Struggling to get your new Rexing R4 Plus dash cam set up in your car? Don’t sweat it! Getting your Rexing R4 Plus dash cam installed and ready to roll is simpler than you might think, especially with a clear walkthrough. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from the basic plug-and-play setup using your car’s cigarette lighter to the more advanced, super clean Rexing hardwire kit install that unlocks awesome features like 24/7 parking surveillance. This guide will make sure your Rexing R4 dash cam is installed correctly, giving you peace of mind and crystal-clear recordings whenever you’re on the road or parked. By the end of this, you’ll have your Rexing R4 Plus not just installed, but optimized for the best possible performance, protecting your vehicle around the clock.
What’s in Your Rexing R4 Plus Box? Let’s Unpack!
Before we even think about touching your car, let’s take a quick inventory of what comes with your Rexing R4 Plus. Knowing your gear helps a ton. Typically, when you unbox your Rexing R4 Plus, you’ll find a few key things:
- The Rexing R4 Dash Cam itself. This is the main unit, the brains of the operation.
- Mounting options: Usually, you’ll get both a 3M adhesive mount and a suction cup mount.
- A Car Power Connector a 12ft cable, often a Type-C charging port. This is your standard cigarette lighter adapter.
- The R4 Rear Camera with an extension cable sometimes up to 22ft. The R4 is a 4-channel dash cam, designed to cover front, rear, left, and right views, with the side cameras sometimes adjustable to face the cabin.
- A Cable Management Tool. Super handy for tucking away wires.
- Quick Start Guide and Safety Guide.
- Don’t forget the Micro SD card – though it’s often not included or optional, you’ll need a Class 10/UHS-3 or higher card, up to 256GB, to record anything. Some bundles might include a 64GB or 128GB card.
Understanding these pieces is the first step in a smooth Rexing R4 Plus installation.
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Basic Installation: Getting Your Dash Cam Up and Running with the Cigarette Lighter
For many of us, the simplest way to power up a dash cam is right through the cigarette lighter socket. This method is quick, easy, and gets you recording in no time.
Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Front Camera
Think of this as finding your dash cam’s “sweet spot.” You want a place on your windshield that gives the front camera a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead, ideally without blocking your own line of sight. Most folks prefer to place it behind the rearview mirror. This hides it a bit, keeping your dashboard clean and your view clear. Mastering the Rexing R4 Hardwire Kit: Your Ultimate Installation Guide
Step 2: Mounting the Front Camera
The Rexing R4 Plus usually comes with two types of mounts: an adhesive mount and a suction cup mount.
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Adhesive Mount Recommended for long-term stability:
- Clean the windshield: Seriously, this is crucial. Use rubbing alcohol or water and a clean, dry cloth to make sure the spot is spotless. Any dust or grease means your mount won’t stick well.
- Apply the electrostatic sticker: The R4 Plus often comes with electrostatic stickers. You peel off the protective film and press the sticker onto the clean windshield, usually behind the rearview mirror. This protects your windshield from the adhesive and makes removal easier later.
- Attach the 3M tape to the mount: Place the 3M adhesive tape onto the mounting bracket.
- Secure the mount: With the adhesive on the mount, carefully position it onto the electrostatic sticker, making sure it’s square to your car’s roof and hood line. Press firmly. Rexing recommends waiting at least 20 minutes for the adhesive to fully bond before attaching the camera. Trust me, you don’t want your dash cam falling off mid-drive!
- Attach the camera: Once the adhesive has set, slide or clip your Rexing R4 Plus dash cam onto the mount.
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Suction Cup Mount Good for temporary placement or rentals:
- Clean the area: Just like with the adhesive, a clean, dry windshield is key.
- Clean the suction cup: Use rubbing alcohol to clean the suction cup itself, then wipe dry.
- Apply moisture optional but helps: A tiny bit of moisture on the suction cup can help create a better seal.
