Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 | Everything You Wanted to Know

[@GearKnowHow]

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 ► amzn.to/3EmJMtT Dash Cam Power Adapter ► amzn.to/3tNegQQ SanDisk Extreme microSDXC Memory Card ► amzn.to/3u14Z8h Invisible Glass Cleaner ► amzn.to/3EKPjvZ

[@vvsK3]

do you have an updated link to the power adapter?

[@GearKnowHow]

@@vvsK3 amzn.to/3Z0PJGi

[@bethacombs1931]

Just ordered my first dash cam (single older lady) and got a refurbished one (to save money), and appreciated your install video. I just wanted one to save me from a brake check, or some other scam or bad driver.

[@aaronposteraro1986]

Dude this was the best review ever. I just got this same setup for my Tacoma because of you.

[@Donorcyclist]

My Dongar kit came with short leads that didn’t require use of any zip ties or farming cables. Very clean install. Maybe because I put it on the driver’s side versus passenger side.

[@jl8655]

Installed the mini 2 front and rear. After 2 years both stopped working just a few days past the 2 year warranty. I had a near miss so I checked the recorded videos, all were grainy and has either greenish/pink image. I've read a discussion having similar issue, they suggested to pry it open and tighten the T5 screws that fastens the camera lens. So I did and to my surprise it was working for a short while but when I installed it back to my car the problem reoccured. It has a small footprint but not having a screen means you can't have a quick look if it's still properly recording. The Garmin Drive app is rubbish when you try to connect it with your phone and generally doesn't work when Apple Carplay is connected. 2 mini's and 2 years later, dead.

[@tommyigoe3952]

Thank you, Got every in my family a Garmin Mini 2 for Christmas because just like you said, the roads are scary these days. Peace.

[@gusm6220]

Getting one, your excellent video was all the info I needed, thank you for taken the time. The Dongar adapter was just a great tip!

[@map19961]

Most overall informative video on the Mini 2 I've seen Thanks!

[@Nobluffbuff]

Outward facing cams are invaluable...take it from a truck driver! Nice presentation, sir.

[@nyrangerfan100]

looks like a cool camera. it really bothers me though, that the power cable they use is a 90* DOWN, when most people want this hard wired and as invisible as possible. the 90* should go UP toward the headliner where the cable is concealed...

[@GearKnowHow]

Agreed, but you can find aftermarket 90 degree cables I bet

[@gregmilner3300]

It comes with two cables. The short one orients down and the long one (for running discretely) orients up.

[@markangel3701]

Convinced me. I just ordered the mini 2, memory card, and power adapter.

[@Mr.305_]

how are they holding up?

[@jouvelleaguiar556]

What’s the max SD card size the dashcam can handle ?

[@suhasramesh2773]

Thanks for clear and crisp video. It would have been much better if you had been behind a vehicle so that we can get to know how much clearly would have the device captured the number plate of a vehicle ahead (both in day and night times). See if you can add a sample video of it in your channel ! thanks.

[@dougcollier4327]

Great video. Was wondering if this could be turned to face the driver side window to record spot checks or traffic stops? If not, what would you recommend ? Should I buy 2 ?

[@M9A1MAN]

I just ordered one of these today. I plan on powering this with a USB battery bank so that it records 24/7. Curious to see how much power it draws.

[@Norran.Gunniz]

Any update on how this worked?

[@SuisseKisses]

Is the polarizer worth getting?

[@thom7667]

Thank you so much! Quick Question...when you car is parked say in a parking lot on an exceptionally hot day....will the camera unstick and fall down???

[@GearKnowHow]

Nope, not yet

[@carlogarcia209]

Can you replay the live footage? Or only the footage you saved?

[@matt-mh5hk]

great presentation. dose this work if parked and truck it turned off? will it kill the truck battery if truck isn't running for a while? so it dose work with Bluetooth & WiFi? will it connect to home WiFi? can you zoom in with videos to see more detail?

[@ellbertdinoy]

Does the orientaTION change when you flip it upside down?

[@laurentlaurent367]

Thanks for the video. I have to choose between the garmin 2 and the Mio Mivue C430. Any recommandations ?

[@morchee9155]

Just got mine. Can't wait to try on road

[@blynch3471]

Nice review …how long does it record …for example of i park my car and come back 8 hours later will the video already have erased from when i park ??

[@seizethedayandlive]

I'm on a road trip in a foreign country and I'm too tired to do anything tonight but I looked at my footage from today's ride and there are capital letters on the bottom of each video clip! What did I not do? I just plugged and recorded as I took off. Do I need to do something with the phone app? Thanks.

[@TheBoss2288]

Hello, great video - what do you advise for dashcam in the back window (given no mirror electricity)? Thank you

[@GearKnowHow]

This same one works for the back window since it comes with a long cable to run under the floor. I still need to do that.

