Android background video recording while driving with Hawk dashcam
Hawk by MRVL lets your Android phone record video continuously in the background while you drive, saving every clip with evidence-grade integrity hashes and GPS data. No dedicated hardware needed; your phone becomes a full dashcam with one-tap dispute export.
How Android background recording works in Hawk
Hawk is a dashcam app that records video continuously in the background on your Android device. When you mount your phone on the dashboard and start a trip, Hawk records continuously and saves clips in a rolling loop. You don't need to touch the screen after you start; the app keeps recording and uploading to your Evidence Locker automatically. Every clip is written with a SHA-256 integrity hash, which proves the footage hasn't been tampered with. This matters if you need to submit evidence to insurance companies, police, or a court. As of 2026, Hawk supports both iOS and Android, with the same core dashcam recording features on both platforms.
Recording modes and trip tracking
Hawk offers standard continuous recording for daily commuters and a Shift Mode for rideshare drivers. In Shift Mode, you can stack multiple trips in one session without stopping and restarting the app. The app overlays your GPS speed and timestamp on every clip, so there's no ambiguity about when and where an incident happened. Trip Map Replay lets you see the exact route your car took, with marked clips corresponding to specific moments. This polyline data is encrypted and locked in your Evidence Locker. For rideshare users, Rideshare Pro tier adds a cabin camera option and passenger recording notice to comply with local laws.
Evidence Locker and dispute export
All your recordings live in an Evidence Locker protected by biometric lock (fingerprint or face). This fail-closed design means if someone steals your phone, they cannot access your footage. When you need to submit evidence, Hawk exports a ZIP file with your clips, a SHA-256 manifest, and metadata in one tap. You can send this directly to your insurer, your employer, the police, or upload it to a small-claims court filing system. The manifest proves every file in the ZIP hasn't been altered since you locked it. No need to buy a dedicated dashcam or pay a subscription just to get started; the free tier includes 10 clips per month with 7-day retention.
Pricing and storage options
Hawk's free tier gives you 10 clips per month with 7-day retention, ideal for occasional recording. Local Pro costs £3.99 per month, £39.99 per year, or £49.99 as a lifetime purchase and unlocks unlimited clips, longer retention, and iCloud sync for your locked evidence clips. Rideshare Pro is £8.99 per month or £69.99 per year and adds Shift Mode for multi-trip sessions, cabin camera, and passenger recording notices. No subscription is required to use Hawk as a basic dashcam; the Pro tiers unlock storage and convenience features.
Why background recording matters for drivers
Background recording means Hawk keeps capturing video even while your screen is off or you're focused on the road. You don't fumble with buttons or miss an incident because you weren't looking at your phone. The app is designed to run on your phone's battery and data efficiently, and it can survive a phone rotation or a temporary lock without dropping a frame. New drivers, daily commuters, and rideshare drivers like this because it's passive; the evidence builds up automatically. If you're involved in an accident or a dispute, you have a court-ready record with GPS, speed, and timestamp. Hawk doesn't auto-upload everything to MRVL servers; Pro clips sync only to your own iCloud account, so your data stays yours.
Turn your Android into a court-ready dashcam in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hawk record in the background on Android?
Yes. Once you start a trip in Hawk, the app records continuously in the background on your Android phone. You can lock the screen, use other apps, or just drive; Hawk keeps recording and saves clips to your Evidence Locker.
Can I use Hawk without paying a subscription?
Yes. The free tier includes 10 clips per month with 7-day retention, no subscription required. Local Pro and Rideshare Pro add unlimited clips and longer storage.
Is Hawk footage accepted by insurance companies and courts?
Yes. Hawk includes SHA-256 integrity hashes on every clip, GPS overlay, and a one-tap ZIP export with manifest. This evidence-grade format is designed to be accepted by insurers, police, and small-claims courts.
What's the difference between Local Pro and Rideshare Pro?
Local Pro (£3.99/month or £39.99/year) unlocks unlimited clips and iCloud sync. Rideshare Pro (£8.99/month or £69.99/year) adds Shift Mode for stacking multiple trips, cabin camera, and passenger recording notices for drivers.
Does Hawk use a lot of battery or data?
Hawk is optimised for background recording with minimal battery drain. Video files are stored locally on your phone; Pro clips sync to your iCloud, not to MRVL servers, so data usage depends only on your sync settings.
Can I export footage to share with insurance or police?
Yes. One tap exports a ZIP file with your clips, a SHA-256 manifest, and metadata. You can send this directly to your insurer, employer, police, or upload to a court filing system.