My app fails to connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

This article helps you troubleshoot Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection failures in the THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app.

The selected app, phone permissions, Wi-Fi switching settings, frequency band, saved password, VPN, and phone network settings can affect the connection.

Keep the phone screen on during connection and file transfer. A direct dash cam Wi-Fi connection is different from a phone hotspot used for THINKWARE CONNECTED.

If pairing stalls or the phone detects the dash cam Wi-Fi but cannot connect, follow these steps.

Already tried some steps? Jump to:

1.   Verify You Are Using the Correct THINKWARE Mobile App

2.   Check Bluetooth, Location, and Local Network App Permissions

3.   Turn Off Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto

4.   Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Re-enter Default Password

5.   Disable Active VPN Profiles on Your Smartphone

6.   Update Dash Cam Firmware

7.   Perform a Factory Reset on the Dash Cam

Verify You Are Using the Correct THINKWARE Mobile App

1. If you see "Dash Cam not responding", check that you are using the designated app for your model.

THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app: Use this app for other models. Check the help center category for the current compatibility information.

THINKWARE CLOUD app (Legacy): Designed for legacy U1000, Q800PRO, QA100, and F800PRO models.

THINKWARE Dash Cam Viewer app: For legacy X350, F770, F750, and FA700 models.

THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK Legacy app: For iPhones running iOS 13 or iOS 14.

2. Download the correct app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app requires iOS 15.0 or later or Android 9.0 or later. 

See Which THINKWARE Mobile app do I use?

Check Bluetooth, Location, and Local Network App Permissions

1. Open your smartphone's [Settings].

2. Scroll down and select [DASH CAM LINK] (or THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app).

3. For iOS (iPhone):

• Enable [Bluetooth] permission.

• Enable [Local Network] permission.

• Set [Location] access to [While Using the App] (and enable [Precise Location]).

4. For Android:

• Tap [Permissions] and allow [Nearby Devices] ([Bluetooth]), [Location], and [Photos/Storage].

5. Relaunch the app and attempt to register your dash cam again.

Turn Off Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto

If you use wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, disconnect it before connecting to your dash cam.

For iPhone:

1.   Open [Settings] > [General] > [CarPlay] and select your vehicle.

2.   Turn off [CarPlay] or tap [Forget This Car].

For Android:

1.   Open [Settings] > [Apps] > [Android Auto].

2.   Tap [Disable], then confirm with [Disable App].

Reconnect to your dash cam’s Wi-Fi, then try the THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app again.

For an explanation of why wireless CarPlay or Android Auto can interrupt the connection, and detailed instructions, see Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto causes connection drops.

Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Re-enter Default Password

1. Open your smartphone's [Settings] > [Wi-Fi].

2. Locate the network starting with Thinkware_ (e.g., Thinkware_68).

3. Tap the Info control (iOS) or [Settings] control (Android) next to the network name and tap [Forget This Network].

4. Turn off [Wi-Fi] on your phone, wait 5 seconds, then turn [Wi-Fi] back on.

5. Press the Wi-Fi / Communication button on the dash cam body until it beeps and the Wi-Fi LED blinks.

6. Select the Thinkware_ network in your phone settings, enter the default password 123456789, and tap [Join] or [Connect].

Disable Active VPN Profiles on Your Smartphone

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can block local IP communication between your smartphone and the dash cam creating connection issues. To disable follow these steps

1. Go to [Settings] > [General] > [VPN & Device Management] (iOS) or [Connections] > [More connection settings] > [VPN] (Android).

2. Toggle all active [VPN] profiles to [Disabled] or [Disconnected] before opening the app.

Update Dash Cam Firmware

If your model supports updates through THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK, follow these steps.

1. Turn on the dash cam, open THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK, and tap [Connect to the Dash Cam].

2. Tap [Download] when prompted and wait for the download to finish. When “Latest firmware files are available. Do you wish to update?” appears, tap [OK].

3. Tap [Continue] to switch to the dash cam’s Wi-Fi, then tap [Join] when your phone asks to connect to the THINKWARE network.

4. Wait for the firmware to be installed. The dash cam will restart and temporarily disconnect from the app. The update is complete when you hear “Update Complete, Continuous Recording will now start”.

If no update prompt appears, go to [More] > [Support] > [Update Firmware] > [Firmware Download], then follow the confirmation and connection steps above.

For detailed instructions, troubleshooting, or the PC/Mac method if app updates are unavailable, see How to update your dash cam’s firmware.

Perform a Factory Reset on the Dash Cam

If pairing does not work, use the Factory Reset method for your model.

Follow the reset method for your model:

• U3000 PRO, U3000: Press and hold the REC and MIC buttons together until the dash cam beeps.
• Q200: Press and hold the Wi-Fi and REC buttons together until the dash cam beeps.
• LCD models: Use the reset option in the on-screen settings menu.

For model-specific buttons and menus, see How to Reset your Dash Cam.

None of the above worked

If the app still cannot connect after checking compatibility, permissions, wireless vehicle connections, network switching, VPN, and both reset procedures, contact THINKWARE support.

Please refer to About THINKWARE's warranty policy for warranty requests or technical evaluation.

Need more help?

Contact the support team for your region by email or phone. We’ll respond to your email as quickly as we can.

North America (US/CA)
Email: support@thinkware.com
Phone: 1-844-865-9273

United Kingdom (UK)
Email: support.eu@thinkware.com
Phone: +44 (0) 333-121-0008

Europe (EU)
Email: support@thinkwarestore.com
Phone: +49 69 943 22200