BY VIEWCAST    UPDATED January 17, 2026

In today's fast-paced world, safety on the road is paramount. A dash cam can provide peace of mind by recording your journeys, making it easier to report accidents or other incidents. Enter Drive Recorder, a free dash cam app that turns your smartphone into a powerful dashboard camera. This app boasts a wide range of features, making it an excellent choice for any driver.
Drive Recorder sets itself apart with its versatility and ease of use. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout features:
One of the most significant advantages of Drive Recorder is its ability to write directly to an SD card. Whether you have a 256GB SD card or another size, you can choose how much data the app will keep before it overwrites older recordings. This ensures you won’t run out of storage space unexpectedly. You decide the storage limit, with options like 20GB, or more if needed, allowing for flexible usage.
The app offers various recording settings to suit your preferences. You can select the recording duration, up to 90 minutes, and set whether to record audio. Additionally, you can choose between using the front or back camera and adjust video quality and exposure. The ability to stamp the time and date on your videos adds another layer of usefulness, especially when using the app as evidence during disputes.
Drive Recorder allows you to record in the background. This means you can use other apps, such as navigation tools or music players, without interrupting the recording process. For example, you can play music or switch songs seamlessly while the app is working in the background.
For those who need to log their location, Drive Recorder includes a GPS feature. This is particularly useful for commercial drivers or anyone who regularly travels through areas where incidents like smash-and-grab robberies are frequent. The app can record your journeys with precise location data, enhancing its functionality.
The app is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Even if you are not tech-savvy, you will find it easy to navigate and use. Whether it's starting and stopping recordings or accessing saved videos, you will appreciate the simplicity.
Drive Recorder also excels in managing recorded videos. You have the option to share, upload, and even trim your videos directly within the app. This makes it easier to handle your recordings without needing external tools. Additionally, the app shows you the path where videos are saved, simplifying the process of locating and managing your files.
Here are a few tips to make the most out of this dash cam app:
Investing in a good quality phone mount ensures that your phone stays steady while recording. This provides clear and stable footage.
Although the app overwrites old videos, it's a good practice to periodically check storage usage. This way, you can adjust storage settings if necessary to ensure you have enough space for new recordings.
The app's developer may release updates that fix bugs or add new features. Keeping the app updated ensures that you benefit from the latest improvements.
Yes, Drive Recorder is a completely free app, although it does contain ads. These ads are not overly intrusive and appear only when you open the app.
Currently, the app supports using either the front or rear camera but not both at the same time. This might be a feature to look for in future updates.
Android 12 has security features that prevent cameras from operating when the screen is off. Although the developer is aware of this, a workaround might be implemented in future versions to address this issue.
Yes, Drive Recorder can run in the background, allowing you to use navigation apps or listen to music without interrupting the recording.
With its plethora of features and user-friendly interface, Drive Recorder is a must-have app for anyone looking to turn their smartphone into a reliable dash cam. Give it a try, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a clear record of your travels.
Drive Recorder: A free dash cam app is primarily a mobile app designed for smartphones. However, you can run Drive Recorder: A free dash cam app on your computer using an Android emulator. An Android emulator allows you to run Android apps on your PC. Here's how to install Drive Recorder: A free dash cam app on your PC using Android emuator:
Visit any Android emulator website. Download the latest version of Android emulator compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS). Install Android emulator by following the on-screen instructions.
Launch Android emulator and complete the initial setup, including signing in with your Google account.
Inside Android emulator, open the Google Play Store (it's like the Android Play Store) and search for "Drive Recorder: A free dash cam app."Click on the Drive Recorder: A free dash cam app app, and then click the "Install" button to download and install Drive Recorder: A free dash cam app.
You can also download the APK from this page and install Drive Recorder: A free dash cam app without Google Play Store.
You can now use Drive Recorder: A free dash cam app on your PC within the Anroid emulator. Keep in mind that it will look and feel like the mobile app, so you'll navigate using a mouse and keyboard.

