You’re driving along, confident that your 522GW dash cam has your back if anything happens. Then you check the footage later and realize nothing’s been saved. That sinking feeling hits hard, especially if you needed that recording.
This happens more often than you’d think, and the fixes are usually simpler than you’d expect. Your dash cam might have stopped recording for several reasons, from memory card issues to power supply problems. We’ll walk through everything you need to know to get your 522GW recording again.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand why your dash cam stops recording and have practical fixes you can try right away. Most of these solutions take just a few minutes and don’t require any special tools.
What’s Actually Happening When Your 522GW Won’t Record
Your 522GW dash cam works by continuously saving video footage to a memory card in short clips, usually one to three minutes each. When something goes wrong with this process, the camera might power on and seem to work normally, but it’s not actually capturing anything. The screen might look fine, the lights might blink, yet no files appear on your card.
This problem differs from a camera that won’t power on or shows error messages. Your device looks operational, which makes the issue trickier to spot. You might drive for days thinking everything’s working until you need the footage and find empty folders or outdated files from weeks ago.
The recording failure usually happens silently. Your 522GW won’t always alert you with beeps or warning messages. Some users only discover the problem after an incident when they desperately need the video evidence. That’s why regular checks matter, even when everything appears normal.
If left unfixed, you’re essentially driving without a dash cam at all. You lose protection against insurance fraud, can’t document accidents properly, and miss capturing those unexpected moments on the road. The device becomes dead weight on your windshield, giving you false security while offering no actual coverage.
522GW Not Recording: Likely Causes
Several factors can stop your 522GW from recording, and understanding them helps you fix the problem faster. Let’s look at what’s most likely causing your recording failure.
1. Memory Card Problems
Your memory card does all the heavy lifting when it comes to storing footage. These cards have a limited lifespan, especially with constant write and rewrite cycles that dash cams demand. A card might work fine for months, then suddenly fail without warning.
Cards can become corrupted from improper ejection, power surges, or simply wearing out. When corruption happens, your dash cam might not recognize the card at all, or it might see the card but can’t write new files to it. Sometimes the camera shows the card as full even when you’ve deleted files.
Fake or low-quality cards cause problems too. If you bought a cheap memory card from an unknown seller, it might not handle the constant recording demands of a dash cam. These cards often claim high capacities they don’t actually have, leading to recording failures once the real storage limit gets reached.
2. Incorrect Camera Settings
Your 522GW has various settings that control when and how it records. If these get changed accidentally, recording might stop without you realizing why. The camera could be set to motion detection mode when you want continuous recording, or vice versa.
Loop recording settings can also cause confusion. If loop recording is disabled, your camera stops recording once the card fills up, instead of overwriting old files with new ones. You might think something’s broken when actually the camera’s just following its programming.
3. Power Supply Issues
Dash cams need stable, consistent power to record properly. If your power cable is damaged or the connection is loose, the camera might turn on but lack enough juice to maintain recording functions. This becomes especially common with older cables that have developed internal breaks.
Your car’s cigarette lighter socket could be the problem too. Some vehicles cut power to these outlets when the engine’s off, which is fine, but sometimes the connection itself becomes weak or dirty. Poor contact means inconsistent power, and inconsistent power means unreliable recording.
The camera’s internal capacitor or battery might also be failing. This small power reserve helps the camera save the current file when power cuts suddenly. If it’s not working right, files might not save properly, and the camera could struggle to maintain recording between power fluctuations.
4. Firmware Glitches
Software bugs can prevent recording even when everything else seems fine. Your 522GW runs on firmware that occasionally needs updates to fix known issues. Outdated firmware might have bugs that cause recording failures under certain conditions.
Sometimes the camera’s software just gets confused. Settings might conflict with each other, or temporary files might clog up the system. These glitches don’t mean your hardware is broken, they’re just digital hiccups that need clearing out.
5. Overheating Protection
Your 522GW has built-in temperature protection to prevent damage from excessive heat. When the camera gets too hot, it automatically stops recording to protect its internal components. This happens more often than you’d think, especially in summer or if your windshield gets direct sunlight.
The camera might feel only warm to the touch, but internally, temperatures can climb much higher. Once the protection kicks in, recording stops until things cool down. You might not see any error message, the camera just quietly stops saving footage.
522GW Not Recording: How to Fix
Getting your 522GW recording again usually involves trying a few straightforward fixes. These solutions address the most common causes and work for most users.
1. Format Your Memory Card
Formatting clears out any corruption and gives your camera a fresh start. Before doing this, copy any important footage to your computer because formatting erases everything on the card. Remove the card from your camera, insert it into your computer using a card reader, and back up what you need.
Put the card back in your 522GW and access the settings menu. Look for the format option, usually found under storage or system settings. Select it and confirm when prompted. The process takes just a few seconds.
