NextBase piqo Manual
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NextBase piqo Manual

Introduction

Follow this guide to get started with your new Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam. Or go to nextbase.com/piqo-install for more information on Piqo and the entire Nextbase experience. Please be sure to view the installation videos for setting up and using your Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam.
Meet Nextbase Piqo. It's a small & mighty Dash Cam for your vehicle. Compact, high-definition and always on guard. On the move, or parked, Piqo protects. It's the perfect companion for the roads with 1080p or 1440p recording, fine-tuned and optimised to capture the key details, while its sleek and small design makes it almost invisible in your vehicle. The all-new Nextbase App ensures a seamless connection to access, edit and share footage easily providing you with the best Dash Cam experience.
warning Do NOT interact with your Piqo while driving. Distractions while driving can lead to serious injuries.

Overview

Box Contents

Overview - Part 1

Also included

  • Cleaning Pack
    Use the kit to clean your vehicle's windscreen prior to installation to ensure the best adhesion for the mount.
  • Window Stickers
    Protected by Nextbase and Road Safety Club stickers letting others know your vehicle is fitted with a Dash Cam.

Dash Cam Parts

Overview - Part 2

Overview - Part 3

How a Dash Cam works

Camera
Your Piqo has a front facing camera to keep an eye on the road ahead.

Power Source
When connected to your vehicle using the 12V car adaptor, Pro Install Cable* or Piqo Quick Connect Cable*, your Piqo automatically turns on and starts recording when the engine starts.

Recording
The camera continuously records video footage while you're driving. Video is recorded in short segments, one minute long, to make it easier to manage the files.

Storage
Recorded video footage is stored on an SD card inserted into your Piqo. The SD card acts as storage, similar to an SD card in a digital camera.

Nextbase App
The all-new Nextbase App ensures a seamless connection to access, edit and share footage easily. Cutting edge features such as Emergency SOS are included to give you the best Dash Cam experience. Search for 'Nextbase App' in the app store.

Loop Recording
As the memory card fills up with recorded video, your Piqo uses a feature called "loop recording" to overwrite the oldest footage with new recordings. This ensures that the camera can keep recording even when the memory card is full. Important files should be the Dash Cam using the Nextbase App.

Event Recording
Your Piqo has a built in G-Sensor+ which detects sudden movement or impacts to your vehicle. When an event like a collision or sudden braking is detected, your Piqo will automatically protect the footage surrounding the event and mark it as a protected file to be reviewed.

Playback and Accessing Footage
To view the recorded footage, use the Nextbase App (recommended) or use a USB-C data cable* to connect your Piqo to your computer. Alternatively, you can use the SD card with a card reader on your computer. Once the footage is accessed, you can review, edit, or share the recordings as needed.
*sold separately

Installation

Dash Cam setup

Notes Before Installing
Before getting started, make sure you have the following to hand:

  • The contents of the box
  • Your car keys
  • Your mobile device
  • Download Nextbase App

Search for 'Nextbase App' in your device's app store or click the app store icon for your mobile device to be taken directly to the app.

