Will a Dash Cam Mount Fit Behind My Rear View Mirror?

Wondering if a dash cam mount fits behind your rear view mirror? It’s a smart question, as that spot keeps the view clear and the camera discreet. Getting it right matters for safety and a clean install.

In my experience, most modern dash cams are designed for this exact location. The real trick is checking your specific mirror’s stem and your car’s windshield shape first.

Are You Tired of a Dash Cam Blocking Your View or Constantly Falling Off?

We’ve all been there. You buy a dash cam, but the bulky mount blocks your windshield view or wobbles loose. It’s distracting and defeats the purpose. The REDTIGER’s ultra-slim, low-profile mount is designed specifically to tuck neatly behind your rearview mirror, staying completely out of your sightline and secured firmly in place.

I solved this exact headache by installing the: REDTIGER 4K Front Rear Dash Cam with STARVIS 2 Sensor and

Why a Proper Dash Cam Placement is So Important

This isn’t just about a clean look. It’s about your safety and peace of mind. A poorly placed dash cam can block your view of the road.

I learned this the hard way. My first dash cam was mounted too low on the windshield. It created a dangerous blind spot right where a pedestrian could be.

The Safety Risk of a Bad Mounting Spot

A blocked view is a real hazard. You might miss a cyclist or a car in your blind spot. In a split-second situation, that obstruction could cause an accident.

We want the camera to see everything, not become the reason we miss something. The spot behind the mirror is perfect because it’s already in your natural blind spot.

The Frustration of a Failed Installation

Nothing is worse than wasting time and money. I’ve bought mounts that simply didn’t fit my car’s unique mirror stem. The adhesive was already used, so I couldn’t return it.

You end up with a useless mount and a camera still in the box. To avoid this, you need to check a few key things first:

• The thickness and angle of your rearview mirror’s arm.
• The amount of space between your mirror and the windshield.
• The type of mount your specific dash cam uses.

Getting the placement right the first time saves so much hassle. It means your camera is working and recording from day one, protecting you when you need it most.

How to Check If Your Dash Cam Will Fit Behind the Mirror

Don’t guess. A quick check in your own car will give you the answer. It only takes a minute and saves you from that return line hassle.

Measure Your Mirror’s Stem and Gap

First, look at the arm that holds your mirror to the windshield. Is it a thick, single post or a thinner, double-jointed one? Thick posts can be tricky.

Next, slide your fingers behind the mirror. How much space is there? You need enough room for the dash cam’s mount and the camera body itself to sit without touching.

Consider Your Dash Cam’s Design

Look at your dash cam’s mount. Is it a short ball joint or a long, flexible arm? A shorter, low-profile mount is best for tight spaces behind the mirror.

Also, check where the lens is on the camera. If it’s centered, the camera might need to hang lower to see past the mirror. This affects the fit.

Here’s my simple checklist before you buy:

• Mirror Stem Type: Single post or slim arm?
• Available Space: At least two fingers width behind the mirror.
• Camera Shape: Is it a compact wedge design or a larger rectangular box?

If you’re tired of mounts that don’t fit or block your view, what finally worked for me and gave a perfect, hidden install was this low-profile mount I grabbed.

What I Look for When Buying a Dash Cam Mount

After trying a few, I’ve learned the features that actually matter for a clean, secure fit.

A Flexible, Adjustable Joint

The mount needs to bend and twist easily. This lets you position the camera perfectly around your mirror’s arm. A stiff joint is frustrating and limits your options.

Strong, Reliable Adhesive

The sticky pad must hold for years through heat and cold. Look for mounts that include a spare adhesive pad. I’ve had cheap ones fall off on a hot day, which is a safety risk.

A Low-Profile, Compact Design

The mount itself shouldn’t be bulky. A slim design tucks right behind the mirror, keeping your windshield clear. A big, clunky mount defeats the whole purpose of a hidden install.

Universal Compatibility

Make sure it works with your specific dash cam model. Most use a standard connection, but always double-check. The last thing you want is a mount that doesn’t click into your camera.

