[Thinkware Cloud - iOS] How to Connect via Hotspot

Connecting your Thinkware Dash Cam to a Hotspot will allow you to use the Thinkware Cloud Features such as Locate Vehicle, Geo-fencing, Remote Live View, and Impact Video Notification/Upload.

*Compatible Hotspot Devices: Smartphone Hotspot, built-in-vehicle hotspot, external hotspot device, wifi router.

*Thinkware Cloud Features are not accessible via Thinkware WiFi connection to the dash cam.

Compatible Dash Cams

1. F800PRO *Cloud Features are not available in parking mode.

2. Q800PRO/QA100 ELITE *Cloud Features are not available in parking mode.

3. U1000

How to Connect via Hotspot (First Time)

1. Download the Thinkware Cloud App from the Apple App Store. 

2. Ensure you have created a Thinkware Cloud Account, and have logged in.

3. On your iPhone go to Settings > Personal Hotspot. Ensure your Hotspot is disabled and write down your Personal Hotspot Wi-Fi Password.

*Assure the Personal Hotspot Password is fairly simple. If the password is very complex the dash cam may not recognize the connection.

4. Open the Thinkware Cloud App. Select the following from the main screen.

① Dashcam connection is required  ② Your Dash Cam Model ③ Connect 

5. You will now be asked if it is the first connection with the dash cam. If you have not connected with this Hotspot Device specifically before, select ④ Yes, it is 

6. To complete the Hotspot Setup, we must first connect via WiFi as prompted by the Thinkware Cloud App.

Press the ⑤ Wi-Fi button once on your dashcam itself to activate the Wi-Fi.

*WiFi LED will blink green when searching for Wi-Fi.

Once you hear "On your smartphone connect to a Wi-Fi network whose name starts with Thinkware" Click ⑥ Next

7. Open your ⑦ iPhone Settings > Wi-Fi.

8. Select the Wi-Fi network ⑧ 'Thinkware_xx' (e.g. Thinkware_68) 

9. Enter the default password ⑨ '123456789' and click ⑩ Join

10. Confirm in your iPhone Settings that you are connected to the Thinkware WiFi. ⑪ 'Thinkware_xx' *If this disconnects immediately, please refer to Disabling WiFi Assist.

11. Open the Thinkware Cloud App. You will hear "Connected to a smartphone" and the Green LED will stay solid.

12. Leaving the Personal Hotspot disabled, input the ⑫ Personal Hotspot Password we wrote down in Step 3 then press ⑬ Input Complete.

13. Next the dash cam will announce "Disconnected from a smartphone, The device will find a Wi-Fi Hotspot. Turn on your personal Hotspot".

*The WiFi LED will begin blinking blue. 

14. Go to ⑭ iPhone Settings > Personal Hotspot and enable your ⑮ Personal Hotspot 

15. Stay on the Hotspot Settings Screen until the 3 followings occur;

         a. Blue ⑯ Personal Hotspot Connection appears at top of the phone screen.

         b. ⑰ Solid Blue WiFi LED on the dash cam.

         c. Dash Cam will announce "Connected to the Internet"

*Opening the Thinkware Cloud App prematurely will cause the connection to fail. You will need to restart from Step 4.

16. Once you have confirmed the three conditions above have been met reopen the Thinkware Cloud App.

You should see ⑱ Registration Complete

17. Next you will be asked to agree to the Service Terms. ⑲ Click on each of the 3 Service Terms.

18. Lastly, select ⑳ Agreed to all to confirm the Service Terms.

You are now connected via Hotspot to your Dash Cam!

If you have any questions or concerns with the Hotspot Setup, please reach out to our team at support@thinkware.com or 1-844-865-9273.

How to Connect via Hotspot (Reconnect registered device)

Once you have connected to your dash cam via Hotspot once, the device will begin searching for the registered Hotspot upon each startup.

Unfortunately with the way that iPhone's Hotspots are configured there is 1 step to complete each time you do wish to reconnect and will not automatically reconnect.

Reconnection Process:

1. Turn on the ignition of the vehicle. The dash cam will power on in Continuous Mode with the WiFi LED blinking blue.

2. Open iPhone Settings > Personal Hotspot, ensure this is enabled and wait.

3. Stay on the Hotspot Settings Screen until the 3 followings occur;

         a. Blue⑯ Personal Hotspot Connection appears at top of the phone screen.

         b. ⑰ Solid Blue WiFi LED on the dash cam.

         c. Dash Cam will announce "Connected to the Internet"

*Opening the Thinkware Cloud App prematurely will cause the connection to fail. 

4. The Dash Cam is now connected to the Hotspot for the Thinkware Cloud Features.

Disclaimer

The iPhone may disconnect from the Thinkware Cloud App after timing out or the iPhone's screen turning off. You will hear "Disconnected from a Smartphone".

However, the Blue LED should remain solid as the dash cam is still connected to the internet.

Simply reopen the Thinkware Cloud App and you will hear "Connected to a Smartphone" once more.

If the Thinkware Cloud App does not recognize you are connected.

If the Thinkware Cloud app does not recognize that you are connected via Hotspot, ensure the 3 below conditions have been met.

       a. Blue ⑯ Personal Hotspot Connection Bar appears at top of the phone screen.

       b. ⑰ Solid Blue WiFi LED on the dash cam.

       c. Dash Cam will announce "Connected to the Internet"

If the conditions have been met and the Thinkware Cloud App does not show that you are connected, please complete the following process:

1. Close the Thinkware Cloud App from running in the background of the iPhone.

 2. Select ㉔ Not Connected > Connect via Hotspot

 You should now be connected to the Thinkware Cloud App via Hotspot!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Hotspot Connection to your Thinkware Dash Cam please reach out to our team at support@thinkware.com or 1-844-865-9273 for further assistance.