Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 & Dongar Technologies Adapter review: the most discreet dash cam setup ever!

[@jeffrielley920]

Always run your windshield wipers before mounting a dashcam to see where the blades reach. You want to be able to mount it where the blade cleans the windshield. Too high up and and it's always behind dirty glass.

His is actually recording the base of the mirror, so yeah. Some recording tests before sticking it are always a good idea.

[@TobyCostaRica]

I have found under the OEM safety cameras is best. The lens is shaded, very discreet, and safe from heat if using a sunshade. If you mount it high enough you can block out the top 1/3 of the lens for better exposure. Driving into the sun won’t blow out the footage. The lenses are so wide, no need to record anything above the street level

[@tun-tunninc.6492]

Clever...

[@ryanmalone2681]

Good advice.

[@luckycatnip3667]

Thank you I'll remember this

[@cysix4939]

Blows my mind that in 2021, car manufactures aren't either providing recording capability for built in front and rear cameras or providing a USB port at the mirror. Folks would be willing to pay good $ for those as options.

[@StinkyPony34]

Good point. You’d think at least dealerships would offer it as an add on for extra $$

[@djw1091994]

Tesla does but that's the only manufacturer I know of. I had to use a dongar basic dongle and manually wire it into my mirror.

[@youwebz]

Mercedes and Tesla do.

[@josephvallejo2094]

Insurance companies dont want that because they enjoy denying claims

[@procekim]

no chips

[@boedillard8807]

This is a very helpful review. I hope they come out with something about the same size but with much higher quality image detail so it is easy to make out license plates.

[@ClownOnVacation]

Great personal review! Good audio, everything we needed to know. Thanks for showing the user interface on the app.

[@juan1170]

Don’t forget to mention that they sell a parking wiring kit to record when parked and also a polarized lens for better and clear recording.

[@kaceeboxers3580]

Fabulous video, from a very non technical person. Easy to follow, I now know what I need to purchase to connect my Garmin mini to my electric mirror, which SIM card to purchase and which app to install. I am also very impressed with how you filmed and installed the dash cam with just two hands. 😀 thanks so much!

[@eightysixdetective3312]

That adapter was more interesting than the dash cam :)

[@RS_]

true. The camera itself is meh.. not even 60 fps?! No chance of reading number plates of mooving cars... 60fps should be minimum with 1080p...

[@christianmiller6046]

That’s what I was worried about but I watched some videos on reviews and you can read plates just fine

[@RS_]

@@christianmiller6046 have you tried to read the number plates when a car coming towards you quite fast. Or moves from left to right across the screen? This is the problem usually . I haven't yet seen a 60fps camera that does that . Sometimes - yes, but not all the time. It depends on lighting ,speed ets. But if a car overtakes you and moving in the same direction,then yes you can always read it

[@mauricemotors8207]

@@RS_ Just get behind them if you can if they hit you then back off

[@johncaban4310]

Purchased it today. Thanks for making my buying decision so easy. Love the adapter so I didn't have to take part of my plastic trim off to run a wire. Bought the package deal.

[@mie-]

Do you use it with iPhone or Android? Having an issue with iPhone (2 bluetooth connections with the same camera) is that normal? :S

[@johncaban4310]

@@mie- use android. no issues yet.

[@MrJose021292]

How’s the adhesive holding up I got a Nexar cam and the suction mount it comes with is garbage

[@johncaban4310]

@@MrJose021292 no issues at all with the adhesive. I have this in direct sunlight and it hasn't come loose at all. I have to admit this little mini cam is one of the better investments I've done.

[@MrJose021292]

@@johncaban4310 oh sweet idk if it’s the flat windshield. I have a Tacoma. You placed it on those little black dots or no?

[@tun-tunninc.6492]

Damn. That looks really good!! Great job.

[@micheljalbert6106]

Have installed my garmin 57 with the dongar adapter in my Subaru. Working fine😊

[@GR018]

Best Garmin 2 mini video tutorial yet. 👌

[@ajojoseph6052]

The dongar is a big save. Very nice and discreet install

[@chrisdc3917]

Finally! A setup that I love!

[@ldc89]

Same! Something I’d actually put in my vehicle

[@arjun305arjun305]

one of the best videos I’m so glad you showed me a shortcut to install

[@stevenpeltier1376]

Ordered for my nephew for his birthday. The low price and compact size were two selling features. It will be delivered in five days.

