Safety
Where to mount an iPhone as a dashcam
The right dashcam position gives the camera a clear road view while keeping your own view, controls and airbags unobstructed. Check local rules and your mount’s instructions, then assess the position from the driver’s seat while parked.
In this guide
Windshield, dashboard or air vent?
Near the rear-view mirror
A high windshield position may give the camera a clear view, but an iPhone is larger than many dedicated dashcams. Check that the phone and mount do not obstruct the driver, the mirror or vehicle sensors. Confirm that the holder leaves the camera lens uncovered.
On the dashboard
Check the actual camera image: a low mount may show too much dashboard or hood. Use a mount approved for that surface, never a loose phone. Assess reflections in the windshield and keep airbag areas clear.
On an air vent
Many vents sit too low for a clear road view. Reject a position where the dashboard blocks the lens or the phone obstructs controls. Keep hot heater airflow away from the phone and check that the holder stays secure with the cable attached.
Check placement with the vehicle stopped
Choose a secure mount compatible with your phone and vehicle and follow its installation instructions. Check local rules rather than assuming any windshield or dashboard location is legal. Keep your view, controls and airbag deployment areas clear. Do not route cables across airbag covers or behind trim without appropriate installation knowledge. If the saved image is unclear after dark, use the night recording checks for blur, glare and reflections.
Frame the road, then verify the app
Clean the lens and check the camera image from the mounted position. A forward camera cannot cover rear blind spots. Open AyniCam, allow camera access and choose a readable view before departure. Confirm camera and recording status separately from the map. No screen interaction should be needed to adjust the mount during motion.
Plan power and manage heat
Camera, AI, bright display, location, charging and direct sunlight can add to the workload. Keep the phone out of direct sun where a safe mounting position permits. If iOS displays a temperature warning, follow its instructions and let the phone cool. Do not assume a hot phone is safe merely because an app remains open.
Check the saved result while parked
AyniCam retains available recent incident footage, not a continuous full-trip archive. When permitted by the plan and safe to do so, use Save incident, wait for confirmation and review the local clip. Free saving requires driving context, so a stationary Free session does not establish a saving failure. Do not move the vehicle just to make a test clip.
Leave unsupported claims open
There is no physical-device battery, heat or background-capture benchmark on this page. Conditions and device state matter. Take the phone with you after parking, verify operation after interruptions and export important footage. For temperature guidance use Apple Support; for the recording limits use the current AyniCam feature page.