Dashcam Says Memory Card Full: Causes and Fixes

TL;DR: A "Memory Card Full" message on your dashcam usually means the storage has reached capacity or there’s a file error. To fix it, format the card on the dashcam or replace it with a reliable, compatible microSD card designed for continuous video recording.

Top picks for dashcams

We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Best Pick

Nexus 5S

$399.99

4-Channel Full Coverage Four STARVIS 2 Sensors LTE Connectivity 10s Buffered Pre-Recording Motion Detection.

Check Latest Price See More Picks

Best Value

Nexus 4 Pro S

$379.99

Triple STARVIS 2 Sensors 3-Channel 4K+1080P+2.5K Recording PlatePix™ License Plate Capture Optional LTE Live Monitoring

Check Latest Price See More Picks

E360 ACE

$299.99

Front and Cabin: 5.2K 360-degree panoramic recording, Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 Sensor, Quad-Core CPU offers greater efficiency Multiple recording modes 8 Infrared LED lights improve night vision capability.

Check Latest Price See More Picks

Quick Overview

• A full or corrupted microSD card is the most common cause of storage warnings.
• Dashcams use loop recording, so clearing or formatting storage keeps video footage cycling smoothly.
• Using a high-endurance microSD card made for dashcams improves reliability and lifespan.

What to Look for in Canada

Canadian weather conditions, including freezing winters and hot summers, affect both dashcams and memory cards. Low temperatures can cause slower write speeds or temporary malfunction, so choose memory cards rated for wide temperature ranges (e.g., -25°C to 85°C). High endurance cards designed for dashcams resist wear from constant video writing and overwriting.

Consider dashcams with parking mode features if your vehicle is often parked outdoors in extreme weather. Parking mode buffers video based on motion or impact and needs reliable memory cards to store footage without errors.

When installing your dashcam in Canada, avoid placing it in direct sunlight or where temperature extremes may cause condensation. Proper placement ensures your memory card and dashcam function optimally and prevent premature failures that trigger “memory card full” errors.

How to Fix the “Memory Card Full” Issue

Before purchasing a new card, try the following:

• Format the card within your dashcam: Most dashcams have a formatting option that clears all files safely and optimizes the card for the device.
• Check for corrupted files: Remove the card, connect it to a computer, and backup any important footage. Run a file system scan to fix errors.
• Replace with an endurance microSD card: Cards like SanDisk High Endurance, Samsung PRO Endurance, or Kingston Canvas Go! Plus are designed to handle the wear of video loop recording.
• Ensure your card has enough capacity: 64GB or 128GB cards typically balance cost and recording time well. Larger cards may risk longer recovery if issues occur.

Using incompatible or low-quality cards can lead to frequent “memory full” messages and may cause lost footage.

My Recommendation

If you’re a Canadian driver who uses your dashcam daily or needs parking mode functionality, invest in a high-endurance microSD card from a trusted manufacturer. Cards advertised without endurance specs may fail quickly in dashcams. For typical usage, a 64GB endurance card offers a good mix of storage and durability.

For occasional drivers who rarely save footage, a lower-capacity card can work but be sure to format regularly to avoid full-card errors.