Never Miss a Key Moment With the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

[@TechWithBrett]

Learn more about the powerful Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 at Best Buy: go.magik.ly/ml/1qjmz/

[@eponymousIme]

This was so helpful. There are many sources to describe features and functions, but I haven't seen any that take a user all the way through the process, from soup to nuts, to illustrate what the entire user experience is like, including *retrieving and viewing* the videos. Didn't know about the voice-activated controls. That was new to me.

[@BigBluePile]

This is an easy to use, affordable unit for sure! I love mine! Bought for all our cross country vacations we do. I'd recommend the polarized filter too. If you have a powered (diming, map lights, homelink) rear view mirror, you can get an adapter and plug your camera in to that. Then you don't have to run that long power cable. Great video!

[@jrdnLC]

Hey I have a powered view mirror 2024 jeep grand Cherokee. Do you mind helping me which adapter do I need to buy?

[@BigBluePile]

@@jrdnLC I have no idea what jeeps use, since I'd never own one. Your best bet is to see what plug your mirror has (if it does) and go from there.

[@gr7485]

I bought one a couple years ago and it’s been working great. I tucked my behind the rear view mirror as I don’t want to see any of the LEDs when driving at night. Thanks for your review. Cheers.

[@toranzeisig4874]

I use this as a rear dash cam and use the 67W as the front dash cam. You can pair up to 4 Garmin dash cams wirelessly, which was a big reason I chose these.

[@TehShadowDeath]

That is actually really good to know. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@xZeroOffical]

Amazing piece of information. Does this setup works like one camera with multiple modules?

[@toranzeisig4874]

@@xZeroOffical. Yes, and no: Each camera connects to your phone individually through Bluetooth (which I think can be a bit of a drain on your phone; My phone would periodically get a little warmer than I’d like), and then you add the cameras to the app through wifi (🤔🤷 I think. I can’t remember), which enables you see what the camera sees from your phone, and you can adjust the view and tweak settings etc all from one ☝️ app. It’s pretty slick, but also, the range is only about 10ft before you have connection issues, so if you have a large crossover like I do, you’re gonna have to live with the amber warnings that sometimes pop up. Otherwise it works pretty good 👍

[@juliava605]

You can also have the Garmin Mini2 powered when parked by connecting it to your OBDII port (using their proprietary connector) or by hardwiring it. It can be set to always on, never on, 12 hours or 24 hours, I think.

[@Hansaman58]

I recently bought and installed one in my Tacoma. Used a Dongar Technologies dongle to power it via my auto dimming mirror. Easy installation and virtually hidden.

[@istarwars7894]

I literally just did the same thing to my tacoma. I was missing out lol

[@MrBrianewebb1]

Didn’t the garmin software block the power?

[@joem4558]

I was glad to see your video. Your the frst person i've seen run the cable down along the windeshield down tha A pillar cover. Every other install ive seen on youtube they keep running along the top of the A pillar posibly blocking the air bag. I am going to try your way .

[@jonbaker7370]

thanks, especially like the using a portable power pack to run the camera when parked without any car wiring.

[@ivanbonilla9261]

Thank you for the explanation, I'm definitely buying it as my first dash cam

[@kombat6555]

The parking mode/sentry mode feature requires a different power cable that has regular power from the ignition AND constant power direct from the battery. Then you can activate parking mode so the camera is off when your ignition is off but will auto-arm and record if it detects anything bumping your vehicle. The sensitivity is adjustable so it doesn't record due to strong gusts of wind or trucks rumbling by. It's a great camera.

[@eponymousIme]

Great to know. I assume anything that uses direct power from the battery will wear out the battery sooner than usual. Yes?

[@kombat6555]

It doesn't use any power unless the camera is triggered. Then it records a clip and returns to sleep mode.

[@eponymousIme]

@@kombat6555 Thanks!

[@juliava605]

Simply use Garmin's OBDII connector to power your Mini2 and you can do what he's suggesting here.

[@mike_kokuz17]

Is this via the OBD port? If so, what setting to you select on the OBD connector, 24hr?

[@RoadRunner1980]

Excellent in depth review. I've watched some reviews for this cam but no one ever tested or mentioned the the voice control feature. You've sold me a dashcam ;-)

[@zivadiva]

One min only video and the saved ones go to a different folder make it hard to extract if an incident isn’t in the short range it expected for before after points (happens more than you think ) One with adjustable pre and post incident record times would be very useful as well and standard rolling footage length adjustment would be useful

[@geolocate]

I've had this camera for over 2 years now and I had no idea it did all this. Thanks.