The Mistake I See People Make With Dash Cam Placement

The biggest mistake is assuming all mounts are the same. They’re not. Buying the cheapest generic mount often leads to a shaky camera or a bad angle.

People also forget to check their windshield’s slope. A very steep windshield might leave no room behind the mirror. You need a mount with a long enough arm to compensate.

Finally, they mount the camera before testing the view. Always do a quick drive around the block first. Make sure the lens isn’t blocked by the mirror or your car’s dotted frit area.

If you’re worried about a wobbly camera or a mount that just won’t stick in the right spot, the ones I sent my sister to buy for her SUV were these sturdy mounts with extra-long arms.

My Secret for a Perfect, Hidden Dash Cam Install

My best tip is to use your phone’s camera before you stick anything. Turn on the video and hold your phone where you want the dash cam to go.

Drive your normal route and watch the recording later. You’ll see exactly what the dash cam will see. This shows you if the mirror blocks the view or if the angle is right.

It’s a five-minute test that saves so much trouble. I did this and realized my mirror blocked the left side of the frame. I simply adjusted my planned mounting spot a tiny bit to the right.

This trick also helps you find the sweet spot for power cable routing. You can see where the cable might dangle or get in the way. It makes the whole installation process confident and clean.

My Top Picks for a Dash Cam That Fits Behind Your Mirror

VIOFO A229 Plus Dash Cam Front and Rear Dual STARVIS 2 — For the person who wants the clearest night video.

I recommend the VIOFO A229 Plus because its front camera is a compact wedge that tucks perfectly behind most mirrors. The video quality, especially at night, is fantastic. It’s perfect if your main goal is undeniable evidence. The trade-off is that the full dual-channel system requires more cable routing.

BOTSLAB 4K Dash Cam Front and Rear with ADAS and WiFi — For the driver who wants helpful alerts.

The BOTSLAB 4K Dash Cam is my pick for its helpful lane departure and forward collision warnings. The front unit is also very slim for easy mirror mounting. It’s perfect if you want an extra set of digital eyes on the road. Just know the ADAS features can sometimes be overly cautious in complex city driving.

Conclusion

The most important thing is to check the space behind your specific mirror before you buy anything.

Go out to your car right now and slide your fingers behind the rearview mirror—that quick check will tell you exactly what kind of mount you need to look for.

Frequently Asked Questions about Will a Dash Cam Mount Fit Behind My Rear View Mirror?

What is the best dash cam for a hidden install behind a thick rearview mirror?

You need a camera with a very low-profile, wedge-shaped design. Thick mirror arms take up a lot of space, so a bulky camera won’t fit.

Look for models specifically advertised as “discreet” or “slim.” For a reliable option that tucks away cleanly, I’ve had great luck with what I grabbed for my own car.

Will the adhesive mount damage my windshield or mirror?

No, a high-quality adhesive mount should not damage your glass when removed properly. The key is using the right removal technique.

Always use a piece of fishing line or dental floss to slowly saw through the adhesive. Any leftover residue can be cleaned off with rubbing alcohol.

Can I still use my mirror’s auto-dimming or homelink features?

Yes, in most cases. The dash cam mounts to the windshield, not the mirror itself. It sits behind the mirror housing.

Just make sure the camera body or its cable doesn’t physically block the sensors on the front of the mirror. A little test fitting will confirm.

Which dash cam mount is the most reliable for a car that gets very hot?

Heat is the biggest enemy of cheap adhesive. You need a mount that uses a high-temperature, automotive-grade adhesive pad.

This is a common point of failure. For a mount that has never fallen off in my Arizona summers, the ones I sent my sister to buy have been flawless.

How do I route the power cable for a clean look?

Tuck the cable into the headliner (the fabric on the ceiling). Then, run it down the weather stripping along the door frame.

Finally, route it under the dashboard to your power outlet or fuse box. This hides almost the entire wire from view.

What if my mirror is attached to the windshield with a big plastic housing?

This is common in newer cars. You often have less space, but you can usually mount to the windshield just to the side of the housing.

The camera might sit slightly beside the mirror instead of directly behind it. This still keeps it high and out of your line of sight.