Won't Connect to the App?

Won’t Connect to the App?

My Thinkware App is not working 

If your Thinkware app is not working, can’t establish a connection, the connection is dropping, etc., please follow the troubleshooting steps outlined below.

What Mobile App to use

If you have a Thinkware Dash Cam that features built-in Wi-Fi, you will be able to connect your dash cam to a smartphone to view video files and alter the settings via the Thinkware Mobile Apps. Check the list below to see which app your dash cam uses. 

You can also check this link to learn more, Which Thinkware Mobile App do I use? 

Mobile App Dash Cam Model Download Link
Thinkware Dash Cam Link U3000, U1000 Plus, Q1000, Q850, Q200, ARC, F790, F200 PRO, F70 PRO, FA200, F200, F800 and M1

Apple

Android

Thinkware Cloud U1000, Q800PRO, QA100, and F800PRO

Apple

Android

Thinkware Connected U3000, Q1000, and Q850

Apple

Android

Thinkware Dashcam Viewer F770, FA700, F750, X350 and XW10

Apple

Android

Incorrect Password/No Internet Connection

The Thinkware Wi-Fi network has a default password of 123456789. If you are still having a password issue even after using the given password, you can reset it by doing a factory reset on your dash cam. After doing a reset, you can try to reconnect and use the default password. 

Check this guide to learn how to reset the dash cam. How to Reset your Dash Cam

You might also get the message “no internet connection” once you’re connected to the Thinkware Wi-Fi network. You can disregard this message and keep connected to the network. The Thinkware Wi-Fi network does not supply any internet connection but is a media between the dash cam and your smartphone. 

Connection keeps Dropping/Connected but the App is not Working or Responding

There are several factors why your smartphone can’t keep the connection to the Thinkware Network or why is the app not working even if you are connected to the app. Most of these have something to do with your smartphone’s settings. 

1. [iOS] Wireless Apple CarPlay

Wireless Apple Carplay connection on your iPhone should be disabled when connecting to the dash cam. This ensures that your iPhone’s connection will be dedicated to the dash cam.

The app will display a prompt should it identify that there is a connection issue. The prompt will give you a brief guide on how to disable Wireless CarPlay on your iPhone

IMG_7181.PNGIMG_7182.PNG

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to disable Apple CarPlay on your iPhone,

  • Open the Settings App on your smartphone.

  • Select “General”
  • Tap “Carplay”

  • You will see here the list of vehicles synced with your iPhone. Tap on the vehicle you’d like to forget. 

You now have disabled the Wireless Apple Carplay feature on your iPhone. 

Note: A wired Apple Carplay connection does not require to be disconnected. This only applies to wireless connections.

You can also check this link to learn more about Apple Carplay, Understanding Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto

2. [Android] Wireless Android Auto

Similarly with the Apple Carplay, the  Wireless Android Auto connection of your smartphone should be disabled when you connect to the dash cam. This ensures that there will be no connection interruption between the smartphone and the dash cam.  Here’s a brief guide on how to disable Android Auto on your smartphone,

  • Open the Settings App on your smartphone.
  • Go to Apps

  • Tap on Android Auto

  • Select Disable
  • Confirm the action by tapping Disable App on the pop-up.

Note: A wired Android Auto connection does not require to be disconnected. This only applies to wireless connections.

You can also check this link to learn more about Android Auto, Understanding Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto

3. [iOS] Wi-Fi Assist

Ensure that the Wi-Fi Assist settings on your iPhone is disabled. Here’s a quick guide on how to disable the Wi-Fi Assist setting on your iPhone,

  • Open the Settings App on your smartphone.

  • Select "Cellular"

  • Scroll to the bottom of the menu. You will then find Wi-Fi Assist. 

  • Ensure this is disabled.

You now have disabled the Wi-Fi Assist setting on your iPhone. 

You can also check this link to learn more about [iOS] WiFi Assist

4. [Android] Smart Network Switch

Android phones' Smart Network Switch settings is a feature that detects whether the Wi-Fi connection is stable or without a connection. Once the smartphone identifies that the Wi-Fi network is unstable or does not have internet, it will automatically switch to the mobile data connection. Here’s a quick guide on how to disable the Smart Network Switch on your Android phone,

  • Open the Settings App on your smartphone.
  • Select "Wi-Fi"
  • Scroll to the bottom of the menu. You will then find “Advanced/More Settings”.
  • Look for Smart Network Switch. 
  • Ensure this is disabled.

5. [iOS] Local Network Access

This permission setting will allow the Thinkware App to fully connect to the Thinkware Wi-Fi Network. If not permitted, your iPhone will still be able to connect to the Thinkware Wi-Fi Network but the app features and settings will not be working (applicable to iOS 14 or later). Here’s a quick guide on how to allow access to the Thinkware App,

  • Open the Settings App on your smartphone.

  • Scroll down and tap Privacy and Security

  • Tap Local Network. Here, you'll see a list of apps requesting access to your local network.

  • Look for the Thinkware App and enable it.

6. [Android] App Permissions

Thinkware Apps require certain access permissions to operate. We highly recommend allowing all these permissions for seamless connection and app access. Normally, this is being asked on your first time operating the app. Here’s a quick guide on how to allow all permissions to the app

  • Open the Settings app on your smartphone
  • Tap Apps.
  • Tap the  Thinkware app you want to change. If you can't find it, tap See all apps.
  • Tap Permissions. If you have allowed or denied any permissions for the app, you'll find them here.
  • To change a permission setting, tap it, then choose Allow.

