GARMIN DASH CAM MINI 2 ™ Owner’s Manual
© 2021 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Go to www.garmin.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Table of Contents Getting Started.................................1 Installing a Memory Card....................... 1 Device Overview...................................... 2 Installing the Device on Your Windshield............................................... 3 Connecting the Device to Vehicle Power....................................................... 4 Formatting the Memory Card................. 5 Pairing with Your Smartphone.......... 5 Connecting Your Camera to a Wi‑Fi® Network......................
Getting Started WARNING See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other important information. Installing a Memory Card To record video, you must install a compatible memory card (Memory Card Specifications, page 13). A memory card is included with some device models. 1 Insert the memory card into the slot . 2 Press it in until it clicks.
Device Overview Press to enable or disable audio recording. Hold to format the memory card (Formatting the Memory Card, page 5). Press to save a picture and a video clip. Hold to enter pairing mode (Pairing with Your Smartphone, page 5).
Installing the Device on Your Windshield NOTICE The adhesive mount is intended for a long-term installation and can be difficult to remove. You should carefully consider the mounting location before you install the mount. Before you can install the adhesive mount onto your windshield, the ambient temperature must be from 21° to 38°C (from 70° to 100°F). 1 Clean the windshield using water or alcohol, and a lint-free cloth. The windshield must be free of dust, wax, oils, or coatings.
Connecting the Device to Vehicle Power 1 Plug the power cable into the USB port on the device. 2 Route the power cable to your vehicle power outlet. You can use either of the included cables to provide power to the camera. The longer, lightweight power cable is designed to be routed out of sight. To hide the 4 m (13 ft.) cable, route it behind the vehicle trim along the windshield, doorframe, or dash. 3 Plug the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 power cable into the included power adapter.
Formatting the Memory Card The device requires a memory card formatted using the FAT32 file system. You can use the device to format your card using this file system. You should format your memory card at least one time every 6 months to help extend the useful life of the memory card. You must also format a brand new memory card if it is not formatted using the FAT32 file system. NOTE: Formatting the memory card deletes all videos, photos, and data on the card. 1 Connect the device to power.
Multi-Factor Authentication The multi-factor authentication feature uses a second factor to verify your identity when you log in to your Garmin Drive account, such as your phone or e-mail. NOTE: You must enable multi-factor authentication in your Garmin account to use this feature. Voice Control The voice control feature allows you to control your camera by saying words and commands. NOTE: The voice control feature is not available for all languages.
Dash Cam Recording NOTICE Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit use of this device. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and rights to privacy in jurisdictions where you plan to use this device. The dash cam records video to the camera memory card (Installing a Memory Card, page 1). By default, the device immediately starts recording video when it turns on, and it continues recording until it is turned off.
Viewing Videos and Photos on Your Smartphone Before you can view videos and photos on your smartphone, you must pair your Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 device with the Garmin Drive app (Pairing with Your Smartphone, page 5). NOTE: The device stops recording and alerts are disabled while viewing videos or photos. 1 From the Garmin Drive app on your smartphone, select Videos and Photos. 2 Select an option: • To view a photo or video you saved, select a file from the Saved Footage category.
Connecting the Camera to Your Computer You can connect the camera to your computer to install software updates or transfer videos and photos to your computer. You should connect to your computer using the shorter 1.5 m (5 ft.) micro-USB data cable included with your device. NOTE: The longer power cable included with your device is intended for power only, and it cannot be used to connect to your computer. 1 Plug the small end of the data cable into the micro-USB port on the camera.
Upgrading Your Vault Subscription You can purchase an optional Vault subscription to extend your storage time. 1 From the Garmin Drive app on your smartphone, select > Vault Access > Need More Time?. 2 Follow the on-screen instructions. Multiple Camera Network You can install multiple dash cameras in the same vehicle, such as front and rear cameras, and create composite picture-in-picture videos from the simultaneous recordings. You can pair multiple dash cameras with the Garmin Drive app.
Camera Settings in the Garmin Drive App From the Garmin Drive app, select , and select the camera name. Camera Setup: Provides options to choose a camera name and displays a live video feed so you can adjust the position of the camera. Wi-Fi Connections: Shows the wireless network connection status. Vault Storage: Provides options for available Vault subscriptions. Quality: Adjusts the video resolution. Data Overlay: Adjusts the type of data displayed on videos and pictures.
Device Information Status LEDs The microphone LED and the status LED show the device status. Microphone LED Activity Status Red The device is recording audio. Off The device is not recording audio. Flashing green, alternating with status LED An update is being installed. Flashing yellow, alternating with status LED There is a problem with the memory card. Status LED Activity Status Green The device is connected to a computer in mass storage mode. The memory card is being formatted.
Cleaning the Camera Lens NOTICE Avoid chemical cleaners and solvents that can damage plastic components. You should clean the camera lens regularly to improve the quality of recorded video. 1 Wipe the lens with a non-scratch lens cloth, optionally dampened with isopropyl alcohol. 2 Allow the lens to air dry. Updating Your Device Using the Garmin Drive App The Garmin Drive app notifies you when a software update is available for your device. 1 In the Garmin Drive app, select Install Now.
Appendix Parking Guard NOTICE Due to privacy regulations, this feature is not available in all areas. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and rights to privacy in your jurisdiction. Before you can record videos while parked, you must connect your dash camera to an always-on, 12V power cable, or to the parking mode cable accessory (Constant Power Cable, page 14). The Parking Guard feature allows the camera to record video automatically while your vehicle is parked.
Installing the Device 1 Set the time switch (Time Switch, page 16). 2 Connect the device to the OBD II port in your vehicle. The OBD II port is usually located under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. The OBD II port location may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. See your vehicle owner's manual for more information. 3 Remove the protective film from one reclosable fastener, and press the reclosable fastener firmly onto the USB port end of the device for 10 seconds.
Time Switch The time switch sets the length of time the device continues to supply power after you exit the vehicle. The device reenables power when it detects motion, or when you reenter and restart the vehicle. 10m 10 minutes 24h 24 hours Always on If you want the device to remain off until you reenter the vehicle, you should select the 10m option. If you want the device to operate continuously while the vehicle is parked, you should select the 24h or option.
Parking Mode Cable Wiring Diagram Item Wire Color Wire Function Black Ground Yellow Battery 12 V Red Accessory 12 V Connecting the Parking Mode Cable Accessory to Power CAUTION Garmin strongly recommends having an experienced installer with the proper knowledge of electrical systems install the device. Incorrectly wiring the power cable can result in damage to the vehicle or the battery and can cause bodily injury.
My memory card has degraded and needs to be replaced All microSD memory cards wear out after they are overwritten a large number of times. Periodically formatting the card can extend the useful life and improve performance. Because the dash camera records continuously, you may need to replace the memory card periodically (Installing a Memory Card, page 1). Your device detects memory card errors automatically and alerts you when it is time to format or replace your memory card.
Index W Wi‑Fi, connecting 5 B Bluetooth technology, pairing a phone 5 C camera, renaming 11 cameras, dash cam 1 cleaning, device 13, 18 computer, connecting 9 D dash cam 18 memory card 1 recording audio 7 recording video 7 device overview 2 E event detection 7 G Garmin Express 13 updating software 13 I installation 15 L LED 12, 16 M memory card 1, 5, 13, 18 installing 1 microSD card 1, 13, 18 mobile app 5 mounting, windshield 3 multi-factor authentication 6 multiple cameras 10 O operatin
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