- Mount it: Press the suction cup firmly against the windshield in your chosen spot. Wait about 30 minutes for it to dry and fully seal before attaching the dash cam.
Step 3: Inserting the Memory Card
This might seem obvious, but it’s important to do it right. The Rexing R4 Plus uses a Micro SD card, supporting up to 256GB, and Rexing recommends Class 10/UHS-3 or higher for reliable recording.
- Power down the camera: Always make sure your dash cam is off before inserting or removing the SD card.
- Insert the card: Gently push the Micro SD card into the slot until you hear a satisfying click. This means it’s locked in. If it doesn’t click, try again. don’t force it.
Step 4: Connecting the Power and Initial Power On
Now for the juice! Mastering Your Rexing R316 Dash Cam: The Ultimate User Guide (And Why It’s Your Best Road Buddy!)
- Plug in the car charger: Connect the provided car charger cable into your car’s 12V DC power outlet the cigarette lighter.
- Connect to the camera: Plug the other end of the charger into the Type-C port on your Rexing R4 Plus.
- Power on: Your camera should automatically power on and start recording once it receives power usually when you start your vehicle. If it doesn’t, press and hold the power button until the welcome screen appears.
Step 5: Installing the Rear Camera and any side cameras
The Rexing R4 Plus is a 4-channel camera, meaning it can record front, rear, left, and right views. The installation process for the rear and side cameras is similar to the front in terms of cabling.
- Choose the spot: For the rear camera, pick a location on your rear windshield that offers a clear view of the road behind you. For side cameras if you’re using them as external side views, consider angles that eliminate blind spots.
- Mount the rear camera: Use the adhesive provided, just like with the front camera, ensuring the surface is clean.
- Connect the rear camera cable: Run the rear camera’s extension cable from the rear camera all the way to the main R4 Plus unit.
- Cable Management: This is where your cable management tool comes in handy! Neatly route the cables along the edges of your car’s headliner, down the A-pillar, and under the dashboard trim. Tucking them away keeps your car looking tidy and prevents any dangling wires from obstructing your view or becoming a safety hazard.
Step 6: Initial Setup and Formatting the SD Card
Once your camera is powered on and recording, you’ll want to take a moment to configure some essential settings.
- Stop recording: If it’s already recording, press the OK button to stop.
- Format the SD card: This is super important, especially for new cards. It prepares the card for your dash cam and helps prevent recording errors. Go into the camera’s menu usually by pressing the Menu button twice for Setup Settings, find “Format,” and confirm. Remember, this will delete all data on the card, so back up anything important first!
- Basic settings: Adjust the date and time, set your preferred loop recording duration 1, 3, or 5 minutes are common, adjust G-sensor sensitivity, and check other video settings.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity Rexing Connect App: The R4 Plus has built-in Wi-Fi. Download the “Rexing Connect” app on your smartphone. On the dash cam, enable Wi-Fi often by holding the OK button for a couple of seconds. Then, go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings, connect to your dash cam’s Wi-Fi network it will usually have a name like “V5_WIFI_xxxxxxx”, and then open the Rexing Connect app. This lets you view live footage, manage recordings, and transfer files directly to your phone.
- GPS: The built-in GPS logger records your speed and location. The dash cam automatically searches for a GPS signal when connected to power. You can toggle GPS settings and choose your speed unit in the Video Settings menu.
Advanced Installation: Hardwiring for Parking Monitor
If you’re serious about protecting your car, even when you’re not in it, you’ll want to look into hardwiring. This is where features like the parking monitor and collision detection really shine.
Why Hardwire Your Dash Cam?
Hardwiring offers several compelling advantages over just plugging into the cigarette lighter: Powering Up Your Rexing Dash Cam: The Ultimate Charger Guide
- 24/7 Parking Mode: This is the big one. When hardwired, your dash cam stays powered even when your car is off, allowing it to record incidents like hit-and-runs or vandalism while parked. It gives you round-the-clock protection.
