What is a Protected file?
A Protected file is a Dash Cam video clip that is locked so it is not overwritten when your SD card becomes full. It keeps important footage safe until the Dash Cam needs to free space.
How does a recording become Protected?
Your Dash Cam can protect a file in several ways:
Automatically by the G‑Sensor
Triggered by an impact while driving
Triggered by the Smart Parking Feature detecting movement while recording
Pressing the Protect button
Press during recording to protect the current clip
Press in playback mode to protect an already recorded clip
Using a mobile device
Open the Nextbase App
Protect a file after it has been recorded
Witness Mode Lite
All files recorded in Witness Mode Lite are automatically protected
This works even if no mobile device is connected
Guardian Mode Lite
All recordings made while Guardian Mode Lite is active are automatically protected
Why do I see many Protected files?
Your Dash Cam decides how many files to protect based on when the trigger happens within a clip:
Trigger occurs early in the file (first third)
The current file and the previous file are protected
Trigger occurs in the middle of the file (second third)
Only the current file is protected
Trigger occurs near the end of the file (last third)
The current file and the next file are protected
This helps capture what happened just before, during, and after an event.
Can I adjust Protected file sensitivity?
You can change how easily your Dash Cam creates Protected files.
Open the Nextbase App
Go to your Dash Cam settings
Adjust the G‑Sensor or sensitivity level (for driving footage only, this does not affect Smart Parking)
Lower sensitivity if you get too many Protected files from normal bumps
Raise sensitivity if important events are not being captured
Do Protected files stay on the SD card forever?
No. Protected files are stored up to a limit.
Your Dash Cam reserves a portion of SD card space for Protected files (about 30% of the card capacity)
When that space is full, the Dash Cam starts overwriting the oldest Protected files
Normal (unprotected) files are still overwritten as usual when space is needed
Tip: If you use a smaller SD card, back up important clips so they are not replaced.
How do I back up important Protected files?
If a clip is important, save it somewhere else as soon as possible:
Copy the file to another SD card, USB drive, or external hard drive
Save the file to a computer or cloud storage via the Nextbase App or card reader
Keep at least one backup in a different place from your vehicle
This protects your footage if the SD card fails or your Dash Cam is lost or stolen.
Extra tips
Lower G‑sensor sensitivity if normal driving creates too many Protected files.
Check if Witness Mode Lite or Guardian Mode Lite is active, as they protect all recordings.
Back up Protected files immediately after any serious incident.
Troubleshooting
Too many Protected files
Lower the G‑Sensor sensitivity in the Nextbase App
Check if Witness Mode Lite or Guardian Mode Lite is turned on, as they protect all recordings
Not enough Protected files after incidents
Increase the G‑Sensor sensitivity
Make sure the SD card is working correctly and is the recommended type and size
Protected files missing
Check if the SD card is nearly full
Confirm files have not been overwritten due to reaching the Protected space limit
Always back up key clips after any serious incident