apps.apple.com

play.google.com

  1. Follow the In-App setup instructions
    Upon opening the Nextbase App, create an account and select Piqo. These steps are also listed in this installation guide.
  2. Insert SD card
    Insert the SD card into the slot. Ensure the SD card is inserted the correct way matching the orientation shown. For best performance, we recommend using a Nextbase SD card.
  3. Power your Piqo
    Plug the angled end of your power cable into your Piqo. Plug the other end of your power cable into the dual type-C 12V adapter. Don't mount your Piqo yet.
    Turn on your vehicles ignition to power Piqo. You should see a blue light on your Piqo when the power is connected.
    If your Piqo does not turn on, ensure all of the power cables are correctly connected.
    Dash Cam setup - Step 1 - Power your Piqo
  4. Pair Piqo to the Nextbase App
    Ensure you allow all the required permissions in the Nextbase App. This ensures that your Piqo and the Nextbase App will work as expected.
    Put your Piqo into pairing mode by holding down the power button for 5 seconds. Your Piqo will pulse blue when pairing mode is activated and the device is discoverable.
  5. Update your Piqo firmware
    Once you've paired your Piqo and the Nextbase App, check for available firmware updates. Firmware updates bring the latest features to Piqo so its important to stay up to date.
    We'll create a high speed Wi-Fi connection between Piqo and your mobile device in order to update the Piqo firmware.
  6. Prepare your windscreen
    Clean the area of the windscreen to which you will mount your Piqo ensuring the windscreen is clear of grease and dirt. Point the lens out of the wiper zone for clear recordings in all weather conditions.
    1. Use the wet wipe (green) to clean the windscreen
      Dash Cam setup - Step 2 - Prepare your windscreen
    2. Use the dry wipe (pink) to dry the windscreen
      Dash Cam setup - Step 3
  7. Mount your Piqo
    With Piqo connected to the app you'll be able to see the Dash Cams Live View. Use this to help find the best place to position your Piqo.
    Once you're happy with the placement of your Piqo, remove the 3M adhesive backing.
    Firmly press the adhesive pad to the clean area of the windscreen. Press for up to 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond between the pad and windscreen.
    Make any final adjustments using live view in the app.

    Dash Cam setup - Step 4 - Mount your Piqo
    warning Piqo must NOT obstruct the driver's line of sight. Mount outside sight-lines to the road, highway signs, and signals.
  8. Cable management
    Route your power cables neatly around your windscreen and tuck into the lining of your vehicle to stop any loose wires distracting the driver using the fitting tool (supplied with your Piqo).
    Ensure you tuck the power cable into the lining of your vehicle to stop any loose wires distracting the driver. Use the fitting tool to help tuck the cable away.

    Dash Cam setup - Step 5 - Cable management
  9. Mounting Tip
    If you need to remove your Piqo device from the windscreen, slide the Dash Cam off the mount.

    warning Make sure that the Piqo power cable does not interfere with the drivers operating controls, such as the steering wheel, pedals or gear levers. Do not mount Piqo in front of an airbag field of deployment or in a position to obscure any mirrors.

Features

Library, Downloads & Playback

Effortlessly view, download and share videos from your Piqo in the Nextbase app. Connect to your Piqo via Bluetooth and enter the library screen, we'll then create a high speed Wi-Fi connection between your Piqo and Nextbase app. Once connected you can scroll through all of the videos currently stored on the SD card. The protected video carousel shows videos that:

  • Piqo has automatically protected using our G-Sense+ technology.
  • You have manually chosen to protect.
  • Are Witness or Guardian Mode Lite recordings.

When you select a video to watch you'll be guided to the Playback screen. Here you can watch your video and see key data such as speed, location, g-force and more! Use the carousel to share, download, protect and delete videos.

When you download a file from your Dash Cam, make sure your car ignition is on and you are near your Piqo. Once your download has completed files will show in the Downloads tab of the Nextbase app.
Once you have downloaded a video you can share it via social media. Make sure you tag Nextbase!
Finally, every Nextbase app user gets 30 days of MyNextbase Cloud storage! From the Playback screen upload your video to the MyNextbase Cloud and get a shareable link for you to share your video. You can also password protect the link for extra security.

Voice Commands

Your Piqo Dash Cam has a number of features that can be activated by voice commands. See below the full list available:
HEY NEXY, PROTECT
HEY NEXY, WITNESS MODE
HEY NEXY, STOP WITNESS MODE
HEY NEXY, PRIVACY MODE
HEY NEXY, STOP PRIVACY MODE

Smart Parking

Tired of door dings and parking lot love taps to your bumper? Piqo's Smart Parking feature has you covered. It automatically records any hits or knocks while you're away, then sends you an alert when you return to your vehicle.
To activate Smart Parking, pair your Piqo with the Pro Install or Quick Connect Power Cable. Both are sold separately and can be purchased at nextbase.com.

Guardian Mode LITE

Child, friend, mechanic or valet using your vehicle? Set fixed speed or geolocation limits and protect your vehicle, even when you are not there. If a speed or location limit is broken, then you will be notified as soon as you get back to the vehicle. The evidence will be saved onto the Nextbase app.
Set your emergency contacts to receive an SMS and email when an speed or location alert is broken in the Nextbase app, these will be sent when your Piqo is connected to the Nextbase app via Bluetooth.