[@operationhotshotinc.6887]

Love that they use the power from the rear view mirror No more long wires

[@janeberthet962]

Garmin sells a $19.99 Polarized Filter to place on the lens to increase video clarity and reduce windshield reflections (Check accessories)

[@Shad0wC0mpany2]

Thank you for that information.

[@ebusdk]

Great video, and thanks for the tip about the adapter

[@jeffreyhill3960]

When will auto manufacturers realize that products of all kinds are on your windshield that need power. Ports are a no brainer above the mirror.

[@richardowens9061]

When will manufacturers realize that a dash cam is a good idea for ALL cars and start including them built into the rearview mirror as a standard or optional feature?

[@Mrchubakkaa]

@@richardowens9061 yep instead of 12" useless screens

[@jeremywhitesell2688]

Most new vehicles have a camera on the windsheild but not for this purpose. Should have a multipurpose camera on there and a hard drive to store the video. The radio has a hard drive.

[@BigTwitchy]

Skoda offers a USB power port on the rear-view mirror as an extra. Hopefully the rest of the VWAG will follow suit. And BMW will let you use the cameras from the diverse assistants as a dashcam, but also at an extra cost.

[@jg1503]

I mean just a simple removable garbage can would be great too.

[@matthewmcbride1379]

Good video, it gave me enough info to be an informed customer. I think I will pick a product that doesn't require an account, or need cloud storage. Thanks.

[@numerical968]

Nice video and slick installation!

[@resipsa8343]

Great, no nonsense review! On my shopping list! Thank you…

[@Briannafrancis-e9g]

Hope you didn’t buy it! I did and it overheated..I took it back for my refund

[@a.c.e.7568]

I have the original Garmin Dash Cam Mini and for my use, I love it for the ultra not-in-your-face size. I have seen that adapter before on another YT site, but talk about crude. I ordered a few 12VDC to USB boards for about a buck each and will install it within the plastic housing at my rear view mirror on my Acura and then run a foot-long cable to the Garmin. I'll be buying another two of these cameras for my other car. Great little unit!

[@MPGunther1]

Just installed mine and really like it, Nice tutorial

[@patriotone755]

I bought this DC and like it so far. The Dongar adapter makes for a seamless install. I would reccoemd this product.

[@MrThewhip333]

Bought for our vehicles on Amazon for not much money, and fantastic video. Front and rear records and backup to deck I can put my trailer ball right inside the tongue

[@sambam4110]

THANK YOU. You covered exactly what I wanted to know. How to turn/leave on the audio. Could not find that elsewhere. I added the Mini 2. to the passenger side corner of my Tesla. I it points across the cabin and driver to include the driver side window. Want to make sure video and audio for those traffic stops and reduce the chances of police "misunderstandings" with what we say to each other. Already had two Blackvue 2 channel dash cams covering front, rear, left, right sides and that does not include the Tesla internal dash cam features. Can't have too much dash cams.

[@masonpelchat2020]

Why be rude

[@masonpelchat2020]

@dementor you don’t make sense

[@JohnLee1988]

Nice video, i ordered the same setup, just got here today!

[@Honestandtruth007]

WOW....😱 That's Amazing 🤩👍

[@ryanmalone2681]

That adhesive, versus a suction cup, will be a problem in hot climates. In Tennessee, that shiznit will melt, no doubt.

[@ScottGrammer]

It might melt, but it also might turn into a never-removable, permanent part of your windshield. In either case, a suction cup would be better.

[@simonrichards5430]

VERY Slick setup!!! Nicely done!!

[@maxmoud_dhuux]

Wow thats was very easy, thank you

[@wilfredprins9718]

If someone drives into your car while parked its not recording with this power supply setup. Its nice while drive but a constant power supply be nicer. Maybe tap in to the reading lights

[@FrameCounting]

Super clean setup!

[@robneil8284]

Very good helpful review - no waffle. Thank you.

[@marcelcovaci9922]

I always wondered why there are so many dash cam brands but none of the big boys( Samsung, sony, etc)

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Chinese tech got them first. JVC and Pioneer do sell them.

[@VidClips858]

In some area you can't use the crash detection feature because the roads are so filled with potholes it saves almost every minute of video.

[@anthonygallo3576]

Great idea, and that the way im gonna do my install but you shoukd let the viewers know , you will not be able to use the parking mode feature as the cam will not have a constant source of power when the car is off. Garmin sells a parking mode cable for this perpose

[@techsocial626]

Nice video. Would like to see a review on the over heating issue the prior model has.

[@Sashazur]

Me too since I just bought a Garmin- refurbished original mini on eBay.

