconds the light will turn off.

      6. Let go of the microphone button while continuing to hold the action button.

      7. After several seconds, the light will turn green.

      8. Let go of the action button.

      9. The light will flash green as the dash cam resets and will then turn red.


      Garmin Dash Cam x310

      Use touchscreen of the dash cam to perform the following steps:

      1. Swipe the touchscreen to the left, then select Settings

      2. Select System

      3. Select Reset

      4. Select Reset again to reset the dash cam to default settings


      All Other Dash Cams

      Use the down button on the side of the dash cam to perform the following steps:

      1. Select Settings.

      2. Select System.

      3. Select Setup (skip this step on some devices).

      4. Select Reset.

      5. Select Reset again to reset the dash cam to default settings.


      Restore a Dash Cam Using the Garmin Drive App

      1. Power the dash cam on.
      2. In the Garmin Drive app, tap to expand the Vehicle and dash cam names; ensure it shows as connected.
      3. Touch Settings below the dash cam name.
      4. Touch Restore Defaults.
      5. Touch Restore

      It is recommended to forget the camera in the Garmin Drive app and forget the camera in the phone's Bluetooth/Wi-Fi settings before re-pairing the camera.

       

  2. Forget the Dash Cam From Your Phone's Bluetooth Settings

    • Steps for clearing pairing history on the phone can vary by phone make/model.


      To Clear Pairing History on Android:

      1. Open the phone's Settings menu
      2. Touch Connections (some phones skip this step)
      3. Touch Bluetooth
      4. Touch the gear icon next to the paired Garmin Dash Cam
        • Select the name of the listed Garmin Dash Cam instead on some Android phones
      5. Touch Forget or Unpair

      The Garmin Dash Cam will now be cleared from your phone's pairing history.


      To Clear Pairing History on Apple:

      1. Open the phone's Settings menu

      2. Touch Bluetooth

      3. Touch the info button ("i" circle icon) next to the paired Garmin Dash Cam

      NOTE: There are variations in how different Garmin Dash Cams are listed in the phone's Bluetooth settings:

        • Garmin Dash Cam 47, 57, 67W, and Dash Cam Mini 2 will have two Bluetooth connections on Apple devices (ex. DC 67W and DC67W-12345-BT)
        • All other Garmin Dash Cam series will only have one Bluetooth connection (ex. DC X310)

      4. Touch Forget this device

        • Forget all connections that apply to the dash cam you are clearing

      The Garmin Dash Cam will now be cleared from your phone's pairing history.

  3. Forget the Dash Cam From the Garmin Drive App

    • 1. Open the Garmin Drive™ app 

      2. Touch the gear/wheel (Settings) in the upper right corner

      3. Select the vehicle, then select your dash cam

      4. Scroll to the bottom of the page, then touch Forget Device

      Dash Cam Not Connected Forget Device 

      5. Touch Forget Device again

      Drive App Forget Device

      6. Touch I don't have it anymore, then touch Remove Anyway

      Dash Cam I don't have it any more

      Dash Cam Remove Anyway

      The dash cam will now be removed/forgotten from the Garmin Drive app.

  4. Restart Your Phone 

    • Be sure to completely restart your phone before proceeding.

    • Consult your phone manufacturer for assistance to fully restart your phone.

  5. Re-pair the Dash Cam (Away From Other Bluetooth Devices) 

Proceed to the troubleshooting below if needed.


Level 3 - The Above Did Not Resolve It - Let's Reset All and Start Fresh:

  • If desired you may bypass Level 2 and perform the steps in Level 3 instead. 
  • Level 3 has all steps in Level 2, with the substitution of uninstalling / reinstalling the Garmin Drive app. 
  • If you have additional devices paired in the Garmin Drive app, this will require them to be forgotten (Step 2) and re-paired (Step 6) before they can be used again. 
  1. Restore the Dash Cam

    • Restore a Garmin dash cam to its factory default settings.

      NOTE: This will not delete saved or unsaved photos or videos.


      Garmin Dash Cam Mini, Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2, Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3, Garmin Dash Cam Tandem

      NOTE: A microSD memory card must be in the dash cam to perform a restore/master reset.  See SD Memory Card Compatibility for the Garmin Dash Cam Mini, Mini 2, Mini 3, Tandem

      1. Unplug the dash cam.

      2. Wait 5 seconds.

      3. Simultaneously hold the large action button and the microphone button.

      4. Plug in the dash cam while continuing to hold these buttons.

        • The light should turn red.

      5. After several seconds the light will turn off.

      6. Let go of the microphone button while continuing to hold the action button.

      7. After several seconds, the light will turn green.

      8. Let go of the action button.

      9. The light will flash green as the dash cam resets and will then turn red.


      Garmin Dash Cam x310

      Use touchscreen of the dash cam to perform the following steps:

      1. Swipe the touchscreen to the left, then select Settings

      2. Select System

      3. Select Reset

      4. Select Reset again to reset the dash cam to default settings


      All Other Dash Cams

      Use the down button on the side of the dash cam to perform the following steps:

      1. Select Settings.

      2. Select System.

      3. Select Setup (skip this step on some devices).

      4. Select Reset.

      5. Select Reset again to reset the dash cam to default settings.


      Restore a Dash Cam Using the Garmin Drive App

      1. Power the dash cam on.
      2. In the Garmin Drive app, tap to expand the Vehicle and dash cam names; ensure it shows as connected.
      3. Touch Settings below the dash cam name.
      4. Touch Restore Defaults.
      5. Touch Restore

      It is recommended to forget the camera in the Garmin Drive app and forget the camera in the phone's Bluetooth/Wi-Fi settings before re-pairing the camera.

       

  2. Forget the Dash Cam From Your Phone's Bluetooth Settings

    • Steps for clearing pairing history on the phone can vary by phone make/model.


      To Clear Pairing History on Android:

      1. Open the phone's Settings menu
      2. Touch Connections (some phones skip this step)
      3. Touch Bluetooth
      4. Touch the gear icon next to the paired Garmin Dash Cam
        • Select the name of the listed Garmin Dash Cam instead on some Android phones
      5. Touch Forget or Unpair

      The Garmin Dash Cam will now be cleared from your phone's pairing history.


      To Clear Pairing History on Apple:

      1. Open the phone's Settings menu

      2. Touch Bluetooth

      3. Touch the info button ("i" circle icon) next to the paired Garmin Dash Cam

      NOTE: There are variations in how different Garmin Dash Cams are listed in the phone's Bluetooth settings:

        • Garmin Dash Cam 47, 57, 67W, and Dash Cam Mini 2 will have two Bluetooth connections on Apple devices (ex. DC 67W and DC67W-12345-BT)
        • All other Garmin Dash Cam series will only have one Bluetooth connection (ex. DC X310)

      4. Touch Forget this device

        • Forget all connections that apply to the dash cam you are clearing

      The Garmin Dash Cam will now be cleared from your phone's pairing history.

  3. Uninstall the Garmin Drive app

    • Android:

      1. Touch and hold the Garmin Drive App icon

      2. Touch Uninstall

      3. Touch OK


      Apple:

      1. Touch and hold the Garmin Drive App icon

      2. Touch Remove

      3. Touch Delete App

      4. Touch Delete


      The app and its updates can be downloaded in the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for Apple. 

  4. Restart Your Phone 

    • Be sure to completely restart your phone before proceeding.

    • Consult your phone manufacturer for assistance to fully restart your phone.

  5. Reinstall the Garmin Drive app

  6. Re-pair the Dash Cam (Away From Other Bluetooth Devices) 

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