- Clean, Professional Setup: No more messy wires dangling! Hardwiring hides all the cables behind your car’s panels for a super clean look.
- Frees Up Your Cigarette Lighter: You can now use your 12V outlet for other gadgets, like charging your phone.
- Prevents Battery Drain: Good quality hardwiring kits, like the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit, come with a voltage cut-off feature. This means they’ll automatically shut off the dash cam if your car’s battery voltage drops too low, preventing a dead battery.
- Improved Safety: No dangling cords means no potential interference with your driving.
What You’ll Need for a Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit Installation
Before you begin, gather your tools:
- Your Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit ensure it’s compatible with Type-C if your R4 Plus uses that port, which it typically does.
- Fuse taps usually included with the kit, make sure they match your car’s fuse type: ATO/C, mini, or low-profile mini.
- A multimeter or circuit tester: This is essential for identifying the right fuse slots.
- Pliers or a fuse puller: To safely remove fuses.
- Wire crimpers/strippers if your kit requires it, though many modern kits are plug-and-play with fuse taps.
- Cable management tools: Zip ties, electrical tape, and your trim tool for neat routing.
- Your car’s owner’s manual: To locate the fuse box and understand your car’s fuse layout.
Step 1: Locating Your Car’s Fuse Box
Most cars have an interior fuse box, often located under the dashboard driver’s side or passenger’s side kick panel or in the glove compartment. Some vehicles might have one in the engine bay too, but for dash cam hardwiring, the interior fuse box is usually the target. Your car’s manual will tell you exactly where to find it.
Step 2: Identifying Constant and Accessory ACC Power Fuses
This is the trickiest part, but with a multimeter, it’s totally doable. Your Rexing hardwire kit will have at least two main wires for power:
- Yellow Wire Constant Power: This wire needs to be connected to a fuse that always has power, even when your car is off. This is what enables the 24/7 parking mode.
- Red Wire Accessory/Switched Power: This wire needs to be connected to a fuse that only has power when your car’s ignition is on or in ACC mode. This tells the dash cam when your car is running and when to switch to parking mode.
- Black Wire Ground: This wire connects to any metal bolt on your car’s chassis, typically near the fuse box. This completes the circuit.
How to find them with a multimeter:
- Turn off your car.
- Probe fuses: Use your multimeter set to DC voltage or circuit tester to touch the metal contact points on the top of each fuse.
- Find constant power: A fuse that shows ~12V or battery voltage even with the car off is a constant power source. Good candidates are fuses for interior lights, power seats, or door locks.
- Find accessory power: Turn your car’s ignition to the ACC position or fully on. Find a fuse that shows ~12V only when the car is on, and 0V when the car is off. Common sources include fuses for the radio, wipers, or cigarette lighter itself.
- Choose wisely: Pick fuses that are not critical safety systems like airbags or engine management and have a suitable amperage rating for your fuse tap. Many dash cams draw very little power, so a 5A or 10A fuse slot is usually fine.
Step 3: Connecting the Hardwire Kit Wires
Once you’ve identified your fuses: Rexing M3 3 Channel: Your Ultimate Guide to a Safer Drive
- Constant Power Yellow Wire: Insert your fuse tap into the chosen constant power fuse slot. Insert the original fuse into the fuse tap’s lower slot, and a new, smaller fuse e.g., 2A or 3A for the dash cam into the upper slot. Crimp the yellow wire from your hardwire kit to the fuse tap.
- Accessory Power Red Wire: Repeat the process for the accessory power fuse slot. Insert the original fuse, then a new dash cam fuse, and crimp the red wire to this fuse tap.
- Ground Wire Black Wire: Find a metal bolt or screw on the car’s chassis near the fuse box. Loosen it, slip the hardwire kit’s spade connector from the black wire under the bolt, and tighten it securely. Ensure it’s a bare metal connection.
