Dashcam App with Looping Recording
Hawk is a dashcam app that records your drives continuously on looping video, auto-saves incident clips via motion detection, and backs everything up to iCloud or Google Drive. No dedicated hardware needed, no subscription required to start.
How Looping Recording Works
Hawk records your journey continuously while your phone is mounted on your dashboard. When the phone's storage fills up, the app automatically overwrites older footage with new video, keeping only the most recent drive on your device. If the motion sensor detects a sudden impact, hard braking, or collision, Hawk instantly saves that clip to the cloud before it loops, so you never lose evidence of an incident. This approach means you don't need to manually manage files or buy expensive cloud plans to protect yourself on the road.
Incident Detection and Cloud Backup
The app uses your phone's accelerometer to spot hard braking, sharp turns, and impacts in real time. When an incident is detected, Hawk automatically uploads the surrounding footage to iCloud or Google Drive, depending on your phone. On the free tier, you get cloud backup for incident clips. Premium plans extend cloud storage retention and add unlimited backup capacity, so multiple drives are saved indefinitely. This dual approach means looping recordings stay local while critical evidence goes straight to the cloud.
Who Uses Hawk
Daily commuters install Hawk for peace of mind during their regular drive. Rideshare drivers using Uber, Lyft, or Bolt rely on the app to document passenger interactions and collisions. New drivers use it to build a record of safe driving and protect themselves if anything goes wrong. Anyone who wants dashcam evidence without buying a separate device benefits from having their phone already do the job, especially since most people have their phone in the car anyway.
What You Get
Every recording includes speed and route overlays so you can see exactly where and how fast you were travelling. The free tier lets you start recording immediately with limited cloud storage for incident clips. Upgrade to a paid plan for longer retention periods, park mode recording when parked, and unlimited cloud backup across all your drives. All data syncs automatically to your existing cloud account, so clips are accessible from any device.
Setting Up Your Phone Dashcam
Download Hawk on iOS or Android, mount your phone securely on your dashboard, and hit record. The app runs in the background while you drive, using minimal battery. Motion detection works automatically, so you don't need to do anything special when an incident happens. Clips upload silently over your mobile data or WiFi. Everything is ready to use without signing up for a subscription, though paid plans open up more storage and features if you want them.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Hawk need a subscription to start recording?
No. The free tier includes continuous looping recording and incident detection. Premium tiers add longer cloud retention and unlimited backup, but you can begin using the app immediately without paying.
What happens when my phone storage is full?
Hawk's looping function overwrites the oldest footage with new video. Critical incident clips are automatically saved to the cloud before looping, so you always keep evidence of collisions or hard braking.
Can Hawk record while my phone is in park mode?
Park mode is available on paid plans. It allows the app to record when your car is stationary, useful for detecting hit and runs or vandalism while parked.
Where does my footage get saved?
Continuous looping recordings stay on your phone. Incident clips are automatically uploaded to iCloud (iOS) or Google Drive (Android) so they're backed up before your phone's storage loops over.
Does Hawk work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes. Hawk is available on iOS and Android, with the same looping recording and incident detection features on both platforms.
What triggers the automatic incident save?
Hawk uses your phone's motion sensor to detect hard impacts, sudden deceleration, and sharp acceleration. When detected, the app saves video clips surrounding the event to the cloud automatically.