[@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.

[@Jdsofar]

2 years is roughly how long dash cams last. you cant expect much for a 150$ product.

[@jl8655]

So I bought new dashcams for about a grand. Should I expect much because it’s expensive? Some cheap ones can last 3-5 years and Garmin is a big name so it’s a shame. Mini 2 has the capacitor instead of the lithium ion battery so it should last longer. I don’t drive that much and car is always parked in a garage away from extreme heat or cold. Non-durable materials= planned obsolescence.

[@Jdsofar]

@@jl8655 1000$ dash cam should last 4 years or more Thats a premium price so it should be excellent quality

[@dankelley9361]

Great review of this car camera. I think they hit the sweet spot of pricing & features. Lacking here & on most is that it’s only forward looking. Most photos you wished you had was getting hit on the side or rear!

[@eponymousIme]

Yup. That happened to me. See the comment right above yours, that says you can pair up to 4 Garmin dash cams. That should give you complete coverage. The downside for me is that video is 1080p. If the video isn't crystal clear (i.e., you can't read license plates) it doesn't matter how much coverage you have.

[@mikej.greenwald2476]

Based on your great video, I’ve purchased two of them. Thanks

[@jamesledbetter7998]

Thanks for an excellent review. Also, great tip to use battery pack vs having to hardwire to record video when parked, thus allowing easier transfer to another vehicle when needed. Awaiting mine to arrive now so thanks again!

[@cindyc.1352]

I love the details, features, and effort you put in your videos! Will definitely be buying one :D

[@jeremyzeimet3631]

I ordered one of these based on this review, seeing real footage helps so much.

[@TechWithBrett]

That's my goal! I'm glad it was helpful for you.

[@hatem0]

Can you see the plates number? You can't see details unless it is very close. Streets' names are also unreadable.

[@philipiano001]

Thanks Brett, Great video, concise and well organized, no fluff. 👍🏻

[@timhansen2837]

What is the power source you showed at the end of the video. You make no mention of make/model.

[@wayne558]

I own 3 GPS Garmins. Think I will wait for a mid-priced 'Starvis 2' dash cam with no internal battery (Garmin or Thinkware; when ??). Garmin website /newsroom announced the Mini 2 dash cam in June 2021. My Chevy's cigarette lighter and two 12-volt ports are all hot all the time; so couldn't leave dash cam USB charger in 12v port as shown in video.

[@alh5470]

Removing the mount from a tinted front windshield will probably pull the film away with it probably. I'd feel better with a suction cup option

[@davidluong5651]

I have two of these units, they’re really great for their size. I wonder if Mini 3 will ever get developed as I will be a definite buyer again!

[@philipiano001]

Imho. A Mini size form factor with higher video resolution. 🤔

[@Arabiamer]

Thank you very much for this wonderful presentation and explanation. Can you help me with how to make the live broadcast (Live View) continuous from starting the car until it stops?

[@zanehess9559]

Awesome review. I’m sold. Thanks.

[@Michael_W007]

Your review is really good. But when you showed the clip of the car with its bumper about to fall off, it didn’t look like you could read the license plate. Am I wrong? That’s the most important thing for me. Being able to read license plate numbers from the video. The cam otherwise looks cool.

[@bigbadjohn2543]

Thank you for this video. There are a few things that I experienced that most may not, I don't have unlimited data. I could not pair to the camera until I turned on my data and location button. Maybe others leave all those settings on, I don't. I too bought my cameras at Best Buy. I wonder if my wife's car cameras can be seen while she's driving if her data is on?

[@superjepoy]

Great camera. I have mine hardwired via obdii. I can view it live via wifi when my car is close enough to my house. My only wish is that you can review all videos when connected to wifi

[@colinxsd2208]

I solved that with an EE 4G LTE MiFi Alcatel EE70VB Mini 2 Portable WiFi, I don't know if that would work where you are. I've only just installed my and learning how to use it.

[@ramoyome]

Thank you for sharing this informative video. Does it pick up license plates?

[@robb1267]

Great video, thanks! Would definitely consider this. Is the resolution/frame rate clear enough to identity license plates while driving during the day/night?

[@philipiano001]

Sketch. Imho. Verbally read the plate number into audio just in case. 🤔

[@davidmmuench]

Great, detailed information! Thank you Brett!

[@Inalienablerights15]

Hey you sound so gud! When your little voice goes UP at the end of every sentence.