[@TheBoss2288]

@@GearKnowHow hello, do you mean you will connect the back dashcam to the front mirror also?

[@nataliacali86]

If I connect this camera to the rearview mirror do I lose the option for the camera to record if something hits my car when it is parked and the car is off?

[@MsBublik83]

Do I need to connect the Dash Cam parking mode cable accessory if I want the Parking Mode to work? Thanks

[@wailwong8712]

Thanks for the excellent review and detailed setup instructions.

[@hondarune]

Why didn’t you use the 5 inch cable that came with the dongle and not that 6 foot cable that you had to zip tie? Also why didn’t you put it behind the mirror on the drivers side so that you could touch the buttons easier. And the best way to position the camera on the window is to connect to the app so you can see if anything is in your way. That way you can position the camera as high on the window as possible.

[@Eric-xj4qj]

I know right? Why go through the trouble of getting and installing a dongle, just to plug in a 5 foot cable. What a moron.

[@Jt.88]

​@user-ni3yo5by2q for real.. at this point "why didn't you just make the video?"😂

[@ThomasM-uv7nd]

Wow you're observation is amazing

[@wcrash9361]

The main problems with this dash cam are that the voice commands only work 20% of the time even when you’re in silence in the car and the other issue is if you want to look at what videos are uploaded onto the app you have to be either in your car in your driveway to use your Wi-Fi or you have to take your camera off your windscreen and bring it inside and plug it in just to be able to use the app

[@PS987654321PS]

What is this gibberish?

[@thomaskolditz4293]

Not true. I tested my "save" in an intersection, and when I got to where I was going, I was abled to call it up on my phone, without wifi, in about 5 seconds.

[@bernardberben4852]

​@@thomaskolditz4293but could you download it? And did you need WI-FI?

[@jhm3346]

Can’t you just remove the sd card and connect it to your comp/ laptop? Is it really necessary to take the whole thing?

[@henrycook6376]

I can never look at my videos because the dash cam never connects with my wifi. I'm sending it back

[@marlonm396]

@gearknowhow, if after a few years you still recommend it? I am looking to buy one today. Thoughts?

[@GearKnowHow]

Yep mine is still running great!

[@alexkaa6351]

Can it be connected to a car WiFi and accessed remotely from the app for live streaming? Can it send motion alerts to a phone over the internet?

[@charleew2068]

Does this dash cam work with Apple wireless CarPlay? That’s a problem I’m having with my current camera.

[@abedj1220]

nice alternate for the mirror. I will use that. looks like this is a permanent install right. once on the windshield, it cannot be removed?

[@GearKnowHow]

You can peel off the adhesive mount if you had to. Use a razor.

[@jrock1404]

Good video what size sim card you recommend

[@GearKnowHow]

Largest you can find for a good price

[@mokhan7008]

Really helpful video - thanks. I had a question about the 'save' button on the back of the camera but then you almost pre-empted that with your further explanation. My question was, if it starts recording the moment you switch on the car, why is there a need to save using the button as it's recording anyway and storing the recordings. The saving to the 'vault' is what sounded like the difference? Thanks again - great video.

[@TreesOnTheBeach]

WE DON'T ANSWER QUESTIONS!

[@acesmomc5441]

I'm shopping for a dash cam and your video is very helpful in making my decision. Thanks!

[@ArrtusMusic]

Can you use the dashcam without the app?

[@sideast]

Does it work with CarPlay ?

[@JenniferBerg-s7g]

You pointed out the garmin will rewrite over the oldest footage. Is there a way to check how full your sd card is?

[@GearKnowHow]

You’d have to pull the card and look at the data on a laptop

[@Carl001M]

I just used one of the cables that came with the dongle ?

[@dianatran7220]

I just installed my Garmin Dash Cam Mini2 why the green light on all the times when I get out turn off the car still green no red light ..? Thank you.

[@myaccount6487]

Can you connect two of these to the same app? I’m wanting to have a rear view as well as the front.

[@GearKnowHow]

Yes

[@JeepTJay6]

So the Bluetooth only comes into play when you want to play a video back or download it correct? I ask because my Alpine head unit uses both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi from my phone for wireless CarPlay and music. I wouldn’t want the camera cutting off my tunes or GPS while I’m driving. Also how tight is that ball joint connection? I have a Jeep and I’m wondering if there would be any movement in the camera while driving down a bumpy trail. Thanks for the review. 👍

[@acreativiter]

I’d wished for an answer cause I have same questions…

[@tamayo991]

Dash cam works great. The Dash Cam Power Adapter does not work. It is slow to power the dash cam so the dash cam does not activate and is not recording. Removed the Dash Cam Power Adapter , ran the long usb cable to the usb plug and all is well.

