BlackVue dashcams with a built-in or external LTE module connect to the BlackVue Cloud service using a SIM card. This allows you to view live footage, receive real-time alerts, and download clips from anywhere — but all of these features consume mobile data.
How Mobile Data Is Used
| Activity | Data Impact |
|---|---|
| Live View streaming (HD) | High — continuous stream while viewing |
| Live View streaming (SD) | Medium — reduced quality, lower consumption |
| Push notification (impact thumbnail) | Low — small image sent per event |
| Cloud event clip upload | Medium–High — depends on clip length & resolution |
| Firmware OTA update | High — typically 50–200 MB per update |
| Real-time GPS tracking (location ping) | Very low — periodic small packets |
| Cloud backup (continuous upload) | Very high — ongoing recording sync |
Data Management Settings
Cloud Recording Upload
Cloud Recording Upload determines whether event clips are automatically uploaded to the BlackVue Cloud server when triggered.
| Setting | Description | Data Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Upload All Events | Uploads every triggered clip (impact, manual, hard brake, hard cornering, DMS-related events, etc.) | High |
| Upload Impact Only | Uploads only clips with G-sensor-triggered impact events | Medium |
| Off | No clips uploaded automatically; manual download only | None |
Push Notifications
Push notifications are sent to your smartphone when an event is triggered (impact, speed alert, etc.). Each notification may include a thumbnail image.
To reduce data usage from notifications:
- Reduce the sensitivity of impact detection to reduce the number of triggered events
- Disable the push notifications for less necessary event types.
Firmware Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
Firmware updates delivered over the cloud (OTA) can be large files (50–200 MB). By default, your camera may download and install updates automatically.
| Options | Behavior | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Update | Downloads and installs updates over LTE | Not recommended for limited plans |
| SD Card Update | Download new firmware to an empty SD card and put the SD card back in the camera for the update | Better option |
💡 BEST PRACTICE Download the firmware and copy it to an empty SD card for manual update. |