[@joemaccarthy2686]

Great video! Super helpful! If I wanted a rear camera would you recommend getting another one of these for that use?

[@TechWithBrett]

Yep! Then you can have them both show in the same app.

[@AlexLA007]

Very nice review. Does this cam have time lapse feature? Should I get a polarized lense for it? Thank you.

[@julianatalieleinonenmanage9864]

Hello! I hope you can help! Should I save a video physically/with voice if I see an accident or other strange things? Or can I just drive (it automatically saves video for 24 hours???) and then via the app/computer look through this trip and save/cut the video myself, in which something happens?

[@diyretiredmom]

So based on your video I purchase one! When you had it powered on inside, did you notice the camera getting really hot to the touch? Thanks

[@OutdoorGeneration_]

I ordered the camera, I will install it tomorrow. Tjx for tips. Greetings from Norway

[@superjepoy]

Great camera. I have mine hardwired via obdii. I can view it live via wifi when my 4runner is close enough to my house. My only wish is that you can review all videos when connected to wifi

[@zivadiva]

Yes unlike the manual yours is right last 10 seconds next 20 can miss a lot and no way to change it

[@bikeman9899]

Does it save an impact automatically? Is the clip saved in a protected space on the SD card?

[@philipiano001]

Yes, there is a sensor on board the device and the impact force is adjustable. Default is medium. 🤓

[@derrickg3250]

... running 2 cameras, does the app create separate vaults for each? Also, will the cameras run w/o SD cards--like will they save videos to the 24hr temp vault, then delete/overwrite daily?

[@viplivesmatter]

Your gradient background is so cool😍 may you make a video to explain your studio setting? The Vault is not so clear to me: when you show your gallery 9:40, it’s because you payed a Vault subscription?

[@unknowncitizen3629]

fantastic runthrough on operation of garmin2 mini, helped a bunch.

[@MrGaryparker]

I think if you have an outlet in the center console or glovebox, it is always powered.

[@weege001]

im in the need for a dashcam.. i have a small sports convertible, so i need a small camera

[@TechWithBrett]

This is an excellent option for that.

[@HarryShatto]

What app do you recommend to see o my smartphone? Thanks

[@carlogarcia209]

Can you use this in extreme heat? I'm in cali so weather been in lower 100s

[@claudefrancois8152]

Can you use it as a parking camera (seeing live video from the back of the car on your iPhone) ?

[@CarsGuitarsAudio]

I wanted to love this cam and just couldnt it has an issue where it does not always power on . I want to just turn key and go but there are times this will not power up and its no matter how its wired up ... its a shame everything was perfect ... The app works the video quality was great too.

[@babalsheek79]

yes this is true

[@RicardoGonzalez-yz1vp]

Can you see the video as your driving in real time ? On your cell phone ?

[@TheDriver21122001]

If it's linked using your phone or car Hotspot.

[@bilsrky8612]

It was helpful, thanks!!

[@73elperro]

Cool video,very well explainded,thank you for sharing.

[@Natan9000]

Very informative! I’ve been confused on how these things work. Thank you very much!

[@dookoonu2741]

Is a subscription required for this and do you have to give Garmin your information for subscription?

[@KoganeNoYubi]

Where do u set to Continuesly record ?! I only have 3 sec clips

[@badbilly60]

thank you easy install for this old man

[@reinisruncis9372]

Thanks for review! Is it true that this cam does not have speed registrator?

[@TechWithBrett]

There is no where that I have seen that it would record your speed.

[@farab4391]

I’m looking for a dash cam I don’t need to connect to the car’s electronics. A rechargeable one with a battery that lasts at least 2 hours. Where can I find one? I’ve looked around and some do seem to have built in batteries, but this is never a feature described in detail on the website or in reviews, so makes it difficult.

[@skymitch89]

I just bought one and my only complaint is that it doesn't have GPS location and speed like the larger Dash Cam series.

[@hatem0]

Why do you need it? My major complaint is that there is no detail in the footage. And by the way, you can activate the GPS data from the app if you really need that info.

[@Nezello]

Do a follow up video with all the beeps that the camera makes, what do they mean?

[@eduardoschneider2010]

i just wanted to know if you can recognize the plate numbers. but didnt find it anywhere on the video

[@Nick-NY]

Can I use the same drive account for 3 Mini 2s? The will all be in different cars.

[@Crunchypickles124]

Could you please show how you hid the cord with tools?