[@aarongranger]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIi0eZuum7irgac

[@myronvenero9371]

😀thanks, much needed!

[@jongib6096]

Good review. Do you have to pay a monthly subscription to Garmin?

[@shamrockfile]

It would be great if it was dual front/rear Can’t wait for the day new cars are equipped with dash cams and can be accessible through your dashboard control monitor.

[@mdshovel]

You can put a second at the rear and power back there. They connect together by wifi and on the App which can handle 4 cameras and present picture-in-picture

[@Annie-zf7xi]

Great review, informative and short. 👍👍👍👍👍😀

[@KineticEV]

I like how small and discrete it is. My only complaint is that for the price it's lacking GPS. I have a Papago 260. It's a rear view mirror that fits over your existing mirror. It has a video screen but it to the far right of the mirror so it's not in your way like some of the other brands where the screen is far left or center where it obstructs your rear view. It has the long power cord and a port for their GPS adapter. I ran both cords up and tucked them in the head liner. I ran the power cable in the plastic door frame and it plugs right into my DC outlet. I ran the GPS the same excerpt it sits on my dash and you don't even notice it. It has the same specs as this garmin but it has GPS. What that does is record your speed. So if you know you're going the speed limit an an officer claims you weren't then you'll have video evidence with speed of your drive. Now, unfortunately they don't make the Papago 260 anymore but you can find them sometimes new on eBay or when you're looking for a dash cam just make sure that brand has GPS. I have one in my car and recently found a brand new one on ebay for a second car I plan to buy next year. If GPS is not important to you then I think this garmin mini 2 is one of the smallest and less intensive and less obvious looking units out there and you should definitely get it.

[@KineticEV]

I like how small and discrete it is. My only complaint is that for the price it's lacking GPS. I have a Papago 260. It's a rear view mirror that fits over your existing mirror. It has a video screen but it to the far right ofbthe mirror so it's not in your way like some of the other brands where the screen is far left or center where it obstructs your rear view. It has the long power cord and a port for their GPS adapter. I ran both cords up and tucked them in the head liner. I ran the power cable in the plastic door frame and plugs ring into my DC outlet. I ran the GPS the same excerpt it sits on my dash and you don't even notice it. It has the same specs as this garmin but it has GPS. What that does is record tour speed. So if you know you're going the speed limit an an officer claims you were you'll have video evidence with speed of your drive. Now, unfortunately they don't make the Papago 260 anymore but you can find them sometimes new on eBay or when you're looking for a dash cam just make sure that brand has GPS. If GPS is not important to you then I think this garmin mini 2 is one of the smallest and less intensive and less obvious looking units out there and you should definitely get it.

[@fabianchaparro7638]

Wow amazing. Thanks

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Garmin 2 app support one more rear dash cam. JVC Sony Pioneer Panasonics head unit support 4 camera or 360.

[@75Built]

Wondering if you want ignition off power - you could hook up a small battery pack up there in line at the mirror to feed a few hours of battery power, then when recharges with ignition.

[@juancarlosmora9922]

Would be nice to have one camera facing the driver as well could come in handy

[@arthurreich9032]

I enjoyed the thorough presentation. Very helpfull. Did you install one in the rear window? Thanks.

[@cesar0684]

Great info! Thank you for sharing!

[@masmik70]

Just an FYI, I tried to use the dongar tech adapter in my 04 Acura TL and although the connector fits into the map light assembly of my TL the adapter didn't work. It made my sunroof not function correctly so unless you have the connector coming right out of the rearview mirror, it probably won't work on you honda/acura. I ended up just using the long cable to my cigarette lighter. I really like the functionality of the Garmin app. I installed a Azdome M550 in my wife's car and the app functionality is a little bit more cumbersome as you have to press buttons on the camera to enable wifi and view or download videos to your phone. The Garmin app connects without touching anything but one button on the app. So much easier and although the wifi download is slow, it seems faster than the Azdome wifi download. Anyway just my 2 cents...

[@WilliamWallis]

Solid review. Very informative.

[@toyotaman29]

Great review…

[@jamescathcart1067]

Like your video, excellently done

[@electropalsceo]

You can record police stops as well

[@motodxb]

Nice review thanks man

[@everythingtruking7242]

Good video. Thank you for info

[@tracedehaven2190]

I believe the button to turn off the audio is also a legal feature because in some states it is illegal to record a conversation without the permission of others. This is a holdover from the days of landline technology, and I don't think it has been tested in the courts as applies to traffic stops, but it's something to be aware of.