After formatting, check if recording works. Sometimes a simple format fixes corrupted file systems that were preventing new recordings. Make sure to use the camera’s format function rather than formatting through your computer, as the camera formats the card in the specific way it needs.
2. Replace Your Memory Card
If formatting doesn’t help, try a different card. Buy a high-quality card from a reputable brand, preferably one rated for dash cam use. Look for cards marked as “high endurance” or “dash cam rated” as these handle constant recording better than standard cards.
Make sure you’re getting the right capacity. The 522GW works best with cards between 16GB and 128GB. Larger cards might not be compatible, and smaller cards fill up too quickly. Check your camera’s manual for the recommended specifications.
Insert the new card, format it using the camera, and test recording. If this fixes the problem, your old card was likely worn out or defective. Keep your old card as a backup after formatting it, but don’t rely on it for daily use.
3. Check and Adjust Recording Settings
Go into your camera’s menu and verify all recording settings. Make sure continuous recording is enabled if that’s what you want. Check that loop recording is turned on so the camera overwrites old files automatically when the card fills up.
Look at the video quality settings too. If you’ve set recording to the highest quality, files become large and fill the card faster. Try dropping to a slightly lower quality setting if you’re having space issues. The difference in video quality is usually minimal, but file sizes shrink noticeably.
Verify that motion detection isn’t enabled unless you specifically want it. With motion detection on, the camera only records when it senses movement, which might make you think it’s not working during normal driving. Toggle through each setting carefully, making sure everything matches your needs.
4. Inspect and Replace the Power Cable
Examine your power cable closely. Look for any visible damage like fraying, kinks, or exposed wires. Flex the cable gently along its length while the camera’s on and see if the power cuts in and out. If it does, the cable needs replacing.
Check both ends of the cable. The cigarette lighter plug should fit snugly in your car’s socket without wiggling. The connection to the camera should be firm and secure. Clean any dust or debris from both the socket and the plug using compressed air or a dry cloth.
Try a different power cable if you have one available. Replacement cables for the 522GW are widely available and inexpensive. A new cable often solves power-related recording issues immediately. Make sure any replacement cable matches the specifications for your camera model.
5. Update Your Camera’s Firmware
Visit the manufacturer’s website and check for firmware updates for your 522GW. Download the latest version to your computer, making sure you’re getting the correct file for your specific model. Firmware files usually come as a single file that you copy to your memory card.
Format your memory card first, then copy the firmware file to the root directory of the card. Don’t put it in any folders. Insert the card into your camera and turn it on. The camera should detect the update file automatically and prompt you to install it. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
Never turn off the camera or remove the card during a firmware update. Let the process complete fully, which usually takes a couple of minutes. After updating, check all your settings again as updates sometimes reset them to defaults. Test recording to see if the update resolved your issues.
6. Clean and Reposition Your Camera
Heat buildup stops recording more often than most people realize. Make sure your camera has good air circulation around it. If it’s pressed tight against the windshield with no air gap, heat can’t escape efficiently.
Try adjusting the camera’s position slightly. Moving it even an inch to the side might get it out of direct sunlight or improve airflow. Some users add small adhesive heat sinks to help dissipate temperature better, though this is optional.
Clean the camera’s vents if it has any. Dust and debris can block airflow and trap heat inside. Use compressed air to blow out any accumulated dust. Also clean the windshield area where the camera mounts, as a dirty windshield can affect the camera’s sensors and potentially cause glitches.
7. Reset to Factory Settings
If nothing else works, a factory reset often clears up persistent software problems. Access your camera’s settings menu and find the reset option, usually under system settings. This erases all your custom settings and returns everything to how it was when you first bought the camera.
Before resetting, note down your preferred settings so you can reconfigure them afterward. The reset process takes just a few seconds. After it completes, the camera will restart automatically.
Set up your camera again from scratch, adjusting recording mode, video quality, and other preferences. Format your memory card one more time after the reset, then test recording thoroughly. This fresh start eliminates any software conflicts or corrupted settings that might have accumulated over time.
8. Contact NextBase Support
When you’ve tried everything and your 522GW still won’t record, professional help becomes necessary. Reach out to NextBase customer support through their website or phone line. They can diagnose issues that aren’t fixable at home and arrange repairs or replacements if your camera is still under warranty.
Before contacting support, gather information about your camera. Know your model number, when you bought it, and what troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried. This helps support staff assist you more efficiently. Have your purchase receipt handy if possible, as warranty claims require proof of purchase.
Wrapping Up
Getting your 522GW recording again usually comes down to addressing memory card health, checking settings, or fixing power issues. Most recording failures stem from these common areas, and the fixes are straightforward enough for anyone to try.
Regular maintenance prevents many of these problems. Format your memory card monthly, check your power connections periodically, and keep your firmware updated. These small habits keep your dash cam reliable when you need it most. Your 522GW is a solid device, and with proper care, it’ll keep protecting you on the road for years.