[@philipiano001]

For low cost you can get various pry tools off the Bay. Note. 1) Plastic pry tools only, 2)Do this on a warm day or heated garage. 3) I commondered mama's blow drier to warm the plastic panels prior to install. 🤓

[@AuntieDonna-zv9qb]

which Dash Cam do you recommend for Front and Rear recording

[@ST-wn7ml]

if you have audio off, will camera still recognize 'ok garmin record video' command?

[@monacocross4241]

Way you bring this garmin to home , you can't from car connecting phone apps and dowland video ?

[@Kevin-hv4iz]

Thank you.

[@Imtired_AF]

The date on my recording screen is backwards ex:may 8, 2024 would say 08/05/2024 can i change that?

[@richardscott7462]

you mean it's the correct format... DD/MM/YYYY

[@mizzow1740]

No live cam display or how it works? I have one of these and the live cam doesn't work. It's connected to my phones Bluetooth and it won't show live feed at all?

[@MotiLizaA]

is it works without wi fi or blutooth in parking mode ? just connect to the battery power ? what cable kit it needed for parking mode ?

[@kombat6555]

Garmin have 'parking mode cable' available for this camera. I have one and it works perfectly. Camera automatically turns on when movement is detected.

[@honestreview9019]

great video. can i make a timelapse of the garmin footage?

[@dronefilmsgermany]

Does it show the number plates of other vehicles clearly?

[@dogsport09]

Hi! In your experiense, this prodcut captures the number plates good? :)

[@philipiano001]

Imho. Not well. Get into the habit of speaking the plate number for audio retention. 🤔

[@chiro98]

Helpful video..ty

[@Circled_By_Wolves]

So should the light on it be green or red for it to be working as you're driving around

[@Sashazur]

On mine it’s red

[@zivadiva]

What tablet did you have

[@prettygirlus9008]

Do you play back recorded video thru the Drive app on your phone?

[@TechWithBrett]

Yes, or you can put the Micro SD on your computer to view it.

[@prettygirlus9008]

@@TechWithBrett But when I do that, all I see are a bunch of short 20-second clips, and have to open each one. Am I doing something wrong?

[@bnplaza]

what does the other end of the cable connect to ??

[@skypilotnpc]

I'd like to use this for inside card security camera, in other words, have the camera facing the interior. Is that possible?

[@TechWithBrett]

It would work unless the car is off then it will not record. But it will record everything happening inside while driving. If you need it to record without being on you could plug it into a battery bank that the car charges and depending on how long you drive it could keep it always going.

[@wagnermatos5373]

Does it have to have WiFi at all times? I’m trying to buy 3 for my trucks.

[@TechWithBrett]

It does not need to have constant wifi to operate. Everything is stored on the SD card and then when it is connected to Wifi you can use the app to download the data or have it backup to the cloud.

[@turki.4937]

Is the storage on the SD for 24 hours too? Or just the app? Thanks.

[@Wilderman1]

Hello Bret, when try to see video by taking sd memory card out the garmin. In my phone I could see one minute clips only. It does have all recording but for one minute long. Do you have any any idea how I can see whole vedio for one session drive?

[@kombat6555]

The whole clip is there but it only plays a short bit. If you look, there are markers for 'start' and 'end' points of the clip. You can drag these to where you want the video to begin and end.

[@viplivesmatter]

14:53 parking 16:30 power pack

[@ingvarTer]

Does it need wifi to connect with phone?

[@seizethedayandlive]

I'd like to avoid a semi-permanent mount. Has anyone figured out a way to mount it using a suction cup or something similar that makes installing and uninstalling the camera easy? I'm going on a trip to Asia and I want to take it with me when I'm driving there. For that reason, I don't want to mount it on my car and then have to remove it from my windshield, etc.... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@florisjanssens9392]

I saw a video of someone that had such a mount from Garmin itself. So you should be able to find it on their website.

[@seizethedayandlive]

@@florisjanssens9392 Thanks, I'll look for it but I ordered something from Amazon since my trip to Japan is soon; once I try to attach it, I'll provide a link and my thoughts on how well it works. If it works well, I'll feel better about attaching it to my own car since I would prefer something that doesn't require putting something sticky on the windshield. Thanks again.

[@alh5470]

​@seizethedayandlive how did it work and do u have a link? Also not a fan of sticky mounts

[@thecondocrew2718]

Please do a home tour! Can’t wait!

[@janeleekeller]

I like it Brett 🙂, thanks. JaneLee - in Suburban Philadelphia 2/8/23

[@RobertoRaychev]

Hi, does the camera have a motion sensor when in parking mode to record only when there is movement?

