Free Video Recording App with GPS Location Stamp
Hawk is a free video recording app that stamps every clip with GPS coordinates, speed, and timestamp overlay, turning your phone into a dashcam with evidence-grade integrity hashing. Start recording for free with up to 10 clips per month and seven-day retention; no subscription required.
What Makes Hawk Different from Standard Video Apps
Most video apps record footage, but Hawk records driving evidence. Every clip gets a SHA-256 integrity hash written to it, the same cryptographic proof used in court cases and insurance disputes. The GPS overlay isn't just a cosmetic timestamp; it's a map-linked record of your location, speed, and heading at the exact moment something happened. When you export a dispute, Hawk bundles your clips, the integrity manifest, and the trip map into a single ZIP file you can send directly to your insurer, police, or solicitor. As of 2026, this approach is rare in free video apps, which typically focus on storage and sharing rather than evidence preparation.
How GPS Location Stamping Works
Hawk overlays GPS data onto every frame of your video: latitude, longitude, speed, and timestamp. This data is pulled from your phone's GPS sensor while you drive. The overlay appears live in the recording and becomes part of your evidence file when you export. You control this via your GDPR privacy profile; you can turn the overlay on for recording sessions where you want location proof, or off when you don't. The Trip Map feature replays your exact route as a MapKit polyline, so if a dispute arises, your insurer or legal team can see exactly where the incident occurred and which direction you were travelling.
Free Plan vs Paid Tiers
The free tier gives you 10 clips per month with seven-day retention, continuous loop recording, and GPS overlay. This suits occasional commuters or new drivers who want to test the app before committing to a paid plan. Local Pro tier costs £3.99 per month, £39.99 per year, or £49.99 lifetime; it removes the monthly clip limit, adds biometric-locked evidence storage, iCloud sync for clips, and dispute export. Rideshare Pro (£8.99 per month or £69.99 per year) adds cabin camera recording, shift mode to link multiple trips into one session, and passenger recording notices required in many regions. All paid tiers include the GPS overlay and SHA-256 integrity hashing.
Evidence Locker and Dispute Export
Once you record a clip you want to keep, move it to your Evidence Locker. This secure vault is locked by your fingerprint or face ID and prevents accidental or intentional deletion. When a dispute arises, you open the locker, select the relevant clip, and hit 'Export Dispute'. Hawk packages the video, the GPS map overlay, the SHA-256 integrity manifest, and metadata into a timestamped ZIP file. You can then email this to your insurance company, upload it to a police portal, or attach it to a court claim. The integrity hash proves the clip hasn't been edited since it was recorded, which carries weight in insurance and legal proceedings.
Works on iPhone and Android
Hawk runs on both iOS and Android phones. Mount your device on your dashboard using a standard phone holder, or place it in your cup holder or centre console. The app runs in the background, continuously recording video in a loop that overwrites older files as storage fills up. On iOS, you can also use Siri voice commands to save the current clip to your Evidence Locker without touching the phone. The app doesn't require a dedicated dashcam device, internet upload, or paid cloud storage to function; everything stays local until you choose to export or sync via iCloud (Pro tiers).
Who Uses Hawk
Daily commuters use Hawk to protect themselves in hit-and-run or liability disputes. Rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft, Bolt) rely on it to record cabin interactions and trips, which is especially valuable when passenger disputes or safety incidents occur. New drivers use it as affordable evidence while they build confidence behind the wheel. Essentially, anyone who drives and wants a court-ready record of their journeys benefits from the GPS overlay and integrity hashing, particularly in scenarios where you need to prove what happened, when, and where.
Get Hawk free today and start recording with GPS location stamps.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hawk require an internet connection to record?
No. Hawk records video and GPS data locally on your phone. Recording works completely offline. Internet is only needed if you want to export dispute files or sync clips to iCloud (Pro tier).
Can I use Hawk as a dashcam without buying a dedicated device?
Yes. Hawk turns any iPhone or Android phone into a court-ready dashcam. Mount it on your dashboard and let it record continuously. No dashcam hardware needed.
How long does Hawk keep my video clips?
The free tier keeps clips for seven days. Paid tiers (Local Pro and Rideshare Pro) allow unlimited retention for clips in your Evidence Locker, plus iCloud sync for secure backup.
Is the GPS location stamp reliable in court or for insurance claims?
Yes. The GPS overlay is accompanied by a SHA-256 integrity hash that proves the video hasn't been edited since recording. This evidence-grade protection carries weight in insurance disputes and small-claims proceedings.
Can I record my passengers as a rideshare driver?
Rideshare Pro includes a cabin camera mode and automatically displays a passenger recording notice on screen, meeting legal requirements in most regions. Check your local laws before recording.
How much does Hawk cost after the free trial?
Local Pro is £3.99 per month, £39.99 per year, or £49.99 lifetime. Rideshare Pro is £8.99 per month or £69.99 per year. The free tier is permanently free with limited clip storage.