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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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!

[@micheljalbert6106]

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

[@tun-tunninc.6492]

Damn. That looks really good!! Great job.

[@GR018]

Best Garmin 2 mini video tutorial yet. 👌

[@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.

[@tranfamily35]

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

[@arjun305arjun305]

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

[@patriotone755]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@BruceLlE]

I almost returned my Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 because I had issues (1) pairing up the dash cam to the Garmin Drive App and (2) the app would constantly disconnect from the dash cam. I was able to seamlessly pair up the dash cam to the drive app by connecting the dash cam to a power outlet instead of a laptop. The laptop doesn’t have enough power to sync the dash cam to the drive app. Once I was able to pair up the dash cam and the drive app, I installed the dash cam to my vehicle. The second issue I had was the dash cam constantly getting disconnected from the drive app because of wireless CarPlay. In order to prevent this from happening, CarPlay needs to be turned off on your phone before accessing your drive app. I’m loving my Garmin Mini 2 now that it’s working how it’s supposed to.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@CASANOVAPRO1985]

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

[@numerical968]

Nice video and slick installation!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@ajojoseph6052]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@ebusdk]

Great video, and thanks for the tip about the adapter

[@mdc9518]

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

[@dan23haslin25]

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

[@resipsa8343]

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

[@JustBeYouooh]

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

[@StayConnectedEV]

Can you shut those lights off?

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Yes

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

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

[@chrisdc3917]

Finally! A setup that I love!

[@ldc89]

Same! Something I’d actually put in my vehicle

[@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

[@JohnLee1988]

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

[@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

[@toti33271]

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

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

10mb for 1 second

[@Pushyhog]

can u do it all with no pc? iphone only people.

[@jt19767171]

Where do you get the adapter from?

[@misaelortega653]

4:16 how much time beforehand does it record

[@harisbaig8701]

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

[@boston05011]

How would I need it to stay powered on continuously

[@simonrichards5430]

VERY Slick setup!!! Nicely done!!

[@KBL-MOTORENCARS]

Hey ik heb een vraagje ik heb de zelfde dashcam gekocht. En een voeding kabel gekocht vanaf de OBD poort naar de camera. Nu is mijn vraag als ik auto uit zet blijft die filmen best wel tijdje filmt sie de hele 24 uur door? Of hoe kan je hem instellen op bewakings of parkeer stand

[@MPGunther1]

Just installed mine and really like it, Nice tutorial

[@jt19767171]

I can not see the recordings on my phone unless i sit next to the dashcam, i have installed garmine drive, i was hoping i could see the recordings it has made when i have my phone in my house, but no

[@snowymidvale]

I was wondering does the Dongar adaptor provides power to the cam when the ignition is off specifically to run the Parking Modes feature on the camera?

[@gustavosanchez1155]

I have the exactly same question.

[@easymemesniper]

It does not because most cars don't have constant-on to their mirror, with the exception of garage door button mirrors. Also its not recommended unless you have a deep-cycle battery as OEM wet cell batteries will degrade in health even after a few discharge cycles.

[@thealyssa612]

Where can I purchase the donegal adapter, is there a list of vehicles compatible, how many pins does it have.

[@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?

[@tgilldesign]

Can you spec the short connection cable you used to connect the GARMIN MINI 2 to the Dongar Mirror Adaptor? thanks.

[@easymemesniper]

The Dongar adapters come with short 20cm or 50cm USB cables in the box, depending on the adapter

[@ZaMrAjA007]

Great video, but what if my car doesnt have that power mirror?

[@easymemesniper]

What vehicle do you have? There are different ways to tap into the power in the roof!

[@UbiqueOverland]

Do you know if they make the Dongar power adapter for the Mercedes Sprinter?

[@jamescathcart1067]

Hi watched your video, was wondering did you purchase them at Amazon and do you know if the Dongar technologies will work on 2009 Honda Civic SI 2009 mirror

[@Rossmelanson]

Who supplies the wire from the camera to the Dongar adapter, is it included with the camera or the Dondar, ( that would be nice to know..

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Yes

[@arthurreich9032]

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

[@AC-tn1cy]

Wonder what dongar I'd need for a Dongar adapter for a 2018 jeep wrangler jk unlimited 🤔 rear view mirror... Anyone out there attach one to yours? It has a 16 port that is on the right side if facing the mirror from front Left if looking at it from the back of mirror

[@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.

[@bendesousa4629]

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

[@JavierGuzman-cs2lg]

You can use the parking guard option with this setup?

[@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...

[@twinscrolled]

Do you know of any USB mirror adapters that will work on a BMW?

[@tranceman22]

The link for the Donager mirror power adapter doesn't seem to work.

