How do I update the firmware on my Thinkware dash cam?Updated a month ago

Firmware updates are released to improve the functions of Thinkware dash cams. Firmware updates can enhance the dash cam’s capabilities or fix ongoing issues.

Firmware Updates are frequently used for troubleshooting purposes if an issue occurs with the dash cam. By updating or re-loading the firmware, the dash cam’s current firmware is erased and replaced.

These updates may potentially add new features to the dash cam, such as the update released for the Q800PRO on April 30th, 2019. This update added the Cloud Feature for Remote Live View in Continuous Mode only.

To download the firmware for your dash cam, please visit the Thinkware Downloads page.

We have three ways to update the dash cams' Firmware. All methods are outlined below:

Updating Firmware Via Micro SD Card (Windows OS)

Locate the full-sized SD Card Adapter provided in the Original Box.
Insert the SD Card into the Adapter, and then into your PC.
Locate the SD Card under the “This PC” Section of the File Explorer.
Format the SD by right-clicking the name and selecting Format, then Start.
Open your web browser and go to the Thinkware downloads page.
Select your Dash Cam Model
Download the Firmware File
Locate the Firmware File in the Downloads section of your PC.
Right-click on the ZIP file and extract all contents onto the formatted SD Card.
Once copied, right-click the Name of the SD Card and select “Eject”. You can now remove the SD from your computer.
Now that the Firmware File is on the MicroSD, we need to upload this to the dash cam. Insert the SD into your dash cam, and power it on.

Once the dash cam powers on, you will hear “ Update will now start.” This may take a few minutes to complete. Ensure the Dash Cam stays powered for the duration of the update. Once you hear “Update Complete, Continuous Recording will now start,” you are safe to power off or use the dash cam regularly.

Please note that if power loss occurs during this process, this risks permanent damage to the dash cam.

Updating Firmware Via Micro SD Card (MacOS)

Locate the full-sized SD Card Adapter provided in the Original Box.
Insert the SD Card into the Adapter and then into your Mac.
Open Disk Utility and locate the SD Card. Select “Erase” to Format the SD Card. (Optional Step).
Open your web browser and go to the Thinkware downloads page.
Select your Model of Dash Cam below.
Download the Firmware File.
Use Spotlight Search to find the Disk Utility Program. Locate the name of the MicroSD Card on the left-hand side panel. Select Erase at the top of the screen to begin the Format.
Locate the Firmware ZIP File in the Downloads section of your Mac.
Double-click to open the Firmware ZIP, then copy all files inside.
Paste files onto the Formatted MicroSD Card. Right-click the Name of the MicroSD Card and select “Eject”. You can now remove the SD from your computer.
Now that the Firmware File is on the MicroSD, this must be uploaded to the dash cam. Insert the SD into your dash cam, and power it on.

Once the dash cam powers on, you will hear “Update will now start.” This may take a few minutes to complete. Ensure the dash cam stays powered for the duration of the update. Once you hear “Update Complete, Continuous Recording will now start,” you are safe to power off or use the dash cam regularly.

Please note that if power loss occurs during this process, this risks permanent damage to the dash cam.

Updating via PC Viewer

To download the PC Viewer Software, first go to the Thinkware downloads page.
Select your Dash Cam Model from below.
Select PC Viewer and your operating system to download.
Locate the Windows PC Viewer.exe file in your downloads folder. Double click to open. Select “Yes” when the pop-up “Do you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer” appears.
Select your preferred Language and select OK.
Select Install
Once installed, select Finish.
Locate the full-sized SD Card Adapter provided in the Original Box.
Insert the SD Card into the Adapter and then into your PC.
Open the PC Viewer Program. If an update is available ,you will see this pop-up message. Select “Yes.”
Wait for the pop-up message to finish downloading and installing the update to the MicroSD Card. The PC Viewer Program will open after this message.
Right-click the Name of the SD Card in the “This PC” section, and select “Eject”. You can now remove the SD from your computer.

The Firmware file has been loaded onto the microSD card itself; however, we still need to upload this to the Dash Cam. Please insert the MicroSD into the dash cam and power it on.

Please note that if power loss occurs during this process, this risks permanent damage to the dash cam.

Updating the Firmware via Mobile App (Older Models)

Open the App Store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and download the Thinkware Cloud Application.
Once downloaded, connect to your dash cam via Hotspot. Connecting with Hotspot establishes a connection to the Internet to download and upload the Firmware Update.
Select the Bell in the top right corner to check for an update. The Bell will have a Red “N” to notify that there is an update available.
Select the Download Button on the right side.
Wait for the Firmware File to Download.
Once downloaded, the file will automatically begin uploading to the dash cam. Ensure that no power and Hotspot Connection is lost during this process.

Please note that if the Hotspot or Power is lost, this risks irreversible damage to the dash cam, potentially bricking the unit.

After the dash cam restarts and you hear “Update Complete, Continuous Recording will now start”, you are safe to disconnect the dash cam from the Hotspot Connection and Power Source.

Updating the Firmware via Mobile App (Newer Models)

Open the App Store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and download the Thinkware Dash Cam Link Application.
Once downloaded, connect to your dash cam. Ensure that cellular data is enabled.
Select the : : icon in the bottom right corner to check for an update. The : : icon will have a Red Dot to notify that there is an update available.
Select the Firmware Update option, then select the Download Button.
Wait for the Firmware File to Download.
Once downloaded, the file will automatically begin uploading to the dash cam. Ensure that no power, cellular data, or Dash Cam Connection is lost during this process.

Please note that if the Dash Cam Connection or Power is lost, this risks irreversible damage to the dash cam, potentially bricking the unit.

After the dash cam restarts and you hear “Update Complete, Please Have a Safe Drive Today”, you are safe to disconnect the dash cam from the Power Source.

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