Video External Storage - How To

[kozak79]

To get external storage to work in your Rivian, you need a FAT32 formatted drive. I recommend SD cards specifically designed for dashcams, they are designed for constant re-writes and can operate at high temperatures. Use small external drives with caution, they contain NVME SSDs, which operate at high temperatures and can easily get to 150F when writing. Not a good combination when locked in a hot car.

This is what I went with:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WB3D5GQ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VDWFSSX/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I went with this reader since it can be used with USB-C (in the R1) and USB 3 on your computer.

The SD card came formatted to exFat, which is not supported in the vehicle. You can download EaseUS free formatting app here (Don't sign up for the email list, the download will start without it). Select the drive you want to format and make sure to format it to FAT32.
https://www.easeus.com/partition-master/format-usb-flash-drive-in-windows-10.html

After formatting, make an empty folder on the drive named GearGuardvideo
It is case-sensitive!

I plugged my drive and adapter into the left USB-C port. To test that it works, open Gear Guard and click the download button on the bottom right of the screen, you will get a prompt to download. You know if the drive is not detected because you will see instructions about plugging a drive in.

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[MountainBikeDude]

Good how to!

This was the flash setup I ended up using for gear guard and dash cam storage. Provided a clean, catch free connection. I've included a top down photo to show the ledge clearance.

Total was about 60 bucks Canadian, but can be cheaper with a 128 GB stick.

Drive
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-256GB-Ultra-Drive-Type-C/dp/B07YYJL21Z

90 degree angled adapter
https://www.amazon.com/AuviPal-Adapter-Thunderbolt-Extender-MacBook/dp/B0B8X7FF34

 

[JoeCapo]

Any issues with formatting or heat

Good how to!

This was the flash setup I ended up using for gear guard and dash cam storage. Provided a clean, catch free connection. I've included a top down photo to show the ledge clearance.

Total was about 60 bucks Canadian, but can be cheaper with a 128 GB stick.

Drive
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-256GB-Ultra-Drive-Type-C/dp/B07YYJL21Z

90 degree angled adapter
https://www.amazon.com/AuviPal-Adapter-Thunderbolt-Extender-MacBook/dp/B0B8X7FF34

any issues with formatting or heat?

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Any issues with formatting or heat

any issues with formatting or heat?

None with the formatting, I've transfered the odd gear guard video to it quickly and without issue. We'll see how it performs once the dash cam update comes. Being as cheap as it was, if I need to replace it with a more rugged ssd, then so be it.

 

[JoeCapo]

None with the formatting, I've transfered the odd gear guard video to it quickly and without issue. We'll see how it performs once the dash cam update comes. Being as cheap as it was, if I need to replace it with a more rugged ssd, then so be it.

So then I’m assuming you don’t leave it plugged in for any extended amount of time?

 

[MountainBikeDude]

So then I’m assuming you don’t leave it plugged in for any extended amount of time?

It's been in there since I got it, but it's not consistently reading/writing unless told to. That's where dash cam/drive cam will be more telling of its durability.

 

[Tango45]

I think there are millions thousands (I'll play it safe) of permutations that will work, but we really won't know until they release the update, right? Until then, we can only check to make sure the system recognizes whatever setup you have in that it lets you download Gear Guard videos. Just to add to the fun, here's what I'm looking to run:

An (micro) SD card reader:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DJT5GPT?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

And a 400GB micro SD card that I was using in a Nintendo Switch until I replaced it with something... more:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074RNRM2B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We'll see if that works, but I wanted to use a micro SD as I had some laying around and I didn't want something sticking up from the port as I'm an idiot (see my post history).

 

[rivs505]

Good how to!

This was the flash setup I ended up using for gear guard and dash cam storage. Provided a clean, catch free connection. I've included a top down photo to show the ledge clearance.

Total was about 60 bucks Canadian, but can be cheaper with a 128 GB stick.

Drive
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-256GB-Ultra-Drive-Type-C/dp/B07YYJL21Z

90 degree angled adapter
https://www.amazon.com/AuviPal-Adapter-Thunderbolt-Extender-MacBook/dp/B0B8X7FF34

Hello, I am using same flash drive with 128 GB, but I am receiving the speed error, saying it is slow speed.

 

[kozak79]

Hello, I am using same flash drive with 128 GB, but I am receiving the speed error, saying it is slow speed.

That's odd, try formatting it again.

 

[OnePedaler]

Did you ever get the speed error to resolve? I’m also using the exact same flash drive (256 GB) and getting speed error.

 

[camrunr]

This how to would be even more lit if it said where gearguard was! Damn, I’m searching all over the interface, in the car and on my phone. Nothing. Why does Rivian hide so many features?! No charging interface in the car. GG is hidden away *somewhere*. Any help?

 

[camrunr]

This how to would be even more lit if it said where gearguard was! Damn, I’m searching all over the interface, in the car and on my phone. Nothing. Why does Rivian hide so many features?! No charging interface in the car. GG is hidden away *somewhere*. Any help?

Omg, finally found it! Swipe up from the bottom! It’s like an Easter egg! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Omg, finally found it! Swipe up from the bottom! It’s like an Easter egg! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The "swipe up" feature was added like two or three updates ago. It allows you to customize your toolbar to the items you use most frequently. Try to keep up. ?

 

[camrunr]

The "swipe up" feature was added like two or three updates ago. It allows you to customize your toolbar to the items you use most frequently. Try to keep up. ?

Noice. I haven’t tried customizing it. Will hit that up. Thanks!

 

[OnePedaler]

Did you ever get the speed error to resolve? I’m also using the exact same flash drive (256 GB) and getting speed error.

Update: I got over the speed test problem by doing a reboot of the car. I called SC and they agreed my set up was fine. (I returned my original 256 thumb drive. Purchased a Samsung T7 SSD that came with a C to C cable.) SC went through the reboot with me and all was good when the system rebooted.

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