Witness Mode LITE

Feeling uneasy on the road? Whether it's road rage or a bad situation, Piqo's Witness Mode Lite is here for you. Just say:
"Hey Nexy, Witness Mode" and your Piqo sends an instant SOS text to a friend or loved one, letting them know you need help.

Set your emergency contacts to receive an SMS and email when a Witness Mode Lite event is triggered in the Nextbase app, these will be sent when the Dash Cam is connected to the Nextbase App via Bluetooth.
Witness Mode recording can be stopped by saying "Hey Nexy, stop Witness Mode".

Nextbase Protect Subscription

Emergency SOS
In a serious accident, Piqo's Emergency SOS is a real lifesaver—literally. This feature automatically contacts emergency services, sharing your exact location and vital details to help them get to you fast. It's peace of mind in your pocket.
More information here: nextbase.co.uk/emergency-sos-feature

180 days MyNextbase Cloud storage
Extended your MyNextbase Cloud storage with the Nextbase Protect Subscription.

Additional 24 months warranty
Get additional peace of mind knowing you have extended warranty with your Piqo Dash Cam.
Start your 1 month free trial now! Sign up in the Nextbase app.

Have some questions about Piqo features?
Click here for more useful information, FAQs and videos More Piqo Info

LEDs

Actions and colours
The ring light on your Piqo shows different colours and behaviours to display its functions. Use this guide if you are unsure what the lights mean.

Solid Pulse Flash Fade In Fade Out
BLUE Power on, NOT recording Bluetooth pairing Bluetooth pairing failed Power on Power off
RED Normal loop recording Recording protected file
RED/BLUE ESOS active
RED/WHITE ESOS error
YELLOW Firmware installing Clearing SD card
WHITE Voice command recognised
ORANGE No SD card detected SD card error
GREEN Connected to computer Wi-Fi connected
PURPLE Witness mode active

Settings

In the app
These settings can be changed in the app.

Resolution
The level of detail captured. Higher resolutions mean larger file sizes.

Exposure
Determines how light/dark your recorded image is.

Audio
Toggle sound recording On/Off.

Time Stamp
Information overlaid onto your videos can be toggled On/Off.

Speed Stamp
Information overlaid onto your videos can be toggled On/Off.

GPS Stamp
Information overlaid onto your videos can be toggled On/Off.

Model Stamp
Information overlaid onto your videos can be toggled On/Off.

Number Plate
Input your number plate to have it appear on your video..

Impact Sensitivity
Adjust the sensitivity of the G-Sensor, which will change the threshold to trigger automatic file protection.

Limited History
Allows you to only store 3 minutes of recorded footage on your SD Card before it is overwritten through loop recording. Please ensure you are complying with all video recording laws in the country you are using your Dash Cam, even when traveling.

Smart Parking
With Parking Mode On, the Dash Cam will record a video if the G-Sensor is triggered while your vehicle is parked and turned off. Pro Install or Quick Connect Power Cable required.

Language
Change the language that voice announcements and commands are made in.

Time & Date
Adjust the time & date as required.
Note: Time and date settings will be over-written upon satellite connection.

Device Sounds
Turn On/Off the startup and shutdown sounds.

System Info
Show your Dash Cam's Information, such as firmware version, serial number.

Format SD Card
Clear the SD card of all files. Ensure you back up any files you want to keep before formatting the SD card.

Reset to Default
Reset the Dash Cam to default settings.

Emergency SOS
Set up Emergency SOS in the Nextbase App.
In the event that leaves you unable to call for help, the Dash Cam will register a serious incident and tell the app to call the emergency services to your location. This call to the emergency services can be canceled using the app if you find that you do not need emergency attention.

Accessories

Available for your Piqo

Piqo Pouch
Featuring a durable, rigid shell, this pouch is built to keep your Dash Cam in top condition.

Piqo Car Power Cable
Plug it into your vehicle's 12-volt socket. The dual USB-C ports allow you to charge your dash cam and another device simultaneously.

* Smart Parking is NOT supported with this power option.

