How to Update Vantrue Dash Cam Firmware: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

I’m Alex Rahman. I’ve spent years testing, installing, and troubleshooting dash cams across dozens of brands — including multiple Vantrue models. Firmware updates are one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks for dash cam owners. They’re also one of the easiest ways to fix glitches, improve video quality, and unlock new features without spending a dime.

Here’s the thing. Most people never update their dash cam firmware. They assume the device works fine out of the box — and it usually does. But Vantrue regularly releases firmware patches that fix bugs, improve parking mode reliability, and boost GPS accuracy. Skipping these updates means leaving free improvements on the table.

This guide walks you through two foolproof methods. The first uses a microSD card — it works on every Vantrue model ever made. The second uses the Vantrue app — it’s available for newer Wi-Fi models. I’ll also cover troubleshooting, common mistakes, and how to check if your update actually worked.

Let’s get your Vantrue dash cam running the latest firmware.

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

The short answer is simple. You need three things: a computer, a microSD card, and a stable power source for your dash cam. Having all of these ready before you start prevents interruptions. An interrupted firmware update is the number one cause of bricked dash cams.

Here’s your complete checklist.

Most Vantrue dash cams come with a USB cable you can plug into a wall adapter. I strongly recommend using that instead of your car’s cigarette lighter port. A wall outlet guarantees steady power. Car ports can cut out — and if power dies mid-update, you’re in for a headache.

If you’re updating via the Vantrue app, you don’t need a computer at all. Just your phone, the dash cam, and a Wi-Fi connection. I’ll cover that method in detail later.

How to Check Your Current Vantrue Firmware Version

Before you download anything, check which firmware version your dash cam is already running. You might not even need an update. This step takes about 30 seconds and it prevents you from installing the wrong file.

Here’s how to find your firmware version on any Vantrue dash cam.

Turn on the dash cam and stop any active recording. Press the Menu button — it’s usually the leftmost or center button on the device. Navigate to the Settings or System tab using the arrow buttons. Scroll down until you see “Firmware Version” or “System Info.” The screen will display something like “N4_V1.2.3” or “E1_V2.0.1.”

Write this version number down. You’ll need it to compare against the latest version on Vantrue’s website.

On newer models with the Vantrue app, you can also check the firmware version directly from your phone. Open the app, connect to your dash cam via Wi-Fi, and tap the settings gear icon. The firmware version appears under Device Info.

Where to Download Vantrue Firmware (Official Site Only)

This is the most important safety rule in this entire guide. Only download firmware from Vantrue’s official support page. Third-party sites, forums, or random Google Drive links are risky. The wrong firmware file can permanently damage your dash cam.

Vantrue hosts all firmware files at their official support portal. The exact URL is listed on Vantrue’s main website under the Support or Downloads section. Each model has its own dedicated download page with the latest firmware version clearly labeled.

Here’s how to find your file.

Go to Vantrue’s official website. Navigate to Support, then Firmware Download. You’ll see a list of models — N4, N5, E1, E2, E3, S1, X4S, and others. Click your exact model. The page will show the latest firmware version number, a changelog listing what’s new, and a download button.

The file you download will be a .zip or .rar archive. Inside that archive is a file ending in .bin. That .bin file is the actual firmware. Do not rename it. Do not open it. Just extract it to a folder on your computer.

Some models have different firmware versions for front and rear cameras. If your model has a rear camera, check whether you need a separate file for it. The download page will tell you.

Method 1: Update Vantrue Firmware via microSD Card (All Models)

This is the most reliable method. It works on every Vantrue dash cam — old models, new models, Wi-Fi models, everything. If your dash cam has a microSD card slot, this method works. It’s the method Vantrue support recommends first when you contact them.

Follow these steps in exact order. Do not skip any step.

Step 1 — Format your microSD card to FAT32.

Insert the microSD card into your computer using a card reader. Open the formatting tool. On Windows, right-click the card in File Explorer and select Format. Choose FAT32 from the file system dropdown. Leave allocation size at default. Click Start.

On a Mac, open Disk Utility. Select the microSD card from the left sidebar. Click Erase. Choose “MS-DOS (FAT)” as the format — this is FAT32 on Mac. Click Erase and wait for it to finish.

Most Vantrue dash cams require FAT32. A few newer models also support exFAT, but FAT32 works universally. When in doubt, use FAT32.

Step 2 — Copy the .bin file to the microSD card.

Take the .bin file you extracted from the downloaded archive. Copy it directly to the root of the microSD card. Root means the main folder — not inside any subfolder. The card should contain only the .bin file and nothing else. Do not put it inside a folder. Do not rename it.

Eject the microSD card safely from your computer. On Windows, use the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon in the taskbar. On Mac, drag the card icon to the Trash or click the eject button in Finder.

Step 3 — Insert the card into your dash cam and power it on.

Make sure your Vantrue dash cam is completely powered off. Insert the microSD card with the .bin file into the dash cam’s card slot. Connect the dash cam to a reliable power source — a wall outlet using the included USB cable is best.

Turn on the dash cam. It will automatically detect the firmware file and start the update process. The screen may flash, show a progress bar, or go blank temporarily. This is normal. The update usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.

Do not touch any buttons. Do not unplug the power. Do not remove the microSD card. Let the update finish completely. The dash cam will restart itself when done.

Step 4 — Verify the update and clean up.

