How to Hardwire Dash Cam Installation Guide Step-by-step
Dash Cam DIY Hardwiring Installation Guide
Why using hardwire installation?
The power supply of the Dash Cam generally comes from the cigarette lighter Socket (12 Volt Socket), However, most vehicles have only one 12 Volt Socket, and usually used for charging your mobile device. What should we do with the power supply of your Dash Cam? Should we use a USB car charger and or USB cable port for power supply? We usually do not recommend using the vehicle's USB port to power up the Dash Cam! In addition, the USB cable itself is used for file transfer purposes, most USB car chargers in the market are not meant for powering up your dash cam and quality are not up to specs. The power output by the USB port in your car is usually less than 1A, and it's unable to ensure stable power source. Unstable power supply may cause device to freeze and damage your vehicle!. Also, the length of the USB cable is relatively short, there is no way to hide the cable and install the dash cam in a proper position.
Many users have decided to self-hardwiring, connecting directly to the fuse compartment. In addition to expand the use of the 12V socket slot and utilize the parking mode function. Once the dash cams is hard wired with constant power (always hot) fuse slot, the parking mode function can be activated, and it can save you from switching power socket and protecting from short circuit.
We are gonna let you know how to self-install a Dash Cam with Hardwire Kit today. Get power directly from the fuse box from your car in eight quick steps. In this way, the 12V Socket can be used for your other mobile device. The installation of the dash cam with hardwire kit is very simple. Let's get started!
Suggestion:
This installation involves some more advance and professional processes. This instruction page is for DIYer reference only. If you don't have the tools or confidence, it is recommended to find a trusted professional in your local area (Auto parts store, Car stereo shop, Car care professional) installer to inquire about the installation cost.
We do not work with any specific installation shops; it is recommended to check with your installer reputation first before installing.
We use 2020 Toyota Corolla Sport as an installation example.
(Toyota Corolla Altis 12th generation/ Toyota Corolla Cross/ Toyota RAV4 5th Generation)
Preparation before installation:
Dash cam / Suction mount / Hardwire kit or Advanced Hardwire Kit HW1 / Fuse tap cables / Fuse extraction tool (available in hardware stores) / Wrench / Zip ties / Cable clips / Multi-meter (optional) 
Step 1: Find the fuse box compartment
Find the fuse box in your car, it is usually under the steering wheel or refer to your owner's manual for detailed location information.
Remove the cover/lid of the fuse box, lid/cover clip is easy to remove, just pull it down lightly. After removal, store the lid cover in your glove box. Once the fuse tap cable is plugged in the outlet, the lid cover won't fit to close the fuse box.
Step 2: Choose a fuse slot
Select the fuse slot to be used, we recommend choosing a fuse with a current between 7.5A ~ 15A. The fuse slot position can be view on the cover label, the corresponding slot abbreviations are written above. Refer to your owner's manual for details.
Here are a few locations for reference:
ACC (Hot When Start) power supply: WIPPER RR (rear wiper)
ACC (Hot When Start) power supply: WASHER (windshield washer)
Permanent (Always Hot) power supply: STOP (brake light)
Or you can use a multi-meter to find out whether the fuse slot is a permanent (Always Hot) power supply or an ACC (Hot when Start) power supply.
Turn the dial on the multi-meter to 12V. Use the red probe (positive), insert into the fuse slot to be tested (remove the fuse with an extraction tool first). Black probe (negative) Find a solid metal bolt for ground.
If the 12V power supply can be measured when the vehicle is not started, it means that this slot is a permanent (Always Hot) power supply and if the power is detected only after the vehicle is started, it is an ACC (Hot when Start) power supply.
Step 3: Remove of selected fuse
Use the extraction tool to remove the original permanent power or ACC power fuse. It is not recommended to use bare hand for removal, it is hard to pull out and the plastic housing of the fuse can be damaged.
Step 4: Select the correct fuse tap cable
Matching the fuse to the same included fuse tap cable. You can check the size of the unplugged fuse to select the corresponding cable . Use one of the four fuse tap cable that matched with your vehicle.
If you are using Advanced Hardwire Kit HW1, it comes with four kinds of fuse tap cables including yellow and red kinds. The yellow one should be connected to the permanent power supply, and the red one should be connected to the ACC power supply.
Step 5: Insert the original fuse into the empty slot of the fuse tap cable
Insert the original fuse into the extra slot of the fuse tap cable. There is a 2Amp fuse on the fuse tap cable. please do not remove it. This is for protecting the dash cam, so there will be two fuses in the fuse tap cable.
If you are using Advanced Hardwire Kit HW1, Whether a yellow permanent power supply or a red ACC power supply, the fuses that was originally removed must be reinstalled into the back to the fuse tap cables.
Step 6: Find a proper grounding spot
Find a place to ground the black wire (negative), and look for a solid metal pieces around the fuse box. There should be a bolt/screw around the metal parts, loosen the bolt/screw on the grounding spot, connect the black wire (negative) and tighten it with a wrench or screwdriver to complete the grounding.
Step 7: Connect fuse tap into the fuse slot
Plug the fuse tap cable back into the fuse slot you just removed.
If you are using Advanced Hardwire Kit HW1, the red one is the ACC power supply, and the yellow one is the permanent power supply.
Step 8: Tie up the excess wire
Excess wire can be fastened to the surrounding empty space with zip tie. Hide the additional connecting wire behind the carpet.
For the dash cam self-installation guide, please refer to this article: 7 EASY STEPS TO INSTALL A DASH CAM YOURSELF, there are detailed pictures and descriptions inside.
Conclusion
We hope this blog helps, the installation of Hardwiring for dash cam is completed. Although there are few more steps to install a hardwire kit than a car charger, you've already saved a 12V socket slot to charge your mobile device. Now you have mastered the dash cam installation.
If you find it too much trouble or don't want to do it yourself. It is recommended to find your local reliable Auto Dealer Service Department, Car stereo Installer and Auto Mechanic shop to ask about dash cam installation. Fees may vary from one shop to another. Please ask and check the reputation of the shop before installing it.
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