Thinkware Mobile App will not Open

If the Thinkware Mobile App stops responding, closes unexpectedly, or will not open, please try the following troubleshooting steps.

  1. Close and Reopen the App

Force the app to close. Then open the app to see if it works as expected.

  1. Restart your Smartphone

Restart your smartphone. Then open the Thinkware Mobile App to see if it works as expected.

  1. Check for Updates

To see if updates are available for the Thinkware Mobile App, open the App Store on your smartphone to see if updates are available. If updates aren't available for the app, update the software for your smartphone.

  1. Delete the App, then Redownload it

Delete the app. When you do this, you might lose data that was stored in the app.

Then redownload the app. Check to see if the problem with the app is fixed.

  1. Check your App Store Location

Check the Country and Region the App Store on your smartphone has been set to. Ensure this location is correct.

  1. Check that the Permissions have been allowed

Upon downloading the Thinkware Mobile App, you will be asked to allow certain permissions. Ensure you have enabled these permissions in your smartphone's settings. If the permissions are not allowed, the Mobile App may not work as expected.

Cannot Connect to Hotspot 

Certain Thinkware Dash Cam models do come with a hotspot connection feature. Here are some reasons/troubleshooting to check if your dash cam can't connect to a hotspot service. 

1. Wi-Fi Frequency (Band)

The Wi-Fi Frequency setting on the U1000 and Q1000 Dash Cams, allows you to choose a specific broadcast frequency that a Hotspot device can use to send or receive data.

The Dash Cam will be unable to connect via Hotspot unless the Wi-Fi Frequency of the Hotspot Device and Dash Cam Setting match.

Ensure to match the Wi-Fi Frequency Setting of the Dash Cam to your Hotspot Device.

2. Weak Wi-Fi Signal

The first thing you should check is the Wi-Fi signal strength. The Dash Cam requires an Upload Speed of 4 Mbps.

To check your Hotspots Upload Speed, click here.

If the signal is weak or unstable, you may have difficulty connecting to the hotspot.

Try moving closer to the dash cam or find a location where the Wi-Fi signal is stronger. If you are still having trouble, consider using a Wi-Fi range extender to boost the signal.

3. Incorrect Password

If you are hearing the message "Check the password," ensure that you are entering the correct Hotspot SSID and password when attempting to connect.

It is essential to use a simple password if possible. Double-check the password and try again.

4. Network Congestion

Sometimes, network congestion can interfere with your ability to connect to the hotspot.

If many devices are connected to the same network, the network can become congested, causing connectivity issues.

Try disconnecting other devices from the network or restarting your router to alleviate the congestion..

5. VPN is Enabled

We sometimes use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to create a secure connection between our device and the internet. VPN provides an extra layer of privacy and anonymity in using the internet.

Thinkware Apps do not usually work with VPNs due to several reasons. Deactivating your VPN will resolve this. Make sure that there are no active VPNs when connecting the dash cam to your hotspot.

6. Firmware Update Required

Occasionally, Thinkware releases firmware updates that can improve the performance of your Dash Cam. If you are having trouble connecting to the hotspot, check if there are any available firmware updates for your dash cam. 

You can also check this to learn more how to update your dash cam’s firmware, How to Update the Firmware

7. Dash Cam Malfunction

If none of the above solutions work, there may be a hardware issue with your Dash Cam.

Other Troubleshooting Guides

1. Forget the Thinkware Wi-Fi Network

Forgetting the Thinkware Wi-Fi network on your phone settings will restart the connection. This will start a new connection between your dash cam and smartphone.

2. Update the Dash Cam Firmware

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

Firmware updates are frequently used for troubleshooting purposes if an issue occurs with the dashcam.

Each dash cam model has their firmware file. The latest firmware for all Thinkware dash cams can be downloaded here.

You can also check this to learn more how to update your dash cam’s firmware, How to Update the Firmware

3. Reset Network Settings

"Reset Network Settings" reverts all network-related settings to the original factory settings. This includes all Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.

If you are encountering an issue with the Mobile App connection to your Dash Cam, resetting the network settings can be a troubleshooting measure.

Check this link to learn more about how to reset the network settings of your smartphone, How to Reset Network Settings

4. Dash Cam Reset

If you are experiencing any errors with the system or connection to the Dash Cam, one of the first troubleshooting steps to try is completing a system reset. Resetting the Dash Cam can correct any bugs or errors occurring.

Resetting your Thinkware Dash Cam will erase all files on the MicroSD Card and revert all settings and preferences to the factory default. We highly advise backing up all important dash cam recordings before doing a dash cam reset. 

Each dash cam has its way of doing a reset, check this link to learn more about how to reset your dash cam, How to Reset your Dash Cam

 

These are all the factors and troubleshooting steps you need to check if you are having issues connecting your dash cam to your smartphone.  If you are still encountering any issues when connecting to the Dash Cam, please reach out to our team at support@thinkware.com or 1-844-865-9273.

Was this article helpful?

0 out of 0 found this helpful

Have more questions? Submit a request

Comments

0 comments

Please sign in to leave a comment.