We need to make sure you have all the necessary materials before we proceed with the instructions on how to use your old iPhone as a dash cam. Keep in mind that having a functional iPhone is the most important need. If the touch is responsive, don’t worry if the screen is cracked—it should still function. You can get an old, fully functional iPhone for under $50 from various online shops and third-party sales sites if you don’t already have one on hand.
Using an iPhone that still receives iOS updates may be preferable even though it is not required; you may check the most recent list of iPhones that will receive the future iOS 16 upgrade. This will safeguard the iPhone from any security flaws like spyware, which is important if you intend to use the iPhone with the same Apple ID as other devices.
Once the iPhone is prepared, it could be a good idea to get an car mount for the phone to ensure that it is kept properly positioned on the dashboard or the windshield of your car. Additionally, you’ll require a spare USB-to-Lightning cable and car charger batteries for your iPhone because continuous video recording will drain its old battery quickly. Last but not least, if you like to keep things organized, you might choose cable management clips to stop things from hanging loose and obscuring your view.
Start by deciding where the iPhone car mount should be placed. If you use one that relies on suction, be careful to put the holder in an area that doesn’t become too warm in the sun because it can fall off from heat. Additionally, certain states in the U.S. forbid vehicle owners from sticking anything to the front windshield. Therefore, before installing the car mount, be sure to check the local laws.
Open the downloaded app after mounting the iPhone and using the Lightning cable to connect it to the charger. While options may differ from app to app, every app will include a few key options. These could be the length of the recording, the storage space used, and the video quality (including looped recording in certain apps). Once those settings are made, press the record button to start your old iPhone’s new dashcam. Make careful to either transfer previous recordings you no longer require to another device or delete them. As a result, the old iPhone’s storage difficulties won’t prevent it from continuing to function as a dash cam. There are a few things you should keep in mind while you use the innovative and affordable device.
