How Do I Change the Date and Time on My Dash Cam Today

Changing the date and time on your dash cam is quick and easy once you know where to look. Accurate timestamps protect you during insurance claims and legal disputes. This guide walks you through every brand and model with clear, simple steps.

Have you ever pulled up your dash cam footage and noticed the date and time were completely wrong? It happens to almost everyone at some point. Whether you just bought a new dash cam or your clock got reset after a battery change, getting the date and time on your dash cam correct is more important than you might think.

Accurate timestamps turn your dash cam footage into reliable evidence. Insurance companies and law enforcement take footage seriously when the dash cam clock settings match the actual time of an incident. Wrong dates or times can weaken your claim or even make your footage inadmissible. That is why learning how to set your dash cam correctly should be a priority for every driver.

This guide covers everything you need to know. We will walk you through accessing the settings on different brands, fixing common problems, and keeping your clock accurate over time. By the end, you will feel confident adjusting your dash cam date and time settings in just a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Set your dash cam clock correctly: Accurate timestamps make your footage legally valuable and reliable.
• Access settings through the menu or app: Most dash cams let you adjust the date and time directly on the device or through a companion app.
• Sync with GPS or Wi-Fi for auto-updates: Many modern dash cams offer automatic time sync features that save you manual effort.
• Check your time zone settings: Wrong time zones are the most common mistake people make when setting their dash cam clock.
• Reset after battery changes: Disconnecting your dash cam battery often resets the clock, so always double-check the date and time afterward.
• Troubleshoot common issues fast: A soft reset or firmware update usually fixes stubborn time-setting problems.
• Keep your dash cam firmware updated: Updated firmware improves clock accuracy and adds new time-sync features.

Why Accurate Date and Time on Your Dash Cam Matters

Your dash cam records what happens on the road every single day. But that footage only matters if the timestamp accuracy is correct. Think of the date and time stamp as the backbone of your video evidence. Without it, your footage loses much of its value.

Timestamps Make Your Footage Legally Useful

When you file an insurance claim after an accident, the company will want proof. Dash cam footage with the correct video evidence timestamp shows exactly when the incident occurred. This helps adjusters verify the timeline of events. If your dash cam shows the wrong date, the insurer may question the validity of your claim.

Police reports also rely on accurate timing. If you share dash cam footage with law enforcement, the date and time help them match it to their records. A mismatched clock can create confusion and delay the investigation. This is one of the most overlooked dash cam setup steps that makes a huge difference.

Wrong Time Zones Cause Big Problems

Many drivers set the correct time but forget to choose the right time zone. Your dash cam might show the right hour but the wrong offset from UTC. This is especially common for people who travel across state lines or countries. Always double-check your dash cam time zone setting after any long trip.

GPS Date Sync Keeps Things Automatic

Modern dash cams with GPS functionality can sync the date and time automatically. The GPS module receives signals from satellites and updates the clock accordingly. This feature is a game-changer for drivers who want accurate dash cam timestamps without manual work. If your dash cam has GPS, make sure this feature is turned on in the settings.

How to Access the Date and Time Settings on Your Dash Cam

Finding the date and time settings on your dash cam is the first step. The process varies by brand and model, but the general approach is similar across most devices. Let us break it down.

Using the Dash Cam Menu

Most dash cams have a small screen or a touchscreen interface. To access the clock settings:

1. Turn on your dash cam and wait for the home screen to appear.
2. Look for a gear icon or a “Settings” menu on the display.
3. Navigate to “System Settings” or “General Settings.”
4. Find the “Date and Time” or “Clock” option.
5. Tap or select it to enter the adjustment screen.

Once you are in the date and time menu, you can usually toggle between the month, day, year, hour, and minute fields. Use the up and down buttons or touchscreen arrows to adjust each value. Make sure to select the correct date format — MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY — based on your region.

Using the Dash Cam Companion App

Many popular dash cam brands offer a free smartphone app. Apps from brands like Thinkware, BlackVue, and Vantrue let you adjust settings remotely. Here is how it typically works:

• Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Connect your phone to the dash cam via Wi-Fi.
• Open the app and go to “Device Settings.”
• Look for “System” or “Clock Settings.”
• Adjust the date and time directly on your phone screen.

This method is especially convenient because phone screens are larger and easier to navigate. Some apps also let you sync dash cam time with your phone, which keeps everything perfectly aligned.

