The two adjustable voltage settings
SmartSense activation voltage - Decides when the iQ switches from security mode to full driving recording.
Low Power Cut‑off - Sets the voltage at which the iQ shuts down to protect your vehicle battery.
Both can be changed in the iQ Settings app, but large changes should be made only after checking your vehicle manual and battery health.
What is SmartSense activation voltage?
The default setting is 13v.
When the car’s voltage is 13v or above, the iQ enters Driving Mode and records as normal.
If the car’s voltage is below this threshold (typically around 12–13v), the iQ switches to SmartSense Parking Mode.
If this value is set too high or too low for your vehicle, the iQ may stay in parking mode while driving or not switch to parking mode when the engine is off.
What is Low Power Cut‑off?
The default Low Power Cut‑off is 12v.
If the car battery drops below this level, the iQ will shut down and stop drawing power to help protect your battery and prevent the car from failing to start.
You can adjust this value in the iQ app under iQ Settings → Low car battery mode → Low power cut‑off, but caution is advised and you should consult your vehicle manufacturer if you change it.
iQ power modes and voltage
Voltage | iQ mode | What happens |
13 V and above | Driving Mode | Car is running; iQ records continuously and responds to driving events like impacts or emergency stops. |
12–13 V | SmartSense Parking Mode | Engine is off; iQ uses radar and the G‑sensor to detect movement and only records when an event is detected. |
Below 12 V | Low Power Mode / shut down | iQ stops operating by default to protect the car battery; in some cases, it may briefly wake up via sensors if a threat is detected. |
Driving Mode is active when the engine is on and the voltage is high enough. SmartSense Parking Mode is used when the engine is off and voltage is between 12 V and 13 V. Below 12 V, Low Power Mode protects your battery by shutting the iQ down unless you have adjusted the cut‑off in the app
How to know if your voltage settings are wrong
If the iQ stays on and records while the car is off, the SmartSense activation voltage may be set too low.
If the iQ does not start recording when you turn the car on, this value may be too high.
If the iQ shuts down too early while parked, the Low Power Cut‑off may be set too high.
Always restart the iQ after changing these settings so the new thresholds take effect.
Troubleshooting
If your iQ does not enter SmartSense Parking Mode when you turn the engine off:
Check that SmartSense activation voltage is set to 13 V (default) and adjust in small steps of 0.1 V if needed.
Restart your iQ after changing the setting.
If your iQ stays in parking mode while you are driving:
Lower the SmartSense activation voltage slightly (for example by 0.1 V at a time) and test again.
This can be more common with some electric or hybrid vehicles, so you may need some trial and error.
If your iQ turns off too quickly when parked:
Check the Low Power Cut‑off level in the Low car battery mode settings.
If it is set higher than 12 V, consider lowering it slightly, while staying within your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you are unsure which values to use, do not make large changes. Check your vehicle manual, ask your vehicle manufacturer for guidance.