Mounting a dashcam bracket behind the rearview mirror step by step

Installing a dashcam yourself after picking up a new or rental car is often much easier than people expect going in — a single YouTube tutorial is usually all it takes to get a plug-and-play unit running in about 30 minutes, with no special tools required.

What You'll Need and How Long It Takes

The mount, cable, and clips that come included in the box cover the basics for a standard install. A trim-tucking tool makes routing the cable much tidier if you want a clean finish with no wire visible. Budget around 30 minutes for a straightforward cigarette-lighter setup, or 1-2 hours if you're taking on a hardwire install yourself.

Step by Step

Mount the camera behind the rearview mirror in a spot where it won't obstruct your view of the road, route the cable through the trim toward your chosen power source, adjust the camera's angle so the horizon sits roughly centred in frame, and record a short test clip afterward to double-check the framing looks right before you rely on it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't pull the cable too tight while routing it — leave a little slack so it doesn't catch or pull loose when you remove the trim panel later for any reason. And always record a short test clip right after installing to confirm the angle and image quality look correct, rather than assuming it's fine and finding out otherwise after an incident.