Using Physical Buttons on the Device

Budget dash cams without screens rely on physical buttons. These devices usually have a small button on the side or rear panel. Press and hold the menu button to access the settings. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to the clock option and press OK to adjust. It is less intuitive than a touchscreen, but it works just as well once you get the hang of it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Date and Time on Your Dash Cam

Now that you know where to find the settings, let us walk through the actual process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your dash cam clock settings are spot-on.

Step 1: Turn Off the Dash Cam

Before making any changes, power off your dash cam. This ensures the settings menu loads properly and prevents any recording interruptions. If your dash cam runs on an internal battery, make sure it is charged enough to stay on during the adjustment process.

Step 2: Navigate to the Settings Menu

Power on the dash cam and find the settings menu. On most models, this is represented by a gear icon. Tap or press the button to enter the main settings panel. Look for categories like “System,” “General,” or “Preferences.”

Step 3: Select Date and Time

Scroll through the options until you find “Date and Time” or simply “Clock.” Tap on it to open the adjustment screen. You should see fields for the year, month, day, hour, minute, and sometimes seconds.

Step 4: Adjust the Date

Start with the date. Use the arrow buttons or touchscreen to set the correct year, month, and day. Pay close attention to the date format displayed on screen. If it shows MM/DD/YYYY, make sure you enter the month first, then the day, then the year.

Step 5: Adjust the Time

Next, set the correct time. Make sure you select AM or PM if prompted. Some dash cams use a 24-hour format, which eliminates any confusion. Choose whichever format you are most comfortable with.

Step 6: Set the Time Zone

This step is critical and often skipped. Find the time zone option and select your current location. If you travel frequently, consider setting the time zone to match where you live most of the time. Some dash cams let you enable automatic time zone detection if they have GPS.

Step 7: Save and Exit

Once all the values are correct, tap “Save” or “Apply.” Exit the settings menu and check the clock on the main screen to confirm the changes took effect. If the time still looks off, go back and double-check each field.

Common Dash Cam Brands and Their Time Settings

Different dash cam brands organize their settings menus differently. Here is a quick comparison of how to change the date and time on some of the most popular brands.

Brand	How to Access Clock Settings	App Support	GPS Auto-Sync
Garmin	Menu > Settings > System > Date & Time	Yes (Garmin Drive app)	Yes
Thinkware	Menu > System Settings > Clock	Yes (Thinkware app)	Yes
BlackVue	Menu > Setup > Date/Time	Yes (BlackVue app)	Yes
Vantrue	Menu > Settings > System > Time	Yes (Vantrue app)	Partial
Rove	Menu > Settings > Date & Time	Yes (Rove app)	Yes
Budget Models	Side button > Menu > Clock	Rare	No

As you can see, premium brands offer more automation with GPS sync and companion apps. Budget models require more manual input but still work perfectly fine once you set the clock correctly. No matter which brand you use, the core process is the same: find the settings, adjust the values, and save.

Troubleshooting Date and Time Issues on Your Dash Cam

Sometimes things do not go as smoothly as we hope. If your dash cam clock keeps resetting or the settings will not save, do not worry. There are a few common causes and easy fixes.

The Clock Resets After Power Loss

If your dash cam loses power whenever you turn off the car, the internal clock battery may be weak or dead. This small battery keeps the clock running when the main power is disconnected. In most dash cams, you can replace this battery yourself. Check your dash cam manual for the battery type and replacement instructions.

The Settings Will Not Save

This is a frustrating but common issue. Try these steps:

1. Make sure your dash cam firmware is up to date. Outdated dash cam firmware can cause settings to not save properly.
2. Perform a soft reset by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
3. Re-enter the date and time settings after the reset.
4. If the problem persists, try a factory reset and set everything up again from scratch.

The Time Zone Keeps Changing

If your dash cam has GPS and the time zone keeps switching, GPS may be detecting a different location. This can happen if you park near a border or in an area with weak satellite signals. Turn off automatic time zone detection and set it manually for a stable result.

The Display Shows the Wrong Date Format

Some dash cams default to a US date format (MM/DD/YYYY) even if you live in a country that uses DD/MM/YYYY. Go into the settings and look for a “Date Format” or “Regional Format” option. Switch it to match your local standard. This small change prevents a lot of confusion when reviewing footage later.

Expert Tips for Keeping Your Dash Cam Clock Accurate

Setting the clock once is not enough. Over time, small drift can occur, especially in dash cams without GPS sync. Here are some expert-backed strategies to keep your dash cam clock settings accurate year-round.

Enable Automatic Time Sync

If your dash cam supports Wi-Fi or GPS time sync, turn it on. This feature connects to satellites or your phone network to pull the correct time automatically. It eliminates the need for manual adjustments and ensures your timestamp accuracy stays reliable. Most mid-range and premium dash cams include this feature as standard.