Step 4: Connecting to the Dash Cam and Testing
- Plug it in: Connect the other end of the hardwire kit cable the Type-C connector directly into your Rexing R4 Plus dash cam.
- Test it:
- Turn your car’s engine off. Does the dash cam go into parking mode? You might see a parking mode icon or notice it’s still recording, sometimes in a lower frame rate or only on impact/motion detection.
- Start your car. Does the dash cam switch to normal recording mode? If so, you’ve likely succeeded!
- If you encounter issues, double-check your fuse connections and ensure the correct fuses were chosen. Common problems include the camera staying on constantly wrong ACC fuse or not turning on at all in parking mode wrong constant fuse.
Step 5: Final Cable Management
Just like with the cigarette lighter setup, tuck away all the hardwire kit cables. Use the trim tool to hide them along the headliner, A-pillar, and under the dashboard. This ensures a clean look and keeps everything secure.
Troubleshooting Common Rexing R4 Plus Installation Issues
Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are some common hiccups you might run into and how to sort them out.
Camera Not Powering On
- Check power connections: Make sure the power cable is securely plugged into both the dash cam and the power source cigarette lighter or hardwire kit.
- Cigarette lighter issue: If using the cigarette lighter, test the port with another device to ensure it’s working. Check your car’s fuse for that port.
- Hardwire kit issues: Verify all three wires constant, accessory, ground are correctly connected to their respective points in the fuse box. Use your multimeter to confirm power at the fuse taps.
- Internal battery: While Rexing dash cams are designed to be powered continuously, a depleted internal battery might cause issues.
- Firmware: Occasionally, a firmware issue can prevent powering on. Check Rexing’s support site for the latest firmware and instructions on how to update it, but be careful as incorrect updates can cause more problems.
Rear Camera Not Detected or Black Screen
- Cable connection: Ensure the rear camera cable is firmly plugged into both the main R4 Plus unit and the rear camera itself.
- Cable damage: Inspect the cable for any kinks or damage, especially if it was routed aggressively.
- Firmware: An outdated or corrupted firmware might sometimes affect camera detection.
Parking Monitor Not Working
- Hardwire Kit Required: This is a big one! The parking monitor function requires a Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit to work correctly. It won’t function with just the cigarette lighter adapter.
- Correct Fuse Connections: Double-check that your hardwire kit’s yellow constant power and red accessory power wires are connected to the correct fuse types. If the constant power isn’t truly constant, the parking mode won’t engage.
- Dash Cam Settings: Ensure the Parking Monitor feature is enabled in the dash cam’s menu settings. Some hardwire kits might override the camera’s internal parking mode setting, so consult your kit’s instructions.
- Voltage Cut-off: If your car battery is low, the hardwire kit’s voltage cut-off might be activating, preventing parking mode from engaging to protect your battery.
SD Card Errors or Recording Failures
- Format the card: Always format a new Micro SD card within the dash cam before first use. Do this periodically e.g., once a month to maintain optimal performance.
- Card compatibility: Use a high-endurance, Class 10/UHS-3 or higher Micro SD card from a reputable brand, up to 256GB. Generic or low-quality cards, or even some popular consumer cards like SanDisk Ultra, can be unreliable for continuous dash cam recording and lead to errors or corruption.
- Full card/Loop Recording: Ensure “Loop Recording” is enabled in your settings so the camera overwrites the oldest files when the card is full. If it’s off, the card will fill up and stop recording.
- Insert correctly: Make sure the card is fully inserted and clicked into place.
- Power interruptions: Unstable power can lead to corrupted files. Ensure a stable power supply, especially if you’re using the cigarette lighter.
Tips for Optimal Performance with Your Rexing R4 Plus
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Choosing the Right SD Card
This is probably one of the most overlooked aspects but it’s vital. Dash cams constantly write and rewrite data, which is tough on memory cards.
