How to Delete Dash Camera Recordings

Deleting dash cam footage is extremely easy. But the method to accomplish this depends on your dash cam model. Since dash cams are constantly recording, managing & deleting footage to free up space is a must for all owners.

There are a couple storage methods for video files, which depend on the type of dash cam you have. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of deleting dash cam recordings, covering the two main types of storage.

Types of Recording Storage

Before we dive into the deletion process, you should understand the two main types of storage used by dash cams:

1. SD card storage – Many dash cams use removable SD cards to store recorded footage. SD cards offer a simple and affordable storage solution, but they have limited capacity and require manual management.
2. Cloud storage – Some higher end dash cams feature cloud storage, which automatically uploads recorded footage to a remote server via a smartphone app. Cloud storage offers more convenience and remote access to your recordings, but it often requires a subscription fee.

Depending on the price of your dash cam you may have limited storage, check out our price guide for more information.

Deleting Videos from a Dash Cam SD Card

The most common type of dash cam uses a Micro SD card to store video files. To delete recordings stored on a SD card, you have to locate the file or format the card, which erases everything currently recorded.

How to Delete All Video Files in Bulk

Deleting all of the video recordings on your dash cams SD card is also known as ‘formatting’. Formatting an SD card will erase all data on the card, including your dash cam recordings. This is a quick and easy way to free up space, but it will permanently delete all files on the card. Before formatting, make sure you have saved any of your important footage saved elsewhere.

1. Remove the SD card from your dash cam and insert it into your computer’s SD card reader.
2. Open ‘File Explorer’ (Windows) or ‘Finder’ (Mac).
3. Locate the SD card in the list of connected devices. If your device doesn’t show up, follow our guide on how to fix dash cam not recognizing SD Card.
4. Right click on the SD card device and click on the ‘Format’ option.
5. Choose the appropriate file system (usually FAT32) and click ‘Start’.

Please Note: The above explanation is a simple overview. Not all dash cam SD cards can be formatted using the same method, read our tutorial on how to format an SD Card for a dash cam for a more in-depth guide.

How to Delete Specific Files

If you’re only looking to delete one or two files instead of wiping the entire memory card, you’ll have to find the individual recordings.

1. Remove the SD card from your dash cam and insert it into your computer’s SD card reader.
2. Open ‘File Explorer’ (Windows) or ‘Finder’ (Mac).
3. Locate the SD card in the list of connected devices and open it.
4. Navigate to the videos folder containing your dash cam recordings (usually named ‘DCIM’ or similar). The folder structure isn’t complicated in most SD cards.
5. Watch through your footage, review the videos, then locate the file/files you want to delete.
6. You may have to watch through the recording if your dash cam doesn’t automatically separate the footage.
7. Right-click on the selected files and choose ‘Delete’.

Deleting Cloud Storage Recordings

Cloud storage recordings are typically accessed on the dash camera itself, through a cloud portal, or through a smartphone app created by the manufacturer.

How to Delete a File on Android/iOS App

1. Download the manufacturer’s smartphone app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Open Android/iOS application & sign in to your account.
3. Select your dash cam from the list of connected devices.
4. Navigate to the cloud storage section and review all the footage saved.
5. Click the file you want to delete and click the bin icon at the bottom of the screen.

How to Delete Recordings Directly From the Devices’ Navigation

Some dash cams with cloud storage also allow you to delete recordings directly on the device itself. The process will vary depending on the model, but generally, you’ll be able to follow these steps:

1. Access your dash cam’s menu using the buttons on the device.
2. Press the storage icon button or navigate to the playback section of the menu.
3. Open a folder – most cameras have a Protected, Unprotected & Photo folders.
4. Play through your footage and find the ones to be deleted.
5. Press the trash bin icon or select the delete option from the menu.
6. Confirm by your decision & press ‘Ok’.

Reasons to Get Rid of Old Videos

Managing your dash cam recordings is an important to make sure your device functions optimally. Here are a few reasons you should regularly delete your unneeded footage:

• Free up space – Deleting unnecessary footage frees up space for new recordings. If your dash camera doesn’t have loop recording, your device won’t work when the storage gets full unless you free up space manually.
• Remove unnecessary / sensitive footage – Not all recorded footage may be relevant or necessary to keep. Deleting these files helps maintain your privacy… while organizing your storage library.

If you have an in-built car camera instead of an aftermarket dashcam, the process will be similar to what we discussed in our BMW Drive Recorder tutorial. Follow the steps listed in the app section of that post for a more in-depth tutorial on how to delete footage from an in-built car camera instead.

With proper management and maintenance, your dash cam will continue to serve as a reliable witness on the road. If you don’t have yet have a dash cam, read our 6 reasons why you need one because these reasons aren’t going away anytime soon!