Garmin Dash Cam™ 45/54/55/65W Owner's Manual

Getting Started

⚠️ See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other important information.

Device Overview

The device overview shows a rectangular camera unit with a lens on the front. Indicators are provided for the following functions:

• [power-button]: Press to turn the device on. Hold for 3 seconds to turn the device off.
• [back-arrow]: Select to return to the previous page.
• [up-arrow]: Select to scroll through menus or pages.
• [down-arrow]: Select to scroll through menus or pages.
• [shutter-button]: From the viewfinder, select to save a photo.
• Hold [shutter-button]: Hold to save a video clip.
• [select-button]: Select to choose an option in a menu.

Installing the Memory Card

The camera requires a microSD™ or microSDHC memory card of up to 64GB with a speed rating of Class 10 or higher. You can use the included memory card or purchase a compatible one.

1. Insert the memory card into the slot.
2. Press it in until it clicks.

Removing the Memory Card

? NOTICE: Removing the memory card while the device is turned on can result in a loss of data or damage to the device.

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the card in until it clicks.
3. Release the card. The card ejects from the slot.

Installing the Mount onto Your Windshield

? NOTICE: The adhesive mount is extremely difficult to remove after it is installed. Carefully consider the mounting location before installation.

Before installing, the ambient temperature must be from 21° to 38°C (70° to 100°F).

TIP: Connect the device to power and hold it in the preferred location to check the camera's field of view.

1. Clean the windshield using water or alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Ensure it is free of dust, wax, oils, or coatings.
2. Remove the protective film from the mount adhesive.
3. Position the mount over the mounting location. TIP: The adhesive is extremely sticky; do not touch it to the windshield until properly positioned and aligned.
4. Press the mount firmly onto the windshield and maintain pressure for 30 seconds.
5. Pull the camera and mount away from the windshield. The metal disc remains attached.
6. Using your finger, press firmly on the disc for 30 seconds to ensure proper adhesive contact.
7. Wait 24 hours before installing the Garmin Dash Cam to allow the adhesive to bond properly.

Formatting the Memory Card

The camera requires a memory card formatted using the FAT32 file system. Format your card at least once every 6 months to extend its life. A new card must also be formatted if it's not FAT32.

NOTE: Formatting the memory card deletes all videos, photos, and data.

1. Connect the camera to power.
2. Select Settings > Camera > Format Card.
3. Keep the camera connected to power until formatting is complete. The camera will display a message and begin recording.

Installing and Setting Up the Garmin Dash Cam

NOTICE: Install the mount and allow 24 hours for bonding before installing the Dash Cam. Failure to do so may cause the mount to detach.

1. Place the camera and mount onto the metal disc.
2. Plug the vehicle power cable into the USB port on the device.
3. Route the power cable out of sight, along or behind trim or headliner.
4. Plug the other end of the cable into a vehicle power outlet.
5. If necessary, turn on the vehicle ignition to provide power. The device turns on.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions for initial setup.
7. Adjust the camera position to capture the desired field of view.

Setting the Camera Placement

For best performance, set the Camera Placement option to indicate your device's location in the vehicle.

1. Select Settings > Driver Assistance > Camera Placement.
2. Select Horizontal Placement and choose your camera's position.
3. Select Vehicle Height.
4. Select Tall for large vehicles (vans, trucks) or Normal for cars.

Turning On the Device Manually

NOTE: The device turns on automatically when connected to an ignition-switched power outlet.

• Select [power-button]. The device turns on.

Turning Off the Device Manually

NOTE: The device turns off automatically when the vehicle ignition is turned off.

• Hold [power-button] for 3 seconds. The device turns off.

Dash Cam Recording

NOTICE: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of this device. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and privacy rights.

The dash cam records video to the memory card. By default, it starts recording when turned on and continues until turned off. If the memory card is full, the oldest unsaved video is automatically deleted. An option to promptly delete unsaved video is available, which continually deletes video older than three minutes and all unsaved video upon power off. This feature is only available in specific regions and may disable Travelapse recording.

Saving a Video Recording

The device uses a sensor to detect incidents and automatically saves video footage before, during, and after the event. You can also save video files manually at any time.

• Hold [save-button]. The device saves the video footage.

After saving, transfer recordings to a computer or smartphone to free up memory card space.

