Connected to dashcam WiFi but app cannot detect camera (Android)

Applies to: Android devices — all BlackVue models with Direct WiFi

Overview

If your phone successfully connects to the dashcam's WiFi network but the BlackVue app still cannot find the camera, Android's network validation system is likely dropping or bypassing the connection in the background.

This is a separate issue from the dashcam SSID not appearing in your WiFi list. If you cannot see the SSID at all, see Dashcam WiFi SSID Not Showing — Step-by-Step Guide instead.

Why this happens

Android continuously monitors WiFi connections to check whether they can reach the open internet. BlackVue dashcams create a local WiFi access point with no internet access by design — they are not connected to the internet, only to your phone.

When Android's network validation detects no internet access on the dashcam's WiFi, it may silently switch your phone's active data connection back to cellular, even while the WiFi connection appears active. The BlackVue app loses contact with the camera as a result.

Note: This behavior is built into Android and is not a defect in the BlackVue app or dashcam. It affects any local-network device — printers, routers, IoT devices — that does not provide internet access.

How to fix it

When you connect to the dashcam's WiFi network, Android will display a notification saying "This network has no internet access" or similar. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect your phone to the dashcam WiFi network from your phone's WiFi settings.

Step 2: Watch for an Android system notification that reads "Wi-Fi has no internet access" or "Connected to [dashcam SSID] — no internet." Tap the notification.

Step 3: A dialog will appear asking: "This network has no internet access. Stay connected?"

Step 4: Check the box labeled "Don't ask again for this network", then tap Yes. Android will now maintain the WiFi connection to the dashcam even without internet access, and will stop switching to cellular while connected to this network.

Step 5: Open the BlackVue app. The camera should now be detected.

If you missed the notification

If the notification has already been dismissed, you can apply the same setting manually. The exact path varies by Android version and device manufacturer:

Go to Settings > WiFi
Long-press or tap the gear icon next to the dashcam's WiFi network
Look for an option such as "Stay connected without internet", "Connect without internet", or "Use this network even without internet"
Enable this option

Note: The label and location of this setting vary significantly across Android skins (Samsung One UI, Google Pixel, MIUI, etc.). If you cannot locate it, search your device's settings for "WiFi no internet."

This setting only applies to the dashcam's network

Enabling "stay connected without internet" is network-specific. It applies only to the dashcam's WiFi SSID and does not affect how Android handles any other network, including your home or office WiFi.

Still not resolved?

If the app still cannot detect the camera after completing the steps above, contact BlackVue support with the following:

Dashcam model and serial number
Phone model and Android version
BlackVue app version
Screenshot of the phone's WiFi settings showing the dashcam network

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