This article helps you troubleshoot a THINKWARE dash cam that is not receiving a GPS signal.
Check Time Zone and Daylight-Saving Time settings, GPS reception, the mobile app, and firmware when timestamps are incorrect. Metallic windshield tint and underground parking can obstruct GPS reception.
Note: THINKWARE dash cams automatically sync the exact date and time from GPS satellite atomic clocks upon acquiring a signal. You do not need to manually set the calendar date on GPS-equipped models—only the Time Zone (UTC offset) and Daylight-Saving Time toggle must be configured.
If the GPS status icon remains unlit, the dash cam says "GPS disconnected", or recorded video files lack vehicle speed and map location data in PC/Mac Viewer, follow the signal isolation steps below.
Already tried some steps? Jump to:
1. Inspect Sky Visibility and Environmental Interference
2. Reset the GPS Module via Mobile App or Touchscreen
3. Check Physical External GPS Antenna Connection
Inspect Sky Visibility and Environmental Interference
GPS reception can be interrupted or delayed by metallic barriers, underground parking, covered structures, tall city buildings, or severe storms.
Windshield Metallic Tint: Vehicle windshields equipped with metallic heat-blocking film (heat shields), anti-UV coatings, or built-in defroster heating elements can also block GPS radio signals.
Electronic Device Interference: Ensure the dash cam main unit and external GPS antenna are mounted at least 20 cm (8 inches) away from other electronic accessories, such as third-party GPS navigation units, radar detectors, or wireless dash mounts.
Reset the GPS Module via Mobile App or Touchscreen
1. Via Mobile App: In THINKWARE CLOUD or THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK, open [Dash Cam Info], select the GPS information arrow, and tap the [Reset] icon in the top-right corner.
2. Via LCD Touchscreen Models (X1000, X800, X700, X550, X500, X350, X330): Tap [Main Menu] > [Dash Cam Info] or [About Device] > [GPS] > [Reset GPS].
3. Allow up to 5 minutes outdoors under a clear sky for the GPS module to lock onto satellite signals.
Check Physical External GPS Antenna Connection
On dash cam models requiring an external GPS antenna (such as Q200, F200 PRO, FA200, F70 PRO, F70), inspect the cable connection.
Caution: Do not plug the external GPS antenna into the DC-IN power port or V-IN rear camera port. Inserting the jack into the wrong port can bend internal terminal pins and cause electrical damage.
1. Ensure the 2.5mm GPS jack is plugged strictly into the port labeled GPS (or EXT. GPS).
2. If metallic windshield tint obstructs a built-in GPS model, use an optional external GPS antenna in a clear corner of the windshield and check the reception.
None of the above worked
If the date or GPS issue continues after resetting GPS, updating the app and firmware, checking time settings, testing outdoors, and checking antenna connections, contact THINKWARE support.
For a warranty exchange request or technical evaluation, see About THINKWARE's warranty policy.
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
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