Event Detection

By default, the device uses a sensor to detect possible incidents and saves video footage automatically before, during, and after the event. Footage is stamped with time, date, and location.

Turning Audio Recording On or Off

NOTICE: Some jurisdictions may prohibit recording audio or require passenger consent. It is your responsibility to know and follow all laws.

The device can record audio using its integrated microphone. You can turn audio recording on or off at any time.

• Select Settings > Camera > Record Audio.

Taking a Photo

From the viewfinder, select [shutter-button]. The device saves the photo to the memory card.

Travelapse™

The Travelapse feature captures a fast-motion video of your trip, allowing you to share a short video of your travels. Recording Travelapse does not stop dash cam recording. Note: Travelapse recording is not available when the prompt deletion option is enabled.

Recording a Travelapse Video

You can manually start and stop Travelapse recording using the main menu or voice commands.

• To start: From the main menu, select Travelapse > Start, or say "OK, Garmin, Start Travelapse."
• To stop: From the main menu, select Travelapse > Stop, or say "OK, Garmin, Stop Travelapse."

Recording Videos While Parked

NOTICE: Due to privacy regulations, this feature may not be available in all areas. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and privacy rights.

Before recording while parked, connect the Dash Cam parking mode cable accessory (Parking Mode Cable Wiring Diagram, page 3). This feature allows the camera to record video automatically when your vehicle is parked.

• Select [menu-button] > Settings > Camera > Record While Parked.

When you turn off your vehicle, the camera enters parked recording mode and records video when the camera sensor detects motion.

Parking Mode Cable Wiring Diagram

Connecting the Parking Mode Cable Accessory to Power

CAUTION: Garmin strongly recommends professional installation by an experienced installer. Incorrect wiring can damage the vehicle or battery and cause injury.

1. Route the parking mode cable accessory to a location in the vehicle with constant power, switched power, and a ground connection.
2. Connect the BATT wire to a constant power source.
3. Connect the ACC wire to a switched power source.
4. Connect the GND wire to the bare metal of the vehicle's chassis using an existing bolt or screw.
5. Plug the parking mode cable accessory into the USB port on the camera.

Viewing Videos and Pictures

NOTE: The device stops recording and alerts are disabled while viewing videos or pictures.

1. Select [gallery-button].
2. Select an option:
   NOTE: Unsaved videos and Travelapse videos are not available if the prompt deletion option is enabled.
   • To view saved videos, select Saved Videos.
   • To view saved parked videos, select Parked Videos.
   • To view saved photos, select Pictures.
   • To view Travelapse videos, select Travelapse.
   • To view recent, unsaved video footage, select Unsaved Videos.
3. Select a video or photo.

Saving Unsaved Video Footage

You can view unsaved temporary footage in the gallery and save clips. This feature is not available if the prompt deletion option is enabled.

1. Select [gallery-button] > Unsaved Videos.
2. Select a day and time. The unsaved video for that timeframe starts playing.
3. Use [rewind-button] or [fast-forward-button] to move backward or forward through the video. The timestamp appears in the lower-left corner.
4. When you find the desired footage, press [save-button]. The device saves a three-minute video clip.

Deleting a Video or Photo

• While viewing a video, select [delete-button] > Yes.
• While viewing a photo, select [delete-button] > Yes.

Garmin VIRB® App

The free Garmin VIRB app allows you to view and share recorded dash cam videos and photos on your smartphone. Download the app from your mobile device's app store. For more information, go to garmin.com/VIRBapp.

Viewing Videos and Photos in the Garmin VIRB App

1. Install the Garmin VIRB app from your mobile device's app store.
2. On your Garmin Dash Cam device, select Gallery > Share Gallery.
3. On your smartphone, open the Garmin VIRB app. The app searches for your Garmin Dash Cam device and connects automatically.
4. If necessary, enter the Wi-Fi password displayed on your Garmin Dash Cam screen.
5. On your smartphone, select a video or photo to view or share it.

Garmin VIRB App Gallery

The app displays videos and photos sorted into folders:

• 100EVENT: Videos saved automatically when the device detects an incident.
• 101PHOTO: Contains photos.
• 102SAVED: Contains videos saved manually by the user.
• 103PARKM: Contains videos saved while parked.
• 104TLPSE: Contains Travelapse videos.
• 105UNSVD: Contains unsaved video footage. The device overwrites the oldest unsaved video when storage is full.

