My Camera does NOT Turn OFF (Always stays ON)Updated 4 days ago

ROVE Dash Cam — Power Troubleshooting

My camera won't turn off — here's why and how to fix it.

Your dash cam stays on because your vehicle's 12V socket keeps supplying power after the engine turns off. This is a vehicle wiring issue — not a camera defect — and there are 5 ways to fix it.

✅ Your dash cam is working correctly — this is a vehicle power socket issue.

See all 5 solutions Best permanent fix Contact support

🔌

"Always hot" socket

Many vehicles keep their 12V cigarette lighter powered even when the engine is off — your dash cam has no way to know the car is parked.

🔋

Battery drain risk

A dash cam left on indefinitely while the car is parked can slowly drain your vehicle's battery. Addressing this protects your car.

🛠️

5 solutions available

From a 2-second button press to a permanent hardwire install — there is a fix for every situation and comfort level.

Why does this happen?

ROVE dash cams are designed to automatically power on and start recording when they receive power, and to shut down automatically when power is removed. This is intentional — it means you never have to touch the camera; it works seamlessly with your ignition.

The issue arises when your vehicle's 12V cigarette lighter socket stays "live" even after the engine is switched off. This is called an "always hot" power source — it's common in many vehicles and is a vehicle wiring characteristic, not a defect in your dash cam.

⚠️ "Always Hot" Socket (your situation)

Power stays ON when engine is off
Dash cam stays ON indefinitely
Risk of draining car battery
Requires one of the 5 solutions below

✅ "Switched" Socket (ideal)

Power cuts when engine is off
Dash cam shuts down automatically
No battery drain risk
No action needed — works as designed

Which solution is right for you?

⚡

I want the fastest fix right now — Press the Power button for 2 seconds after parking. → Solution 2

🔌

My car has USB ports — Plug the dash cam into a USB port that cuts power with the ignition. → Solution 1

🔧

I want a permanent, automatic solution — Install a hardwire kit or re-route the fuse. → Solutions 4 & 5

All solutions

5 ways to fix this — easiest to most permanent

Solution 1

⚡ Easy — No tools needed

Use a vehicle USB port instead

Many modern vehicles have USB ports that automatically cut power when the ignition is turned off — unlike the 12V cigarette lighter socket, which often stays live. Simply swap your dash cam connection from the cigarette lighter to one of these USB ports.

ROVE dash cam troubleshooting step 1 image

How to test this:

Connect your dash cam's USB power cable to a vehicle USB port (not the cigarette lighter).

Start the vehicle and confirm the dash cam turns on.

Turn off the engine and wait 30 seconds to confirm the dash cam shuts down automatically.

⚠️ Note: Not all vehicle USB ports cut power with the ignition — some are also "always hot." Test by turning the car off and waiting to see if the camera shuts down.

✅ Result: If the camera shuts off when the engine stops, you're done — no further action needed.

Solution 2

⚡ Easiest — Instant fix

Turn off the dash cam manually

The simplest and quickest fix — after turning off your vehicle, press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds to manually shut down the dash cam. This takes just a moment and works on all ROVE models.

ROVE dash cam troubleshooting step 2 image

HOW TO MANUALLY SHUT DOWN:

🚗

Turn off your vehicle

→

⏻

Hold the Power button for 2 seconds

→

✅

Dash cam powers off

✅ Best for: Drivers who want zero installation effort. A simple habit that takes 2 seconds per trip.

Solution 3

⚡ Easy — No tools needed

Unplug the USB car charger when parking

When you turn off the vehicle, simply unplug the USB car charger from the cigarette lighter socket. This immediately cuts all power to the dash cam, causing it to save its final clip and shut down — exactly as designed.

ROVE dash cam troubleshooting step 3 image

✅ Best for: Drivers who don't mind a quick extra step when parking. Completely eliminates any battery drain risk.

⚠️ Keep in mind: The dash cam will not be recording while parked. If you need parking mode surveillance, consider the hardwire kit in Solution 5 instead.

Solution 4

🔧 Moderate — May need a professional

Re-route the 12V fuse box connection

If your vehicle supports it, you can move the fuse powering your 12V socket from an "always hot" fuse slot to a "switched" fuse slot — one that only receives power when the ignition is on. This allows the dash cam to turn on and off automatically with the engine, just as it's designed to.

✅ Benefits

Dash cam turns ON with ignition
Dash cam turns OFF with the engine
Fully automatic — no manual steps
No extra hardware needed

⚠️ Considerations

Requires locating your fuse box
Varies by vehicle make/model
Recommend a professional installer
Not available on all vehicles

📹 Video reference: Watch fuse box wiring guide on YouTube →

⚠️ Important: This involves your vehicle's electrical system. If you are unfamiliar with fuse box modifications, we strongly recommend consulting a professional automotive installer.

Solution 5 ⭐ Best

🔧 Advanced — Permanent fix

Install a hardwire kit

The cleanest, most permanent solution. A hardwire kit connects your dash cam directly to your vehicle's fuse box, eliminating the need for a cigarette lighter adapter entirely. The dash cam powers on automatically when the engine starts and shuts off automatically when the engine stops.

HARDWIRE KIT ADVANTAGES:

✓

Automatically turns ON with ignition

✓

Automatically turns OFF with engine

✓

Eliminates all dangling cables

✓

Frees up your cigarette lighter socket

Choosing the right solution

⚡ Quickest fix — Solution 2 (Manual power button) Hold the Power button for 2 seconds after parking. Zero setup, zero cost. Ideal if you simply want to stop the camera staying on right now.

🔌 No-cost automatic fix — Solution 1 (Vehicle USB port) If your car's USB ports cut power with the ignition, this is a free fix that requires only swapping where you plug in your cable.

🔧 Best long-term solution — Solution 5 (Hardwire kit) Eliminates the problem permanently. Fully automatic, no cables, no extra steps. Best overall experience for daily drivers who want a set-it-and-forget-it setup.

Still need help? We're here.

If you've tried the solutions above and are still experiencing issues, or if you have any questions about which solution is right for your vehicle, our support team is available 7 Days a Week: 9 AM - 5 PM (PST) and happy to help.

📩 Email

[email protected]

Response within 6 hours

📲 Text us (fastest)

1-844-ROVE-CAM
1-844-768-3226

🌐 Website

rovedashcam.com

Was this article helpful?

Yes