Piqo Pro Install Cable
Offers seamless hardwiring to your vehicle's fuse box for both 12-volt and 24-volt vehicles. Easily enable Smart Parking & the built-in voltage limiter protects your vehicle's battery, ensuring your dash cam operates safely and consistently.

Quick Connect Cable
Fast and easy way to power your Dash Cam through your vehicle's OBD port. Offering a permanent live connection, it's perfect for activating Smart Parking.

Glossary

Dash Cam
Also known as a dashboard camera, a Dash Cam is a video recording device mounted on the windshield of a vehicle to capture video footage. Piqo includes a front facing camera.
Mount
The mount is the part that adheres directly to the windscreen (or rear window for a rear camera). The mount attaches to the camera body. The Piqo can be removed from the mount by sliding the Piqo away from the mount.
Loop Recording
The Dash Cam records continuously by overwriting older footage when the storage capacity is full. Loop recording ensures that the camera always has the latest footage available.
Emergency SOS
When Emergency SOS is set up, in the event of an incident that leaves you unable to call for help, Emergency SOS will contact emergency services to your location to assess the situation and assist where necessary. Emergency SOS can be set up using the app.
microSD Card
Piqo uses a microSD card for storage. The card's capacity determines how much footage can be stored before looping begins. It's important to use Nextbasebranded, high-quality, high-capacity cards that are compatible with your Piqo. It is important that this SD card is not removed during recording, or forced into the slot, as this could damage the SD card or the SD card reader in the Piqo.
Resolution
Refers to the clarity and sharpness of the video footage recorded by your Dash Cam. The higher the resolution, the more detail in the video, and the larger the file size.
Field of View
Also known as a dashboard camera, a Dash Cam is a video recording device mounted on the windshield of a vehicle to capture video footage. Piqo includes a front facing camera.
G-Sensor
A built-in sensor that detects sudden changes in motion or impact. If Parking Mode is turned on, an event will be recorded if the G-Sensor levels pass a predetermined threshold. G-Sensor data is also recorded along with video feeds.
LED
Light Emitting Diode; Piqo has LEDs to signify different functions and processes by displaying various colours through the light ring.
Event Recording
Your Piqo has built-in G-sensors which detect sudden movements or impacts. When an event like a collision or sudden braking is detected, Piqo will automatically save the footage surrounding the event and mark it as an important file to be reviewed.
Pro Install Cable
A Pro Install Cable allows you to connect Piqo directly to your vehicle's fusebox allowing you to free up the 12V socket in your vehicle. Connecting to your vehicle's permanent live and enabling parking mode allows Piqo to record footage even when the car is off. An installation guide is included with the Pro Install Cable, once purchased.
Nextbase App
Download the latest Nextbase App for more features. When connected, you can instantly view the videos on your Dash Cam through the app, as well as edit and share clips.
Live View
Live View is an app feature which allows you to view the camera feed in real time, handy when setting up the Dash Cam, to make sure the view is clear.

Maintenance Tips

  • Keep your firmware up to date, check in the Nextbase app for updates.
  • Do not spray liquids on or near your Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam.
  • For easy removal from your windscreen, slide your Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam off the mount by pulling the Dash Cam towards you.
  • Use the cable tidy on the mount to help guide the cable to your vehicle lining.
  • Keep the area on the windscreen directly in front of your Dash Cam lens clear and free of dirt.

Product Specs

Resolution: Piqo 1K – 2560 x 1080p
Piqo 2K – 2560 x 1440p
Operating system requirements: iOS 15 and Android 8
Phone connection technology: Wi-Fi 2.4Ghz and Bluetooth 4.1
GPS: 10Hz
Channels: 1 Channel
Sensor make and model: Omnivision
Field of view: Piqo 1K – 140°
Piqo 2K – 145°
Storage: Piqo 1K – 128GB (12 hours of footage)
Piqo 2K – 256GB (18 hours of footage)
Dimensions: 109 x 40 x 32mm

SAFETY

Please read safety and health information carefully before you install your iQ so that you can ensure its safe and proper operation in your vehicle.
warning Failure to follow these guidelines may cause harm to your device, your property, your health or the health of others.