- High Endurance: Look specifically for “high endurance” Micro SD cards. These are designed for the continuous read/write cycles of dash cams and surveillance cameras.
- Speed Rating: Stick to Class 10, U3 UHS Speed Class 3, or V30 Video Speed Class 30 minimum. The Rexing R4 Plus accepts Class 10/UHS-3 or higher, up to 256GB.
- Capacity: While 64GB is a good starting point, a 128GB or 256GB card will give you much more recording time before loop recording overwrites older files. For example, at 1080p resolution, you might get around 11 hours of recording on a 64GB card.
Regular Firmware Updates
Rexing, like many dash cam manufacturers, releases firmware updates to improve performance, add features, and fix bugs. Check the RexingUSA website regularly for updates specific to your R4 Plus model. Make sure to follow their instructions carefully when updating, as using the wrong firmware or an improper update process can render your device unusable.
Proper Placement for All Cameras
- Front Cam: As mentioned, behind the rearview mirror is ideal for minimal distraction and a wide field of view.
- Rear Cam: Position it high on the rear windshield for a clear view of traffic behind you.
- Side/Cabin Cams: The Rexing R4’s left and right cameras are often adjustable. You can point them outwards for side coverage or inwards to record the cabin, which is great for rideshare drivers. Make sure they’re not obstructed by pillars, tint, or passengers.
Utilizing Smart Features
- G-Sensor: This detects sudden impacts or rapid deceleration and automatically locks the current recording to a separate folder, preventing it from being overwritten. Adjust sensitivity to avoid locking every bump in the road.
- Loop Recording: Keep this enabled with a short duration 1-3 minutes to ensure continuous recording without running out of space.
- Wi-Fi with Rexing Connect App: Regularly use the app to view and download important footage quickly without removing the SD card.
With these tips and a solid installation, your Rexing R4 Plus will be a reliable witness on the road, providing you with invaluable security and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of SD card do I need for my Rexing R4 Plus?
You’ll need a Micro SD memory card with a Class 10 / UHS-3 or higher speed rating. The Rexing R4 Plus supports cards up to 256GB. It’s really important to choose a “high endurance” card specifically designed for dash cam use to ensure reliable continuous recording. Rexing Parking Mode Not Working: Your Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide
How do I format the memory card on my Rexing R4 Plus?
To format your memory card, first make sure the camera isn’t recording press the OK button if it is. Then, press the MENU button twice to enter the Setup Settings. Use the navigation buttons usually Up/Down to scroll down and find the “Format” option. Press the OK button to confirm. Remember, formatting will erase all data, so back up anything important beforehand.
Can I use the parking monitor feature without hardwiring my Rexing R4 Plus?
No, the parking monitor feature on your Rexing R4 Plus requires a Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit to function. Plugging the dash cam into your car’s cigarette lighter will only power it when the car is on, meaning it won’t record when the vehicle is parked and off. The hardwire kit provides continuous power and battery protection for 24/7 surveillance.
My Rexing R4 Plus isn’t turning on. What should I check first?
Start by checking your power connection. Ensure the power cable is firmly inserted into both the dash cam and your car’s power source cigarette lighter or hardwire kit. If using the cigarette lighter, test the port with another device. If hardwired, verify all connections in the fuse box constant, accessory, ground are secure and that the correct fuses are receiving power. A depleted internal battery or an issue with the firmware can also sometimes cause this.
How do I connect my Rexing R4 Plus to the Rexing Connect app on my phone?
First, enable the Wi-Fi function on your Rexing R4 Plus dash cam often by holding the OK button for about two seconds. The Wi-Fi name and password should then display on the camera screen. Next, go to your mobile device’s Wi-Fi settings, find and connect to your dash cam’s Wi-Fi network it usually starts with “V5_WIFI_xxxxxxx”. Once connected, open the Rexing Connect app, and you should be able to connect to your dash cam for live viewing and file management.
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