When this applies
Use this article when connecting a 385GWX or 385GW Dash Cam to the Nextbase App, or when the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection is not working correctly.
The MyNextbase Connect app is not compatible with the 385GW or 385GWX. Use the Nextbase App instead.
Process / information
Before you start
Make sure your Dash Cam is powered on using the supplied power cable.
Insert a compatible SD card into the Dash Cam.
Install the Nextbase App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Avoid using a PC or computer for power during pairing. Use a car power adapter or mains power instead.
Set up the Nextbase App
Open the Nextbase App on your phone.
Create your account, or sign in if you already have one.
When asked which Dash Cam to set up, choose 385.
Allow all requested permissions, including:
Bluetooth
Notifications
Location and Location Services
Local Network / Nearby Devices, if shown.
If you have previously connected a Dash Cam, tap the + icon in the app to add a different Dash Cam.
If permissions are denied, some features in the app will not work correctly.
Enter pairing mode on the 385
Make sure your 385 Dash Cam is powered on and the SD card is inserted.
Press and hold the Protect button on the Dash Cam for about 5 seconds.
When the Dash Cam LED flashes blue, release the Protect button.
The Dash Cam is now in pairing mode.
If you are struggling to find the triangle on your Dash Cam, watch the clip below.
Pair the Dash Cam with your phone
The Nextbase App will search for your Dash Cam. This can take up to 2 minutes.
Ensure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone settings.
In the app, wait for your Dash Cam to appear in the list.
Check that the serial number shown in the app matches the serial number on your 385 Dash Cam.
Tap your Dash Cam in the list to connect.
Extra step for iPhone / iPad
The Dash Cam will appear in the Select an Accessory window after up to 2 minutes.
Tap the Dash Cam name when it appears to continue pairing.
Confirm the pairing
A pairing request will appear on both your phone and the Dash Cam screen.
Confirm that the codes match.
Tap Pair on your phone and confirm on the Dash Cam.
When pairing is complete, the app will show Connected via Bluetooth.
Connect to the Dash Cam over Wi-Fi
You need a Wi-Fi connection to:
View and download footage in the app.
Edit Dash Cam settings.
Use features such as Guardian Mode Lite.
Stream live video using Live View.
The Dash Cam records normally without needing a Wi-Fi connection for everyday use.
The Wi-Fi connection is local only and does not support remote access to the Dash Cam.
The app creates a direct high-speed Wi-Fi connection between your Dash Cam and your phone. This allows Live View and video transfers to work without your home Wi-Fi or mobile internet.
Disconnect your phone from other Wi-Fi networks, including home, work or in-car networks, to establish a stable connection.
The connection is short-range and does not provide remote access to the Dash Cam or its footage.
To use the Dash Cam Library:
Make sure you have completed Bluetooth pairing.
Open the Nextbase App.
Go to the Library tab.
The app will try to connect to your Dash Cam via Wi-Fi.
You should see Syncing files or Wi-Fi connection in progress on the screen.
When the connection is successful, video thumbnails will start to load in the Library.
If Wi-Fi is not connecting or is slow
If you do not see a syncing message, or the connection takes a long time:
Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on in your phone settings.
Disconnect or temporarily forget other Wi-Fi networks to prevent automatic reconnection.
If your phone warns that there is no internet, choose to stay connected. This is normal for the Dash Cam network.
Turn off any VPN running on your phone.
Turn off automatic Wi-Fi reconnection.
If your vehicle has Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, disconnect your phone from it while connecting to the Dash Cam.
Check that all app permissions are allowed.
Go to Settings → Apps → Nextbase App → Permissions and turn them all on.
Restart the Nextbase App and try again after a minute.
Test Live View in different locations to rule out local network issues.
Forget the Dash Cam's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth entries in your phone settings and reconnect.
Turn on Airplane Mode, then manually re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Temporarily disable mobile/cellular data and Wi-Fi Assist/Smart Network Switching.
Fully close the app, remove it from recent apps, and reopen it while connected to the Dash Cam's Wi-Fi.
Confirm the SD card is properly formatted and compatible.
Check the Dash Cam firmware and update if necessary.
When a successful Wi-Fi connection is made, the thumbnails of your recordings will appear in the Library.
How Live View works
When you activate Live View in the Nextbase App:
The Dash Cam creates its own Wi-Fi network.
Your phone connects directly to this network, even without regular Wi-Fi or mobile internet.
The live video stream is sent from the Dash Cam to your phone over this direct Wi-Fi connection.
Live View requires you to be physically near the Dash Cam because the connection is short-range.
Manually connect to the Dash Cam Wi-Fi network
If the Nextbase App and Dash Cam cannot create a Wi-Fi connection, you will see a Wi-Fi connection failed screen in the app.
On the Wi-Fi failed screen, copy the Dash Cam Wi-Fi password to your phone's clipboard.
Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings.
Find the Dash Cam Wi-Fi network name in the list.
Tap the network and paste or enter the password.
Once connected, return to the Nextbase App and open Library again.
Dash Cam not found in the app
Check that Bluetooth is turned on.
Confirm the Dash Cam is in pairing mode and the blue light is flashing.
Move your phone closer to the Dash Cam.
Restart the phone and the Dash Cam, then reconnect.
Wi-Fi drops or keeps switching back to home Wi-Fi
Turn off automatic reconnection to your usual Wi-Fi network while using the Dash Cam.
What to expect
When Bluetooth pairing is successful, the Nextbase App will show Connected via Bluetooth.
When the Wi-Fi connection is successful, your recording thumbnails will appear in the Library.
Still need help?
If you cannot pair your 385 Dash Cam or are still unable to connect via Wi-Fi, contact customer support.