Firmware

The 385GWX comes with a rear camera included, whereas the 385GW is a front facing camera only. 

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Should I format my SD card?

Yes. It is very important that your SD card is formatted regularly, for most customers we recommend formatting your SD card every 2-3 weeks using the cameras setup menu. 

What does it mean to format an SD card?

Put simply, formatting an SD card (or any other type of storage device) means that you are deleting all of the files from the drive in one go.

Why is it important to regularly format my SD card?

The reason we recommend you format your SD card every 2-3 weeks is because unlike ordinary video cameras, Dash Cams continuously record in a loop. The continuous writing and overwriting of files puts a lot of stress onto the SD card, if a card has not been designed for this very specific use it is far more likely to experience problems.

Please note: If you do a lot of driving, you will need to format your SD card more frequently than the average person. We recommend taxi drivers format their SD cards at least once a week for example.

What will happen if I don't format my SD card?

If you fail to format your SD card for a prolonged period of time you could experience the following types of issues:

• SD card error messages
• Recording failure
• Automatic recording failure
• Frozen screen
• Gaps between recordings  
• Corrupted or unplayable files
• Failure to start-up and shutdown
• Inoperable buttons

Even though these issues are far more common with Non-Nextbase branded SD cards, we strongly recommend formatting our SD cards frequently too.

How do I format my SD card?

The option to format the SD card can usually be found inside the setup menu on your camera. For specific instructions for your device, consult the user manual for your Dash Cam. This can be downloaded via the support section on our website. 

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Why should I buy a Nextbase SD card?

Dash Cams are different from other devices, they record all the time and overwrite old files automatically.

Not every SD card can cope with this.

Why Nextbase SD cards are better

Nextbase SD cards are:

• Specially designed for continuous loop recording.
• Built to withstand the stress of constant overwriting.
• Able to outperform cards made for phones, tablets, or computers in our cameras
• 
  

What happens if I use the wrong card?

If you use a non-compatible card, you may experience:

• SD card error messages
• Recording failures
• Frozen screen
• Gaps in recordings
• Corrupted or unplayable files
• Camera stuck on the startup logo
• Inoperable buttons
• Repetitive “alarm” sounds

Whilst these issues are more common with non-Nextbase cards, they may still happen with unformatted or old Nextbase SD cards.

Do Non-Nextbase cards work at all?

They may seem fine at first but failures often happen after a few days, weeks, or months.

In the worst case, you may find out the card failed when you need a recording the most - That’s why using the right card is so important.

How many hours of video can an SD card hold?

This depends on the size of the card and the resolution of your camera.

For example, larger cards can hold more hours of video.

Check our support article for a full breakdown.

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To get the most out of your dash cam, you'll need to use the correct companion app. The app allows you to connect your dash cam to your smartphone, view and download recordings, change settings, and more.

Check your Dash Cam model

The app you need depends on your specific dash cam model. You can usually find the model number on the box, on the device itself, or in the user manual.

Recommended apps by Dash Cam model

Here are the most common apps used for different dash cam models:

Dash Cam Model Recommended AppAvailable OnNextbase Series 2 (e.g. 322GW, 422GW, 522GW, 622GW)MyNextbase ConnectiOS & AndroidPiqo, 385GW, 385GWXNextbase AppiOS & AndroidiQiQ AppiOS & Android

How to connect your Dash Cam to the app

1. Download the correct app from your app store.
2. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your smartphone.
3. Follow the in-app instructions to pair your dash cam.

Troubleshooting app issues

If you're having trouble connecting:

• Make sure your dash cam is powered on.
• Check that the app and firmware are up to date.
• Restart both your dash cam and your phone.

Need more help?

If you're unsure which app is right for your dash cam or are experiencing issues, please contact our support team or check the FAQ section for your specific model.

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Nextbase App is supported in the following countries: 

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Lichtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States

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Understanding the File Format for Your Dash Cam Recordings

When you view files recorded on your 385GWX via a PC, the file names contain key details like the date, time, camera direction, and quality of the recording.

This makes it easy to quickly find the footage you need.

Example File Format

YYMMDD_hhmmss_XXX_CQ.MP4

Breakdown:

• YY – Year (last two digits)
• MM – Month (01–12)
• DD – Day (01–31)
• hh – Hour (24-hour format)
• mm – Minute (00–59)
• ss – Second (00–59)
• XXX – File number (incremental)
• C – Camera (F = Front, R = Rear)
• Q – Quality (H = High, L = Low)

Example Explained

240915_143027_001_FH.MP4 means:

• 24 → Recorded in 2024
• 09 → September
• 15 → 15th day of the month
• 14:30:27 → Recording started at 2:30:27 PM
• 001 → First file recorded at that time
• F → Front camera
• H → High quality recording

Hidden Metadata

In addition to the file name, each video contains extra data, including:

• GPS Data – Exact recording location
• G-Sensor Data – Impact or sudden movement details
• File Protection Status – Whether it’s protected from being overwritten

You can view this metadata in the Nextbase App, letting you track routes, check for impacts, and confirm file protection status.

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