When does this apply?
This article applies to all Wi-Fi-enabled Nextbase dash cams, excluding the Nextbase iQ.
Use this guidance if you experience:
Difficulty connecting your dash cam to the Nextbase app.
Wi-Fi connections that repeatedly disconnect.
Connection failures during footage downloads or firmware updates.
A "No Internet" warning when connecting to your dash cam.
Process
Step 1: Check VPN and antivirus applications
VPN and certain antivirus applications can interfere with the connection between your phone and dash cam.
Common examples include:
Norton VPN
ExpressVPN
Other VPN or security applications
What to do:
Open your phone's settings.
Check whether a VPN or security application is active.
Temporarily disable the VPN or any network filtering features.
Reopen the Nextbase app and attempt to reconnect.
Note: You do not normally need to uninstall these applications. Temporarily disabling them should be sufficient for troubleshooting.
Step 2: Check Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can automatically reconnect to your vehicle, interrupting the connection to your dash cam.
What to do:
Disconnect your phone from Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Open your phone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings.
Temporarily disable automatic reconnection to your vehicle where supported.
Attempt to reconnect your dash cam through the Nextbase app.
Note: Your vehicle may automatically reconnect when you restart the car. You may need to repeat this step when troubleshooting.
Step 3: Check adaptive Wi-Fi and saved networks
Some phones automatically switch between available Wi-Fi networks or mobile data when they detect a connection without internet access.
This can interrupt the connection to your dash cam.
What to do:
Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings.
Disconnect from your home or other saved Wi-Fi networks.
Temporarily disable settings such as Adaptive Wi-Fi, Smart Network Switch or automatic network switching, where available.
Reconnect your dash cam through the Nextbase app.
Google Pixel users: Disconnect from your home Wi-Fi before attempting to connect to the dash cam.
Step 4: Check app permissions
The Nextbase app requires certain phone permissions to communicate with your dash cam.
Depending on your device and operating system, these may include:
Location: Allows the app to discover nearby devices where required.
Nearby Devices: Allows compatible Android devices to detect and connect to the dash cam.
Local Network: Allows compatible iPhones to communicate with devices on the local network.
What to do:
Open your phone's Settings.
Navigate to Apps and select the relevant Nextbase app.
Open Permissions or the available app settings.
Enable the relevant permissions.
Reopen the app and attempt to reconnect.
Note: Available permissions vary between Android and iOS devices. Not every permission will appear on every phone.
Step 5: Understand the "No Internet" message
During firmware updates or footage downloads, your phone may display a "No Internet" warning.
This is expected behaviour.
Your dash cam creates its own local Wi-Fi network to communicate with your phone. This network does not provide internet access.
What to do:
Remain connected to the dash cam's Wi-Fi network.
If your phone asks whether to disconnect or remain connected, select Stay Connected or the equivalent option.
Return to the Nextbase app and continue your download or connection process.
If the connection drops when downloading multiple recordings, try downloading fewer clips at a time.
What to expect
Once interfering connections, settings or applications have been addressed, your phone should be able to establish a more stable Wi-Fi connection with your dash cam.
You should then be able to access compatible features within the Nextbase app, including viewing and downloading footage.
Still need help?
If you have completed these steps and your dash cam still cannot connect:
Restart your phone and dash cam.
Confirm that you are using the correct Nextbase app for your dash cam model.
Attempt the connection again.
If the issue continues, contact Nextbase Support with your dash cam model, phone model, operating system and a description of the connection issue.
The Nextbase Support team can help investigate further.