[@JohnDoe-bd5sz]

The problem though is, it does not really turn off he microphone, or else it would not be possible to ask it to turn on the microphone.

[@mb106429]

In my car I have whatever recording I want running Yr mobile phone mic is accessible anytime to anyone who can access the data from your device anyway, without your permission

[@PLAZALOT58]

Just got my Mini2 yesterday. After downloading app i tried for over an hour and I was able to get it to connect only twice for live viewing to the app. The camera is extremely hot to the touch. Great concept and design is exactly what I needed but if it doesn’t work any better than this it is practically useless. I’m going to try again today but if no better I guess I’ll return it. Very disappointed !

[@mie-]

Did you returned it?

[@PLAZALOT58]

@@mie- I did return it although I was very tempted to keep it. After trying it a few days it would connect more easily to the app. Not sure what made the difference. The main issue for me was how hot it became during use. I called Garmin they said that was normal which I thought was strange. On a positive their customer service was outstanding. When I called I got a recording that said they would call me back in a certain time frame and they did. Also their rep was stateside and was very helpful. He emailed me some info about preferred SD cards. It’s really a cool dashcam and the video quality is more than acceptable. Hey give it a try you can always return it . I think I will get the Viofo duo pro . Hope this helps.

[@aluisious]

@@PLAZALOT58 Lots of electronics are fine operating at 90C. Just because you think it's hot doesn't mean that much.

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Best for me 3 yrs and going.

[@ScotmanUK2000]

Nice small camera but one bug bear is there's no convenient way of removing the camera when parked up. Thieves could smash your car and steal it.

[@CinHalCedHerChance]

If they want to break into your car they will, for anything really... These days they'll aunt there might be a smartphone on your car too I thought the same about my camera but no problems. Edit - you can always buy an adhesive on one side with a magnet on the other and use that to attach and detach the camera. 🤙

[@bentumbling1123]

not most vehicle have auto dimming mirror, it does not come standard to all trim, mostly in higher trim.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Do you have to pay for the Garmin online account, or do you just pay for the camera?

[@kanevtc]

Only for the cam

[@eric_blouin]

I have a Honda Pilot 2019 with Dongar adapter on my rear-view mirror with garage door and dimming button. I have two dash cams mini 2, one plug in my Dongar rear view mirror adaptor and the other one in the 12V socket in trunk. I had so much issue with battery dying... Since my battery was 2-3 years old… I changed my battery with an Optima Yellowtop 800CCA (400$). Few weeks after battery was always discharged… Always died and needed to boost my car. Finally brought it to Honda did a parasite test, when the unplug the dash cam mini's, parasite seemed to disappear. Installed another battery (Legend Premium AGM 600$) and I have unplugged my dash cam’s. Since no issue. Will have to figure out another way to supply cam with a 12V cut-off kit or something…

[@matthewcamacho6176]

I have a 2020 Honda Pilot and looking to get the Dongar adaptor. Have you found any other solutions to avoid having to use the long wires. Let me know. Thanks in advance!

[@KGB1965722]

Cool! Thanks

[@StayConnectedEV]

Can you shut those lights off?

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Yes

[@bobB24-_..]

Right.... All the comments are good.... That, why don't the car manufacturer haven't come up with power supply near dash cam or radar. Rather then always run down to power supply. Then see cords. I like to hide my cords

[@tranfamily35]

will this setup drain the battery when using the parking mode?

[@PrisonJunky]

wish my 2021 Trailblazer had a power access behind its RVM

[@methosmomomax7470]

The problem with that adapter is the camera does not record with the car turned off. So, if you get hit in the parking lot the camera will not record due to the unit was powerless to do so.

[@ko.kurt2024]

For that reason I use Amazon’s GoPro like 4k action cameras for up to $50 and can record even after switching off your car via the cigarette lighter. What is the point using that adapter on the mirror, quite ugly and mirror is switched off also. Save your money get a 4K $50 actioncam and hide the cables around the corners. Donger Tech is pretty ugly piece of kit indeed. Not for me.

[@FatJoesSon]

@@ko.kurt2024 mirror is actually on, electricity is being fed to it directly, along with whatever is connected to the adaptor via USB.

[@hammyhadwin2186]

Thanks for sharing this useful video! Just wondering where I can get dash cam adapter for Mini Cooper 2015?

[@seethebutter]

Thanks

[@michaeldehart648]

In addition to front and rear camera (there are already backup cams) why isn't there a HUD in modern vehicles? Speed, compass, fuel, for example would keep eyes outside more.