[@CasvGl]

Hey! I'm considering buying one, but I want mine to be easily transferable between cars, as I switch between vehicles a lot. I don't mind a cable running down the windscreen. Would you recommend the mini 2 if I would buy a suction mount for it?

[@GearKnowHow]

Yep

[@Dahstin]

Great video, what happened under your eye? I have a wrinkle just like that one under my eye.

[@tagquasar8791]

I have the exact same micro sd card from sandisk but not matter what i try i cant get it to be accepted by the camera. In fact i tried two garmin mini's because i thought it must have been the cam's fault after trying a few other micro sd cards. The green lights keep flashing, cant seem to be able to get it to format, any ideas what im doing wrong? thanks

[@cbijames7]

Great video but unfortunately my 2020 Subaru Impreza has a direct wired into the mirror. I don't know if you have to take down the center where the eyesite is. But great video. Thanks for sharing this.

[@DashcamSwitzerland]

Hey there, how long did it take to find the dashcam in the Accessory? Because my phone (Iphone 13 with the needed IOS) can't find anything. Thanks for the Anwsers:)

[@4nyla]

Great presentation . Went out and bought one . Nice small piece of kit works well . Simple and neat

[@Tbay007]

So, have you heard of any electrical issues using that adapter? Just curious if the supply is strong enough to do that in longer term, or if it would put any sort of strain on the power coming into the rear view mirror.

[@GearKnowHow]

Nothing yet! Still going strong

[@jimkharlo]

Does it make a beep sound after you turn on the car? What else it makes the beep sound? I like the cam that i want to buy it but not a fan of the beeping sound.

[@GearKnowHow]

Only beeps when it erases and resets the SD Card occasionally.

[@andrelinz7429]

Hi, you did not show how to record video or how voice command works?

[@marcm.983]

Q: For reviewing the recording, can I watch the video using the SD card and a laptop computer?

[@GearKnowHow]

Yes that’s my preferred method so I can pull whatever I want

[@AT-xj8nz]

Is saving to the Vault free. I think it said it holds it for 24 hours unless you sign up for a subscription.

[@ashton9228]

how do i get the camera to record clips longer than 30 seconds? thank you!!

[@GearKnowHow]

Pull the SD Card and you have all the long form files to utilize and edit together if need be

[@kesanapavan7223]

Does it record when the vehicle is off or else I need to connect external battery

[@GearKnowHow]

It does not so you would need an external power source when the vehicle is off

[@TuiToombs]

I have a problem with mine not wanting to update the firmware. Any recommendations on how to get that done?.

[@jennnnnni662]

We couldn’t complete the last step to connect the Garmin wifi to my phone so I can view the footage live! Can you explain why that would happen?

[@mets23q]

Can't decide to get this or the rove r2

[@ChopsDV8]

Thank for this review! One question, if you don't have the vault subscription can you still save videos to the SD card and download to you phone?

[@GearKnowHow]

Yep

[@ChopsDV8]

@@GearKnowHow Thanks! Just ordered.

[@GRIPLOCK-PS90]

Do you need the Cigarette adapter, or can you use a different type ?

[@needavacation1238]

Nice install. Question about the app and mini 2: Can you turn the audio prompts and sound off for an even more discrete set up? TY!!!

[@nulla9601]

Why would I buy this over a €30 dashcam on aliexpress? Are there any big advantages?

[@MotiLizaA]

how parking mode work ? is it recording only with the car battery over night just like camera without wi fi or blutooth' is it recognize people face in parking mode and how i install it at the back window of the ca

[@josevillagran5236]

Ordered the SD card from your link and the adapter for a ford truck. Thanks the wire is always in the way

[@woolyt5366]

Have you tried using the camera with the Garmin polarized lens cover and, if so, have you noticed any significant improvement in the video quality?

[@mohsinnasir7453]

Hey there, I bought a brand new car about 1 year ago and since then i have encountered alot of bad drivers. I was thinking of purchasing a dash cam but i wasent sure on which would be best, All my local Dash Cam installing shops give the Thinkware F200 Pro but i feel that it is wayy to expensive ($200 canadian). I have the option between the Garming Mini 2 or the Thinkware F200 Pro or the Vanture N1 Pro or The Nexar Beam?? Which do you think will be the best?

[@robsmith5914]

My friend has this dashcam and got into a fender bender. She tried to look for the video on the micro SD card but couldn’t find anything. I’m thinking it’s because she didn’t hit the SAVE button on the dashcam when the incident happened. Does that sound accurate?

[@MrBigKid]

Great review man, love mine!

[@davidguzman176]

Does this dashcam also record the cockpit view? Does it also work good in hot weather being close to the windshield.

[@GearKnowHow]

No cabin facing camera. Works fine in hot or cold.