Videos and Photos on Your Computer

NOTE: Some media players might not support high-resolution playback.

Videos and photos are stored in the DCIM directory on the camera memory card. Videos are in MP4 format, and photos are in JPG format. You can view and transfer them by connecting the memory card or the device to your computer.

Connecting the Device to Your Computer

You can view videos and photos on your computer using a micro-USB cable.

1. Plug the small end of the micro-USB cable into the port on the device.
2. Plug the larger end of the micro-USB cable into a port on your computer. The device will appear as a removable drive or volume.

Driver Awareness Features and Alerts

Your camera provides features to encourage more attentive driving. The device plays an audible tone or message and displays information for each alert. You can enable or disable audible tones for some alerts.

• Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you when you are not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you when you may be crossing a lane boundary unintentionally.
• Go Alert: Plays a tone and displays an alert when stopped traffic starts moving.
• Speed Cameras: Plays a tone and displays the speed limit and distance to the speed camera.
• Red Light Cameras: Plays a tone and displays the distance to the red light camera.

Forward Collision Warning System

WARNING: The Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) is for information only and does not replace your responsibility to observe road conditions, traffic regulations, and safe driving judgment. The FCWS relies on the camera and may have limited functionality in low visibility conditions. For more information, go to garmin.com/warnings.

NOTE: This feature is not available in all areas or for all product models.

The FCWS feature alerts you when the device detects an unsafe distance from the vehicle ahead. It uses GPS to determine your vehicle speed and calculates an estimated safe following distance. The FCWS activates automatically when your vehicle speed exceeds 48 km/hr (30 mph).

When the device detects you are too close to the vehicle ahead, it plays an audible alert and displays a warning on the screen.

Forward Collision Warning System Performance Tips

Several factors affect FCWS performance. Some conditions may prevent vehicle detection:

• FCWS activates only when your vehicle speed exceeds 50 km/h (30 mph).
• FCWS may not detect vehicles if the camera's view is obscured by rain, fog, snow, sun glare, headlight glare, or darkness.
• FCWS may not function properly if the camera is incorrectly aligned (see Setting the Camera Placement).
• FCWS may not detect vehicles farther than 40 m (130 ft) or closer than 5 m (16 ft).
• FCWS may not function properly if camera placement settings do not correctly indicate your vehicle height or device placement.

Lane Departure Warning System

WARNING: The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is for information only and does not replace your responsibility to observe road conditions, traffic regulations, and safe driving judgment. The LDWS relies on the camera to provide warnings for lane markers and may have limited functionality in low visibility conditions. For more information, go to garmin.com/warnings.

The LDWS feature alerts you when you may be crossing a lane boundary unintentionally, such as crossing solid painted lane lines or entering an oncoming traffic lane. Alerts are provided only when your vehicle speed exceeds 64 km/h (40 mph). The alert appears on the left or right side of the screen indicating which lane boundary was crossed.

NOTE: For best LDWS performance, set the Camera Placement option to indicate your device's location in the vehicle.

Lane Departure Warning Performance Tips

Several factors affect LDWS performance. Some conditions may prevent lane departure detection:

• LDWS provides alerts only when your vehicle speed exceeds 65 km/h (40 mph).
• LDWS does not provide alerts on certain roads, such as highway ramps or merging lanes.
• LDWS may not function properly if the camera is incorrectly aligned.
• LDWS may not function properly if camera placement settings do not correctly indicate your vehicle height or device placement.
• LDWS requires a clear, continuous view of lane divider lines.
• Lane departures may not be detected when divider lines are obscured by rain, fog, snow, extreme shadows, sun glare, headlight glare, road construction, or other visual obstructions.
• Lane departures may not be detected if lane divider lines are misaligned, missing, or heavily worn.
• LDWS may not detect lane departures on extremely wide, narrow, or winding roads.

Go Alert

The Go Alert plays a tone and displays an alert when stopped traffic ahead starts moving again. This alert appears after the vehicle ahead has moved a substantial distance and your vehicle has remained stopped. This feature uses the dash camera to detect stopped or moving vehicles and requires a clear view of the road.