[@greatestfan3324]

No it only operates when its connected to a power source

[@kombat6555]

Yes it does but you need the Garmin 'parking mode cable' which has an additional constant power supply direct from the battery to turn the camera on when parking mode is activated by movement.

[@zivadiva]

Also paring does not work very well and no matter how I done it it does not upload to vault . Spring for the screen one or one you can edit length of auto record

[@diyretiredmom]

Are there any more benefits to using a 256gb SD?

[@TechWithBrett]

Just being able to save a longer history.

[@alf8510]

I have just bought a second hand garmin mini 2 , the problem is it won’t let me set it up because the previous owner has already set up a account with it ,is there any way around this

[@kombat6555]

You can perform a reset on the device using the Garmin Drive app on your phone or the Garmin Express app on your computer. If it fails to connect at any stage you may have to manually put the camera into 'connecting mode' by pressing and holding the big button until leds flash blue. I recently had an issue with mine and had to reset it this way.

[@Dahstin]

What kind of space aged car do you have?

[@04swiftstang]

It's a 2018-2024 5th Gen Honda Odyssey.

[@jcthieman]

Product page states it comes with "vehicle power cables". It does not state that it specifically a USB to USB-A cable with a cigarette lighter adapter nor model of cars it's compatible with. I purchased it for use in rentals cars as I'm a frequent traveler and am in rentals cars for work about 75% of the time. Many new cars I've been in have sole USB-C outlet to which this is not compatible. Another thing the product page leaves out is that you must use their cables (per their techs as to my inoperable camera) nor do they offer a USB-A to USB-C cable for purchase.

[@TechWithBrett]

Interesting. Have you tried a USB C to Micro USB Cable?

[@jcthieman]

@@TechWithBrett Not yet. I was largely annoyed after getting offline with Garmin tech support last night. After discussing everything I was left with "I am sorry that the dash cam will not work in your vehicle." to which I replied "So that's it, I'm out close to $200 bucks total? Thank you, have a nice day???" and their agent replied "Thanks for choosing Garmin. Have a great evening!" and ended the chat without offering a refund or anything else. So I was posting as a bit of a warning to others on a number of review sites. I have cameras hard wired in all my other cars but I travel for work a lot and wanted something to plug into rentals.

[@TechWithBrett]

Interesting interaction. Might be worth it to try a cable. I wonder if a USB c to USB a converter port would work. If not, you could return it.

[@jimkharlo]

Does it make a beep sound after you turn on the car?

[@TechWithBrett]

No, the LED just turns on. I think I was able to turn it off if it did that.

[@CHRISTINECANNISTRA]

Can you connect two mini's within one car?

[@TechWithBrett]

Yes. You can have multiple in one vehicle.

[@boston05011]

Could I run this wireless? To run 12/24 hrs a day

[@TechWithBrett]

If you had a big enough battery pack. There is no internal battery.

[@GuitarsCarsandBikes]

Be warned this cam works when it feels like it. Sometimes it will just not power up. This happened many times in cold weather. 20-40 degrees. I wanted to really like this cause it’s simple and very small.

[@gvd6798]

20-40 degrees is pretty hot.

[@hubert832]

What? No it's not. It's a typical temperature in a car screen when the dash cam is exposed to direct sunlight.

[@philipiano001]

Chris, Did some research here. There might be value in purchasing an industrial grade SD card that operates in a wider temperature range. 🤔 Unconfirmed.

[@kevovernon]

@@gvd6798hahaha it’s not hot when it’s 20-40 degrees FAHRENHEIT!! lol not Celsius.

[@tim8971]

Perhaps a data blocker would help.

[@dronefilmsgermany]

So can we do a Timelapse of a drive

[@joshakaoger69]

Not having a screen and having to use WiFi if something happened is a reason to buy the other version

[@ColonelLucario]

I have already a screen for my gps Having another screen sitting there could be distracting Here you have a little dashcam that is sitting there and record your trip No need to think, no need to go through settings And there is voice command and it react pretty quickly I find it great

[@tim8971]

But a micro SS reader-ISB, .pop in the SD card then connect to your phone. Easy fix.

[@tim8971]

Buy :)

[@viplivesmatter]

Sorry I don’t understand the difference between WiFi dash cam and LTE dash cam 😔 May you explain to me please? Thanks 🙏🏻❤️

[@morchee9155]

Agree didn't know you need wifi to access your videos, dumbest thing ever, for paying up to 140$