[@vrich3733]

Leave the audio rec on. My friend had a road rage incident where no vid was seen because it happened at the side window but the voice was recorded. The guy took his plate and called the cops and said he was threatened with a gun which never happened and he was able to prove that with the voice recording.

[@mdc9518]

Is that a short Garmin cable from the GPS to the Dongar adapter? I thought Garmin didn’t support after market cables

[@steve293]

What car is that. Love the interior

[@hospothurbano758]

Great video, Got a link for the adapter?

[@easymemesniper]

dongar.tech/pages/honda

[@jt19767171]

Where do you get the adapter from?

[@tedinvt4631]

Good video. Our 2019 RAV4 has slightly raised black dots. Does placing the mount over slightly raised black dots hold up well in hot weather or does the mount fall off?

[@karenvanderwall6684]

Has there been any issues of drainage of car batteries. Do you have to remove at the end of the day. I’m not tech savvy. Or could tell that from my question

[@easymemesniper]

With this exact setup, no, because the camera turns off when the car is turned off

[@tigerrx7]

It uses the Nonvolatile memory concept. The issue is though, if the impact causes the power cord to detach simultaneously so the evidence doesn’t get a chance to auto save. As we get more advanced connectivity (IoT), this thing needs to be streaming to the cloud in real time.

[@CaseyDarwin]

It has a super capacitor that allows it to shutdown gracefully when the power is cut

[@aluisious]

That's not how saving video works.

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

No rocket science here but it will record anything before the power is cut

[@KalsadaEuropa]

Thats nice review. Planning to get one. New friend here. Tnx

[@bendesousa4629]

Do you have to turn off the microphone every time you start the car? Or does it remember its last position?

[@lavy1513]

Does it still overheat?

[@narutobroken]

The old one was a pos and always overheated

[@chrisharte1842]

Did the very short USB to micro cable come with the adapter? The Garman website lists A 13 foot and 5 foot cable they come with their dash cam great video by the way thank you

[@anishkurian6132]

I have the same question. Following

[@brixan...]

It comes with the adapter

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Yes with the adapter

[@vinceowen752]

Love your vid can not find the Donger in the uk 🙄

[@ronburton7611]

thank you for the review. Does the garmin app/ account cost anything to use??

[@eke3]

Basic version is free. It offers 24h free cloud

[@alleycat19897]

I missed the gps coordinates and speed stamps on the movie.

[@abdia3364]

Hi! Thanks for the brilliant video, will the dash cam be recording while the car is off?

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

No

[@dan23haslin25]

any idea why the app taking so long to preview your recorded video ?? sometimes it won't work at all. thank you

[@totoroutes5389]

How to deactivate the beeping sound of that Garmin dash cam?

[@igorbazhenov1115]

Turn OFF - not available --------- just open device and take off (beep) This sound making me nervous.........................................

[@JavierGuzman-cs2lg]

You can use the parking guard option with this setup?

[@yenghooitan5666]

One of the drawbacks regarding Garmin dash cams is that there isn't an option for rear facing camera as well. Is there any workaround you are aware of?

[@easymemesniper]

If I really want to use a Garmin in the rear I'd just find a really long hardwire kit and connect it to the fuse box. I don't have any particular loyalty to Garmin though and would choose a dedicated 2 ch camera front+rear camera.

[@yenghooitan5666]

@@easymemesniper which 2 channel dash cam would you choose? I'm currently looking at options such as the thinkware u1000 and the vofio a129 pro duo. Price wise they are very different so I'm still trying to wrap my head around which ones are the better value for money

[@glen8449]

How much is the Garmin vault....$.....? Thanks great video. That snall Garmin does ALL yiu need it to do. Question though, to put a rear cam in, how do you get power for that?

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

rear power socket

[@harisbaig8701]

what alternative options are there for cars who dont have mirror adapter.

[@boston05011]

How would I need it to stay powered on continuously

[@matthewnelson1372]

With audio off, it still worked with "ok Garmin".

[@toti33271]

Hello friend, how many hours of video can fit in that 32GB memory?

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

10mb for 1 second

[@deec9502]

Nice video. I'm looking to do this exact installation in my car so it does help, thank you. Has there been any update for improvement to the camera since using it and do you have to pay to use the Garmin vault app?

[@NeilSmithMusic]

I want the adapter! Couldn't care less about that Dashcam that doesn't record insure the cab. I'm on your site trying to figure out which one is compatible with a 2012 chrysler town and country. My manufacturer is not one of the ones listed.