How to Install a Mirror Dash Cam Over Your Rearview Mirror

What you need before you start

A mirror dash cam is designed to sit directly over your factory rearview mirror. Before you attach anything, confirm that the camera housing is not wider than the mirror and that the straps can reach around the mirror edges. If your vehicle has a rain sensor or a large mirror shroud, test the fit while the vehicle is parked.

Gather the camera, the power cable, a plastic trim tool if you want to tuck the wire, and a clean microfiber cloth. You will not need to remove your original mirror. For more detail on cable routing and power choices, see how to route the dash cam power cable and dash cam cigarette lighter vs hardwire.

• Check that the mirror strap reaches all the way around the original mirror.
• Clean the mirror surface so the camera sits flat.
• Plan the power cable path before you tighten the mount.
• Have the camera manual ready in case the strap direction is model-specific.

Mount the camera body over the mirror

Hold the mirror dash cam against your rearview mirror with the front lens facing the windshield and the display facing you. Slip the top strap over the top edge of the original mirror, then pull the bottom strap under the bottom edge. Keep the camera centered as you do this, because once the straps are tight it is harder to shift the housing left or right.

Do not tighten the straps fully until you have checked the front camera angle. The housing should rest evenly against the mirror and should not press against the windshield. If you need to see the mirror mount from behind, compare mirror dash cam mount types and how to replace a dash cam mount.

Aim the front camera at the road

Turn on the mirror dash cam and open the live view from the front camera. Aim the lens so the horizon sits around the middle of the frame. A slight downward angle helps you capture the hood and traffic ahead, while an upward angle adds more sky and can make the video look washed out in bright conditions.

Tighten the top and bottom straps a little at a time while you watch the front image. If the view is tilted, loosen the straps, level the housing, and tighten again. A stable front image matters because the mirror camera sits high near the headliner and any looseness will make the video shake. For more on resolution and lenses, see dash cam resolution explained and the best 4K mirror dash cams.

Set up the rear camera and mirror display

If your mirror dash cam has a built-in rear camera on the back of the housing, rotate that camera so the display shows the traffic behind you in the same orientation as a regular mirror. Use the live view to check the horizon and the lane lines. If the image appears reversed or upside down, use the mirror or reverse setting in the camera menu.

If the rear camera is separate and mounts on the rear window, place it in the center of the glass at the top. Run the cable along the headliner to the mirror unit, then aim the rear lens using the display. A centered rear camera gives you the best full view through the back window.

Set the display brightness and screen mode before you drive. A mirror dash cam screen that is too bright can create glare at night, and a dark screen makes it hard to see following traffic. For display settings, see how to set up the mirror dash cam display and dash cam screen brightness.

Route the power cable and connect power

Most mirror dash cams come with a cable that plugs into the 12V socket. Tuck the cable along the top edge of the windshield, down the A-pillar, and under the dashboard so it does not hang in front of the mirror or steering wheel. Leave enough slack near the camera so you can tilt the housing without pulling the connector loose.

Plug the cable into the mirror dash cam, then into the vehicle power outlet. Some installations use a hardwire kit or an OBD power adapter instead. Choose the power source that matches your needs; if you plan to use parking mode, look at how to install a dash cam hardwire kit and dash cam hardwire vs external battery.

Test the view before you drive

Before heading out, confirm that the mirror dash cam is recording and that the front and rear cameras are both saving video. Adjust the rear camera so you can see the road and vehicles behind you without leaning forward. Then cycle through the display modes to make sure the mirror view is comfortable in daylight and at night.

Check the angle of the front lens again after the cables are routed. A small adjustment can make a big difference in the recorded view. If you are installing a separate rear camera, also verify that the cable connector is snug and that the rear image does not flicker. For final checks, see how to test a dash cam after install and dash cam rear camera not detected.

Keep your focus on the road while you drive. According to the IIHS distracted driving research, manipulating a phone or another device while driving can increase crash risk, so make all camera adjustments while parked. The same applies to adjusting your mirror dash cam on the road.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do I need to remove my original rearview mirror to install a mirror dash cam?

No. A mirror dash cam is designed to strap over the original mirror. Leaving the factory mirror in place keeps the vehicle's original rearview function available if you remove the camera later.

Will a mirror dash cam work on a mirror with a rain sensor or auto-dimming housing?

It can work if the straps can reach around the housing. Check the fit while parked. If the housing is too thick or the camera body touches the windshield, consider a model with longer straps or a different mounting design.

How do I keep the rear camera image from being flipped?

Use the mirror or reverse setting in the camera menu. That setting flips the rear image horizontally so it looks like the reflection you would see in a normal rearview mirror.

Can I use a mirror dash cam as my only rearview mirror?

Many mirror dash cams have a display that covers the full mirror area and can replace the factory mirror view while driving. However, you should still adjust it carefully and check the display brightness so it stays clear in different lighting conditions.

Should I make camera adjustments while driving?

No. Stop the vehicle in a safe place before adjusting the camera angle, display, or straps. IIHS reports that manipulating a phone or other device while driving can increase crash risk, and the same logic applies to touching a dash cam while the car is moving.