[@firtina0140]

But it doesn’t record when the car at park so mirror adapter is not really useful because no power right?

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Yes

[@boston05011]

Now my review mirror always has a constant red light flashing for the alarm . Does that mean I could get constant power to the camera ?

[@easymemesniper]

Sounds like a BMW? Yeah in theory you can totally do that. In my opinion BMWs have very tricky electronics and interiors so it wouldn't be worth the effort versus doing it via a hardwire kit to the fusebox, which is well documented online

[@boston05011]

@@easymemesniper so yes a bmw. I was just not wanting to run any wiring thru the car .. do you think it might work ?

[@bobbonner9956]

I can't see any wires going to my mirror in a 2018 ram Laramie to hook up power to the mirror

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Trade it for a higher trim!

[@bobbonner9956]

I got a mini too from Amazon how do you start it it just sits here and blinks do I need to get a app on my phone or do I have to buy a tablet to plug the chip in to download whatever's on that little card

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

insert a memory card

[@tgilldesign]

Does the Dongar adapter work in 'Parking Mode' with the engine off... or only when the engine is started/running ? Thank you.

[@MyChino305]

Hello, what is the size of the power adapter you used to connect the dash cam to the dongar? Thank you for the video

[@robneil8284]

Very good helpful review - no waffle. Thank you.

[@Annie-zf7xi]

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

[@karenvanderwall6684]

Can this be removed so it can be redirected so to record if stop by a cop

[@easymemesniper]

It can swing around left and right on it's mounted position. Depending on how much extra slack you have on the USB cable will probably affect whether you can point it at the cop

[@electropalsceo]

You can record police stops as well

[@WNKS70]

Do we have to buy specific Dongar adapter for specific car brand and dash cam?

[@newyork2148]

Yes. For example I believe Honda and acura use 7 pin and other makes can use 10

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Yes and no

[@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.........................................

[@Flielow]

But can it record license plate numbers and withstand high summer months heat waves?!?!?

[@hammyhadwin2186]

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

[@reallyhappenings5597]

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

[@kanevtc]

Only for the cam

[@briangreene4277]

I have a 2020 Nissan Murano. will this simpleusb adapter 7-pin work for & sync for garmin tandem (front) & mini 2 (rear)

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

No

[@RogerJG21]

Question if I get in my car and drive around the block and come back to my house, how come I can only view what's in my Vault wile I'm in my car with the camera on, but turn off my car come in the house, open the app. click on Vault to view what I just recorded going around the Block. and it says Your Vault is empty. So you can only view what's in your vault if you in the car with the camera on

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

Only save clip will show in vault or you need to pay for.

[@newyork2148]

Does the parking collision detector work while being powered this way?

[@inkeyz8238]

How do I find out which adapter will work on a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica? On their website it just says Mopar but list 3 different options.

[@jongib6096]

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

[@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.

[@tibhen8473]

i would like a solution that includes the back as well... do you have any idea?

[@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.

[@bentumbling1123]

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

[@wmbrennan]

Can this be used on my Subaru Forester with eye sight?

[@christianmiller6046]

Didn’t think about it until watching your video but can you put a sun shade in the windshield with this thing mounted?

[@easymemesniper]

Probably not. I had a real nice fitted Covercraft sunshade in my other car that takes up every square inch of windshield. I think you'll have this problem with all dash cams except for maybe the rearview mirror-mounted ones.

[@Scherel]

Hows the adapter holding up? Ivevreqdcthey get hot and start smelling like burning wires andc messes up some of the controls on the dash

[@tedinvt4631]

Buy the Garmin Action Cam mount.

[@FrameCounting]

Super clean setup!

[@alleycat19897]

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

[@shaun159]

My car has a USB built in at the mirror does this camera come with a standard usb cable? good review thanks

[@easymemesniper]

The camera comes with a long cable. What car is this? I've never heard of a mirror with built-in USB!

[@shaun159]

@@easymemesniper Its the new MG ZS EV

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

No, buy your a correct one.

[@PuppyLover21]

Does anyone know if the adapter enables parking mode?

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

No

[@AndyTK421]

How has the camera stayed on the windshield being stuck on the dimpled shaded area of the windshield?

[@2148aa]

Sticky. Not suction cup. Question is can you move it??? Or do you use multiple sticky cups. Which might not be bad if they don't let go and are cheap.

[@geeked_up]

Does the time / date set automatically or do I need to install the app to set it?

[@Toldd1]

Any possible way to turn off that annoying beeping of the dash cam when you start the car?

[@TrungNguyen-ul8gm]

I like it also when it beep in other case.

[@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