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What to do if your Camera doesn't Power on

This article shows you how to troubleshoot when your Dash Cam won't turn on, covers resetting the device and testing SD card/power supply issues, and provides tips and troubleshooting steps if the problem persists after basic fixes.

Updated over a week ago

Basic reset steps

If your Dash Cam isn't turning on, follow these steps in order:

  1. Unplug the power supply and rear camera (if applicable).

  2. Remove the SD card from the Dash Cam.

  3. Plug the power supply back into the Dash Cam.

  4. Press the reset button on the bottom of the device.

  5. If using a rear camera module, unplug it before pressing the reset button. Rear cameras can draw additional power, which may affect the reset process.

The camera should now turn on.

Why does this happen?

Most common causes:

  • SD card problems: SD card may need formatting, is incompatible, or has failed

  • Power supply issues: Not enough power through cable

  • Overheating or temporary glitch: Reset clears these

  • SD card compatibility: Ensure the SD card meets U1 or U3 speed ratings and capacity limits.

What do I do if my camera works without SD card?

  1. Format the SD card on a computer (FAT32 format).

  2. Test in Dash Cam if issues persist, replace it with Nextbase branded high-endurance SD card.

  3. Ensure the SD card is formatted to FAT32 and meets the required specifications, such as U1 or U3 speed ratings and appropriate capacity for your model.

What do I do if my problem occurs without SD card?

  • Try a different power supply or 12V socket.

  • Test with another USB cable if using USB power.

  • Confirm power supply provides enough current (at least 2A for most models).

  • Use a direct power connection by plugging the cable directly into the dash cam, bypassing the mount, to rule out connection issues.

  • Test the dash cam indoors using the included USB cable and a phone charger to identify if the issue is related to the vehicle's power supply.

Extra tips

  • Always remove SD card before reset, it's the most common fix.

  • Use Nextbase-branded SD cards and power adapters for guaranteed compatibility.

  • Keep power cable connections clean and secure.

  • Test power supply with another device (phone charger) first.

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