Should I format my SD card?
Yes, you should format regularly using your Dash Cam's setup menu. For most users, do this every 2-3 weeks.
Heavy drivers (taxi or delivery) should format weekly to handle the extra stress from constant loop recording.
What does formatting do?
Formatting deletes all files from the SD card at once, clearing space and optimising the file system. Dash Cams continuously overwrite old footage, stressing the card far more than regular cameras do. It allows a Nextbase high-endurance card to last the lifespan we would expect of 2 years.
Why format regularly?
Loop recording causes heavy wear through endless write/overwrite cycles. Without formatting, non-specialised cards fail quickly. Even Nextbase high-endurance cards benefit from regular maintenance.
What happens if I skip formatting?
Common issues include:
SD card error messages
Recording failures (manual or automatic)
Device freezing
Gaps in footage
Corrupted/unplayable files
Startup/shutdown problems
Unresponsive buttons
How to format
Open Setup menu on your Dash Cam
Select Format SD card or Erase SD Card (depending on model)
Confirm
For model-specific steps, download your user manual from the Nextbase support section.
Extra tips
Always download important footage first
Use 32GB+ Nextbase high-endurance cards
Format new cards in the Dash Cam before first use
Troubleshooting
If you get an SD card, format immediately; replace if the issue persists
If the SD Card will not format using the camera, remove the SD card, format on PC, reinsert into the camera