Check Your Clock Monthly

Make it a habit to check your dash cam clock once a month. It takes less than a minute and catches any drift early. Pull up the main screen and compare the dash cam time to your phone or watch. If there is more than a one-minute difference, adjust it right away.

Keep Firmware Updated

Dash cam manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that improve clock accuracy and fix bugs. Check for updates through the companion app or the manufacturer’s website. Keeping your dash cam firmware current is one of the easiest ways to maintain accurate timestamps.

Use the Parking Mode Clock Carefully

Dash cams in parking mode still record using the internal clock. If the clock is wrong, your parking mode footage will have inaccurate timestamps. This matters if someone hits your car while parked and you need the footage to file a claim. Make sure the clock is correct even when the dash cam is in standby mode.

Why GPS-Enabled Dash Cams Are a Game Changer for Time Accuracy

If you are shopping for a new dash cam or considering an upgrade, GPS-enabled models deserve serious consideration. These devices automatically pull the correct date, time, and time zone from satellite signals. You never have to manually adjust the clock again.

GPS dash cams also record your exact location on every video clip. This adds another layer of detail to your footage that is incredibly valuable in accident investigations. The combination of GPS date sync and location tracking makes GPS dash cams the gold standard for reliable evidence capture.

Even if your current dash cam does not have GPS, you can still achieve great accuracy by manually setting the clock and enabling Wi-Fi time sync if available. The key is consistency — make sure your dash cam time zone and date format always match your local settings.

Final Thoughts

Changing the date and time on your dash cam is one of those small tasks that makes a massive difference. It takes just a few minutes but protects you in ways you might not expect. Accurate timestamps give your footage credibility, strengthen your insurance claims, and provide clear evidence when it matters most.

Whether you use a touchscreen dash cam, a button-operated budget model, or a high-end GPS-enabled unit, the process is straightforward once you know where to look. Follow the steps in this guide, avoid the common mistakes, and keep your clock checked regularly. Your dash cam works hard for you every day — taking five minutes to set the clock right is the least you can do.

Take a few minutes today to check your dash cam date and time settings. It is one of the best investments you can make in your road safety setup. Accurate footage is reliable footage, and reliable footage gives you peace of mind every time you hit the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the date and time on my dash cam without a screen?

Use the physical buttons on the device to navigate to the settings menu. Press the menu or settings button, scroll to “Clock” or “Date and Time,” and use the arrow buttons to adjust the values. Refer to your dash cam manual for the exact button sequence.

Why does my dash cam clock keep resetting?

This usually happens because the internal backup battery is weak or dead. The backup battery keeps the clock running when the main power is off. Replacing this small battery or connecting your dash cam to a constant power source should fix the issue.

Can I sync my dash cam clock with my phone?

Yes, many modern dash cams with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support can sync their clock with a companion smartphone app. Download the brand’s app, connect to your dash cam, and look for a “Sync Time” or “Auto Time” option in the settings.

What date format should I use on my dash cam?

Use the date format that matches your country or region. In the US, use MM/DD/YYYY. In most European and Asian countries, use DD/MM/YYYY. Check your dash cam settings for a “Date Format” option and select the one that matches your local standard.

Does a wrong dash cam clock affect my insurance claim?

Yes, it can. Insurance companies rely on accurate timestamps to verify when an incident occurred. If your dash cam shows the wrong date or time, the footage may be questioned or rejected as evidence. Always keep your dash cam clock set correctly.

How often should I check my dash cam clock for accuracy?

Check your dash cam clock at least once a month. Also verify it after any battery replacement, power loss, or firmware update. If your dash cam has GPS auto-sync, the clock should stay accurate automatically, but a periodic check is still a good habit.

=== CONCLUSION ===

Setting the correct date and time on your dash cam is simple, fast, and absolutely essential. Accurate timestamp accuracy turns your dash cam from a simple recording device into a reliable tool for protecting yourself on the road. Whether you access the settings through the device menu, a companion app, or physical buttons, the process is the same: find the clock settings, enter the correct values, and save.

Remember to check your dash cam time zone, use the correct date format, and enable automatic sync features whenever possible. Avoid the common mistakes like skipping the time zone or forgetting to recheck the clock after a power loss. Keep your firmware updated and make monthly clock checks part of your routine.

Your dash cam captures important moments every day. Give it the gift of accurate timekeeping, and you will have trustworthy footage whenever you need it most. Take action today, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dash cam clock settings are always right.