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. The G-sensor detects movement, vibration, or impact, such as bumps, potholes, or collisions, to automatically create these protected files.
Additionally, Nextbase dash cams create two versions of each recording: FH (Full High-Definition) for detailed viewing and FL (Full Low-Definition) for quicker access and transfer. This dual-file system ensures flexibility in managing and using recordings.
Nextbase dash cams also save two versions of each clip for rear cameras: RH (Rear High-Definition) and RL (Rear Low-Definition). File codes include F for front camera and R for rear camera, ensuring clarity in file management.
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 Mode Feature detecting vibrations while parked
Pressing the Protect button
The Protect button is a physical button located at the bottom of the dash cam.
Press during recording to protect the current clip
Press in playback mode to protect an already recorded clip
Using the Nextbase mobile app
Open the Nextbase mobile app.
Navigate to the Library tab.
Select the Protected Files section to view saved videos.
Use the Events tab to review protected event videos triggered by impacts or Parking Mode.
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.
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
Testing G-Sensor Functionality
To test the G-sensor functionality and ensure it is working correctly:
Power on the dash cam and start recording.
Simulate an impact by gently tapping the camera. This should trigger the creation of a protected file.
If no protected file is created, increase the G-sensor sensitivity in the settings and repeat the test.- Sensitivity can be adjusted either via the dash cam settings menu or through the Nextbase App.- Low: Reduces the likelihood of creating protected files from minor bumps or vibrations.
Medium: Balances sensitivity for typical driving conditions.
High: Increases sensitivity to capture smaller impacts, suitable for larger or less responsive vehicles.
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
If your SD card becomes cluttered with too many protected files, consider formatting it in the Dash Cam to free up space and maintain optimal performance.
For optimal performance, format your SD card every 3–4 weeks or more frequently if 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
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.- For larger vehicles: Use a higher sensitivity setting to ensure smaller bumps are detected.
For smoother roads: Lower the sensitivity to avoid excessive protected files.
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