Visual indicator: Traffic Is Moving

Red Light and Speed Cameras

NOTICE: Garmin is not responsible for the accuracy or consequences of using a red light or speed camera database.

NOTE: This feature is not available for all regions or product models.

Information about red light and speed camera locations is available in some areas. The device alerts you when you approach a reported speed or red light camera. You can use Garmin Express software (garmin.com/express) to update the camera database.

Voice Control

NOTE: The voice control feature is not available for the 45 product model.

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. Commands must be spoken in English, even if the interface language is different.

Controlling the Camera Using Voice Commands

1. Say "OK, Garmin" to activate the voice control feature. The camera plays a tone and starts listening for a command.
2. Say a command:
   
   • To save a video, say "Save Video".
   • To take a picture, say "Take a Picture".
   • To record audio with video, say "Record Audio".
   • To record video without audio, say "Stop Audio".
   • To start Travelapse, say "Start Travelapse".
   • To stop Travelapse, say "Stop Travelapse".

The camera plays a tone when it recognizes your command.

Turning Voice Control On or Off

• Select [menu-button] > Voice Control > Settings > Disable.

Voice Control Tips

• Speak in a normal voice directed at the device.
• Reduce background noise to increase voice recognition accuracy.
• Before each command, say "OK, Garmin".
• Listen for a tone to confirm the camera successfully recognized a command.

Settings

Camera Settings

Select [menu-button] > Settings > Camera.

• Resolution: Adjusts the video resolution.
• Event Detection: Turns event detection on or off.
• Record Audio: Turns audio recording on or off.
• Data Overlay: Adjusts the type of data displayed on videos and pictures.
• Unsaved Videos: Determines when unsaved video footage is deleted. Options include "Delete When Full" (deletes oldest unsaved video when card is full) and "Promptly Delete" (deletes video older than three minutes and all unsaved video upon power off). "Promptly Delete" helps protect data privacy but disables Travelapse videos and viewing unsaved video in the gallery.
• Record After Power Loss: Sets how long the device continues to record after power is turned off.
• Record While Parked: Allows the camera to record video while the vehicle is parked and turned off, and sets the duration the camera remains active. This feature requires the parking mode cable accessory.
• Format Card: Formats the memory card, deleting all videos, photos, and data.

Video Resolution Settings

You can change the video resolution. Higher resolution requires more memory card space.

• Select Settings > Camera > Resolution.
• 1440p, 30fps: Records video in 1440p resolution at 30 frames per second. (Models 54/55/65W only).
• 1080p, 60fps: Records video in 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. (Models 54/55 only).
• 1080p, 30fps, HDR: Records video in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second using High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging for improved clarity in high contrast or low-light conditions. (Models 54/55 only).
• 1080p, 30fps: Records video in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second.
• 720p, 30fps: Records video in 720p resolution at 30 frames per second.

Driver Assistance Settings

Select [menu-button] > Settings > Driver Assistance.

• Camera Placement: Indicates device placement in the vehicle.
• Forward Collision: Adjusts the sensitivity of the FCWS feature.
• Go Alert: Turns the Go Alert display and audible alerts on or off.
• Lane Departure: Adjusts lane boundary settings.
• Proximity Alerts: Adjusts audible proximity alerts.

Proximity Alerts Settings

The camera plays a tone and shows an on-screen alert when approaching proximity points like speed or red-light cameras. Proximity point data (e.g., speed camera database) is required. You can customize alert behavior.

NOTE: This feature is not available in all areas.

• Select Settings > Driver Assistance > Proximity Alerts.
• Audio: Sets the alert style.
• Alerts: Sets the types of proximity points for which alerts are played.
• Delete Files: Allows deletion of proximity point data. NOTE: This option is primarily for commercial applications. Deleted data cannot be restored. Update the database instead of deleting if it is out of date.
• Update: Shows instructions for updating proximity point data.

System Settings

Select [menu-button] > Settings > System.

• Volume: Adjusts camera alerts and video playback volume.
• Brightness: Adjusts viewfinder display brightness.
• Color Mode: Select day, night, or Auto mode.
• Display Timeout: Sets screen to stay on or turn off after one minute of idle time. Recording continues with the screen off.
• Setup: Set units of measure, time, and language. Can restore settings to factory defaults and unpair from Garmin VIRB app. Does not delete recorded photos/videos.
• About: Displays camera name, software version, unit ID, and other feature information.
• Regulatory: Displays regulatory and compliance information.