Once the dash cam restarts, check the firmware version again using the Menu button. It should now match the version you downloaded. Format the microSD card again to remove the .bin file — you don’t want the dash cam trying to reinstall firmware every time you power it on.

Method 2: Update Vantrue Firmware via the Vantrue App (Newer Models)

If you own a Vantrue E1, E2, E3, N5, or another recent Wi-Fi model, you can skip the computer entirely. The Vantrue app handles firmware updates wirelessly. It’s faster, simpler, and there’s no risk of formatting the wrong card.

Here’s the catch. Your dash cam needs a stable Wi-Fi connection and sufficient battery charge. If the battery dies mid-update, the same bricking risk applies. Plug the dash cam into a power source before starting.

Follow these steps.

Open the Vantrue app on your phone. Connect to your dash cam via Wi-Fi — the app will guide you through this if it’s your first time. Once connected, tap the settings icon. Look for “Firmware Update” or “Device Update” in the menu.

The app will check if a new firmware version is available. If it is, you’ll see a notification with the version number and what’s included. Tap “Update” and confirm. The app transfers the firmware file to the dash cam wirelessly, then the dash cam installs it automatically.

The process takes 2 to 3 minutes total. The dash cam will restart when it’s done. Check the firmware version in the app to confirm the update was successful.

Most Vantrue users agree the app method is more convenient — but the microSD method remains more reliable if you run into connection issues. If the app update fails, fall back to Method 1.

Model Compatibility: Which Update Method Works for Your Vantrue Dash Cam

Not every Vantrue dash cam supports both update methods. Here’s a quick compatibility breakdown so you know exactly which method to use for your specific model.

The microSD method is your universal fallback. Even if your model supports the app, the microSD method still works. If you’re not sure which model you have, look at the label on the bottom of the dash cam or check the original box.

Common Firmware Update Problems & How to Fix Them

Most firmware updates go smoothly. But when they don’t, it’s usually one of a handful of common issues. Here’s what goes wrong most often — and exactly how to fix it.

Most failed updates are recoverable. Don’t panic if the screen goes black or the dash cam seems unresponsive. In almost every case, re-running the update with the correct file and a properly formatted card solves the problem.

How to Verify Your Firmware Update Was Successful

Don’t just assume the update worked. Take 30 seconds to confirm it. This prevents you from driving around with buggy firmware thinking everything is fine.

Turn on the dash cam. Stop any recording. Press the Menu button and navigate to System Info or Firmware Version. Compare the version number on the screen to the version number you downloaded from Vantrue’s site. They should match exactly.

On app-compatible models, open the Vantrue app, connect to your dash cam, and check the firmware version under Device Info. The app also shows the firmware version clearly.

Once confirmed, format your microSD card to erase the .bin file. If you skip this step, the dash cam will try to reinstall the firmware every time you power it on. That won’t damage anything — but it’s annoying and unnecessary.

How Often Should You Check for Vantrue Firmware Updates?

Vantrue doesn’t release firmware updates on a fixed schedule. Updates come out when there’s a bug fix, a new feature, or a compatibility improvement. Most Vantrue models get 1 to 3 firmware updates per year.

Here’s a practical routine. Check for updates every 3 to 4 months. Set a calendar reminder if you’ll forget. Also check immediately if your dash cam starts acting strange — freezing, missing recordings, GPS errors, or parking mode glitches are all common signs that an update is available.

Most Vantrue users agree that updating firmware once or twice a year is plenty. You don’t need to check weekly. But ignoring updates for years means missing out on real improvements that Vantrue’s engineers have already built and released for free.

Final Checklist Before You Update Your Vantrue Dash Cam

Run through this list before every firmware update. It catches the most common mistakes before they happen.

If you checked every box, you’re ready. The update will take less than a minute. When it’s done, verify the version number, format your card, and you’re back on the road with the latest Vantrue firmware.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Vantrue dash cam needs a firmware update?

Check your current firmware version in the dash cam’s System Info menu. Then visit Vantrue’s official support page and find your model. If the website shows a higher version number than what’s on your device, an update is available. You can also watch for signs like screen freezing, GPS errors, or parking mode failures — these often mean a firmware fix is waiting.

Can I update my Vantrue dash cam firmware without a computer?

Yes — if you have a newer Wi-Fi model like the E1, E2, E3, or N5. These models support firmware updates directly through the Vantrue app on your phone. Older models like the S1, X4S, and original N4 require the microSD card method, which needs a computer to format the card and copy the firmware file.

What happens if I install the wrong firmware on my Vantrue dash cam?

The dash cam may freeze, show a black screen, or refuse to boot. In most cases, you can recover by downloading the correct firmware file, placing it on a freshly formatted FAT32 microSD card, and running the update again. If recovery fails, contact Vantrue support. They can provide a recovery firmware file specific to your model.

How long does a Vantrue firmware update take?

A typical Vantrue firmware update takes 30 to 60 seconds via microSD card. The app method takes slightly longer — about 2 to 3 minutes total, including file transfer time. If your dash cam screen stays black for more than 5 minutes after an update, something went wrong. Try the recovery steps in the troubleshooting section above.

Will updating firmware delete my saved videos?

No. Firmware updates only change the dash cam’s operating software. Your saved video files on the microSD card are not touched. However, it’s always a good practice to back up important footage to your computer before running any update — just in case the card needs to be reformatted as part of troubleshooting.