Failure to correctly install Piqo may present hazards for the safe operation of your vehicle and could contribute to an accident resulting in serious injury, death or damage to property for you, your passengers or others. When installing this device in your vehicle;

  • You must correctly locate Piqo on your windshield. Mounting Piqo in a position that obscures the forward line of sight for the driver of your vehicle may cause the driver of your vehicle to be unable to adequately see other road users, obstacles or persons around your vehicle. This could result in an accident that causes serious injury, death or property damage. Carefully follow the mounting instructions in your app and in the installation section of this manual.
  • You must adequately secure Piqo to your windshield. The 3M pad supplied with your Piqo consists of a pressure activated tape. If an inadequate bond is achieved whilst fitting Piqo may separate from the windshield. If this occurs whilst the vehicle is being driven, it could become a restriction to safe operation of your vehicle leading to an accident that causes serious injury, death or property damage. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and disconnect Piqo. Only attempt to refit Piqo with a new 3M pad when your vehicle is stationary.
  • You must route the Piqo power cable (or optional accessory Pro Install Cable or Piqo Quick Connect Cable) appropriately. You must route the power cable (and rear camera cable if you are fitting a Rear Window Camera) so that there is no interference with the deployment of airbags installed on your vehicle. If you impede the deployment of airbags, you will reduce the effectiveness of the secondary protection system which could result in serious injury, death or property damage. You must also ensure that cables do not interfere with vehicle operating controls. If you are hindered from correctly accessing vehicle controls whilst driving, it may cause an accident which could result in serious injury, death or property damage.


You should not attempt to manually adjust Piqo's setting whilst driving. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings and do not attempt to adjust Piqo whilst driving. Distractions whilst driving increase the risk of an accident that could lead to serious injury, death or property damage.

Ensure that you check the warranty status for your vehicle before you install the Piqo Quick Connect Cable. Some manufacturers may prohibit the use of OBD-II connections which could void your warranty agreement. NEXTBASE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS OR EXPENSES ASSOICATED WITH VOID WARRANTIES OR VEHICLE REPAIRS.
If you experience any change in your vehicle's engine performance after connecting the Piqo Quick Connect Cable, you should disconnect the device as soon as it is safe to do so and contact Nextbase Technical Support. DO NOT CONTINUE TO USE PIQO QUICK CONNECT CABLE IF VEHICLE ENGINE POWER IS AFFECTED

Do not expose Piqo to liquids under any circumstances, doing so may result in the risk of electric shock or fire. Should your Piqo become wet, disconnect it from the Power Cable and allow it to dry naturally. DO NOT ATTEMPT to accelerate drying by external means.

You should only use Piqo in compliance with all applicable laws, including local laws of the country and region in which you reside or in which you use your Piqo. When you use Piqo, you do so at your own initiative and you are responsible for compliance with any applicable laws, including but not limited to applicable privacy and data collection laws, and laws prohibiting or restricting the placement of objects on the windshield of a motor vehicle.
For more information or support visit nextbase.com/hub/tag/support

For Your Safety

Please read this guide before setting up or using your Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam. Your health and safety are our priority, failure to follow these instructions could lead to injury and a poor user experience.

  • Use your Piqo as instructed in this guide.
  • Do not interact with your Piqo while driving, distractions while driving can lead to serious injuries.
  • Do not mount your Piqo in front of the driver, Piqo must not obstruct the drivers line of sight. Mount outside sight-lines to the roads, highway signs and signals.
  • When installing Piqo in a vehicle, always place the device securely against the windscreen and where possible conceal the power cable under trim.
  • Make sure that the Dash Cam power cable does not interfere with the driver's operating controls, such as the steering wheel, pedals or gear levers.
  • Do not mount the Dash Cam in front of an airbag field of deployment or in a position to obscure any mirrors.
  • Clean the windscreen at the point of location, prior to fitting the Dash Cam.
  • Download the Nextbase App to use your Piqo and ensure you enable all permissions as these are required for your Dash Cam and Nextbase App to work.

Have some questions?
Click here for more useful information, FAQs and videos
More Piqo Info

Documents / Resources

References

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download NextBase piqo Manual

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