Dash Cam Loop Recording Explained: Settings, Clip Length and Locked Files

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Loop recording lets a dash cam record continuously without you emptying the card. When the memory card is full, the camera deletes the oldest clips to make room for new ones.

How Loop Recording Works

The camera saves video in short clips (often 1, 3 or 5 minutes each). When the card is nearly full, it overwrites the oldest unlocked clip. That is why you always have recent footage but not everything from last week.

Choosing the Clip Length

  • 1 minute: smaller files that are easier to find and copy, but more of them.
  • 3 to 5 minutes: fewer files. An incident may be split across two clips, so keep both.

Locked Files and the G-Sensor

When the camera detects an impact, it marks the current clip as protected so it will not be overwritten. That is useful evidence, but locked files take up card space. If many are locked (for example from bumpy roads), the card can fill with protected clips and recording can stop. Lower the G-sensor sensitivity and delete locked files you do not need.

Card Size and Storage

How much footage a card holds depends on resolution and bitrate. Higher resolution fills a card faster, so a larger card holds more history. Check your camera’s manual for its recording times per card size.

Loop Recording Not Working?

  • Check that loop recording is turned on in the settings.
  • Format the card in the camera.
  • Delete locked files.
  • Replace a worn or unsuitable card.

For a full checklist, see my dash cam not recording and SD card error fixes, and for setup, how to install a dash cam.