[@johnjuza2659]

The vault cost money, you did not mention that? I would rather run the 13ft cable then the wires cable tied together. You also didnt mention you can give the camera voice commands.

[@clevelandgirl3226]

Great instructional video! Thanks!

[@prettygirlus9008]

Why does my Garmin Mini 2 only record in 20 to 40 second intervals, and saves each interval under a new file name? Playback through my desktop is very choppy. Shouldn't I see one large file for the whole recorded trip?

[@toddjbradshaw]

Just picked up one of these today. Your video was a huge help, thanks! 🦊

[@kendallunderhill1212]

Why do you need memory card if it has a vault it uploads them too on the app

[@sunnyside832]

Is there a way to have this record while the vehicle is off?

[@GearKnowHow]

External battery pack

[@EmGregorio-w6q]

thanks for this video. I am curious, how much does the ball joint pivot? I am thinking attaching it at the base part of the windshield not near the rear view mirror - will it work? thanks

[@GearKnowHow]

Plenty, you should be good to go

[@2steaksandwiches665]

What do Russians buy? They have the best footage.

[@mysterc2862]

Dang it I dont have a auto adjusting rear view. Running wires for me… I was hopful with the 2020 camry se. Oh well

[@farendor4780]

Great review very helpful thank you.

[@johnfernando5429]

I have the same dash cam in front, can it also get installed at the back of the car?

[@GearKnowHow]

Yep if you can get power to it.

[@alvarosolis7837]

Is it water proof? I’m thinking on using it for my motorcycle

[@pinkiepie1656]

Not in the slightest:)

[@maggiemartinezz]

is the Garmin Vault an "extra" paid app? or is it free to access all footage?

[@GearKnowHow]

So far it’s free 👍

[@Cashewthenut]

I have a Toyota with the plug behind the mirror. But it's a different size that yours. How would I go about finding one that fits my car, and have the confidence that it will fit?

[@GearKnowHow]

You can search Amazon by year, make, and model. Click my link and search the dongle by name with your vehicle details.

[@Cashewthenut]

@@GearKnowHow I did try that, it didn't come up with any results 🤔 I believe I found one that matches mine though. Thank you

[@everydayrelaxationmusic1853]

Can i buy two and put one front and one at back and have them both connected to App or no? I don’t like that some other cameras do offer rear camera but quality sucks so this came in my mind. Thanks and very nice video friend 👍🏻

[@GearKnowHow]

Yep! I might be getting a rear facing one soon too and run the power to a backseat USB port.

[@everydayrelaxationmusic1853]

@@GearKnowHow ok sounds good 👍🏻 thanks

[@elenacerda141]

Will you be doing a video on your rear installation of the camera?

[@barrymackay2274]

Good tutorial. My Mini 2 video replay displays the wrong time in the video. I can't figure out how to reset the clock. Any ideas?

[@GearKnowHow]

I’d try linking the camera up to the app and go into settings to see if you can manually adjust the time that way.

[@barrymackay2274]

@@GearKnowHow I tried that, but you can only adjust the time format, not the current time setting.

[@gavinposey2089]

Your review may convince me to get this dash cam. Thanks for the thoughtful video!

[@danielsnelen]

Does this have parking mode?

[@stlmtndew2654]

A gold intro

[@auchana16]

How Fo you go back and view forages from last because my Garmin mini 2 only records videos that i tell it to record and it’s only 30 seconds. Like can i go and watch footage from yesterday even if i didn’t tell it to record but it was on the whole time

[@davidm108]

Are the video file on the card protected/encrypted? In case that someone steals the dashcam.

[@SG-us4gz]

If someone is in your car stealing your dash cam, you have bigger issues to worry about than someone knowing where you stopped for lunch 2 weeks ago.

[@johnmurphy2655]

Do u need to pay for the vault feature or an account?

[@acreativiter]

If you want to keep more than 24 h footage yes

[@kostas1003]

Does it keep recording when the car is shut down while connected to the mirror?

[@GearKnowHow]

Nope it needs power running to it

[@bkehlin]

Doesn't the camera upload drives (clips) to the vault (I'm assuming this is cloud save) when it's connected to WiFi? Also, does it continue to record, or stay connected to your phone if you use your phones hotspot? I currently use a Nexar and if I turn my phones hotspot on to use my aftermarket GPS or apps on my car stereo, my camera turns off since it needs to connect via Bluetooth constantly.

[@acreativiter]

I got same Bluetooth question !

[@Nick-NY]

The save button only records 30 seconds of video. 10 seconds before, and 20 seconds after it’s pressed.

[@julia50196]

Does the wifi feature eat up your data?

[@GearKnowHow]

It does not

[@ReewinRock]

can i use this to record inside car?

[@GearKnowHow]

Only one camera and it faces outward

[@kmichaelthompson]

Extremely helpful man. Thank you so much.