Device Setup

Select Settings > System > Setup.

• Units: Sets units of measure for distances.
• Time: Sets time, date, and format for time stamp.
• Language: Sets all on-screen text to the selected language.
• Restore: Restores factory default settings and unpairs the camera from the Garmin VIRB app. Does not delete recorded photos and videos. To delete all photos and videos, format the memory card.

Device Information

Cleaning the Camera Lens

NOTICE: Avoid chemical cleaners and solvents that can damage plastic components.

Clean the camera lens regularly to improve video quality.

1. Wipe the lens with a non-scratch lens cloth, optionally dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Allow the lens to air dry.

Support and Updates

Garmin Express (garmin.com/express) provides access to product registration, manuals, and software updates.

Setting Up Garmin Express

1. Connect the device to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Go to garmin.com/express.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Garmin Support Center

Go to support.garmin.com for help, product manuals, FAQs, videos, and customer support.

Viewing E-Label Regulatory and Compliance Information

1. From the settings menu, scroll to the bottom.
2. Select System.
3. Select Regulatory.

Restarting the Device

If the device stops functioning, you can restart it.

• Hold the power key for 12 seconds.

Specifications

Troubleshooting

My camera feels warm while it is operating

It is normal for the camera to feel warm during typical use, especially while recording high-resolution video or transmitting a Wi-Fi® signal.

My memory card has degraded and needs to be replaced

All microSD memory cards wear out over time. Periodically formatting the card can extend its useful life and improve performance. You may need to replace the memory card periodically.

Your device detects memory card errors and alerts you when it's time to format or replace it. To help extend the memory card's life:

• Format the memory card at least once every six months.
• If the device displays a memory card error alert, first try formatting the memory card. If necessary, replace the memory card.
• Turn off the device when your vehicle is not in use. If not connected to an ignition-switched outlet, turn it off to prevent unnecessary recording.
• Use a memory card with a higher storage capacity, as they are overwritten less frequently and tend to last longer.
• Use a high-quality memory card with a speed rating of Class 10 or higher.
• Purchase replacement memory cards from a reputable manufacturer and vendor.

My video recordings are blurry

• Clean the camera lens.
• Clean the windshield in front of the camera.
• Verify the area of the windshield in front of the camera is cleared by the windshield wipers, and move the device if necessary.

My video recordings are choppy or incomplete

• For best results, use a high-quality memory card with a speed rating of Class 10 or higher. A slower card may not record video quickly enough.
• If viewing videos on your smartphone via Wi-Fi, try viewing in an area with less wireless interference or transfer videos to the smartphone.
• Transfer important recordings to a computer or smartphone, and format the memory card.
• If the device displays a memory card error alert, first try formatting the memory card. If necessary, replace the memory card.
• Update your device to the latest software.

Index

A
Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) 5
Alerts 4
Audio, proximity points 6

C
Camera placement 2
Cameras
dash cam 1
red light 5
speed 5
Cleaning, device 7
Computer, connecting 4
Customizing, settings 7

D
Dash cam 7
Memory card 1
Photos 3
Playing video 3
Recording audio 2
Recording video 2
Device overview 1
Driver alerts 4, 5

E
Event detection 2

F
Forward collision warning system (FCWS) 4, 5

G
Garmin Express 7
Registering the device 7
Updating software 7

L
Lane departure warning system (LDWS) 5

M
Memory card 1, 7
Installing 1
microSD card 1, 7
Mounting, windshield 1

P
Parking mode cable 3
Photos, viewing 3, 4
Power key 2
Product registration 7
Proximity points alerts, settings 6

R
Red light cameras 5
Registering the device 7
Resetting, device 7
Resolution 6

S
Settings 6
Setup 2
Software
updating 7
version 7
Speed cameras 5
System 6

T
Taking, photos 3
Travelapse 3
Troubleshooting 7, 8

V
Video
deleting 3
editing 4
photos, viewing 3
playing 3, 4
quality 7, 8
recording 2, 3
saving 3
viewing 4
Voice control 5, 6
tips 6

W
Wi-Fi, connecting 3