Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Everything you need to know about your Facemask Camera—from unboxing to game day to warranty claims. Find answers fast.

📦 Getting Started & Package Contents

What comes in the box?

Your complete Facemask Camera kit includes:

• Facemask Camera with 3D-printed polycarbonate case
• USB charging cable & power adapter
• 64GB high-speed micro SD card (pre-installed in the camera)
• Bar clamps & mounting screws for helmet installation
• Everything you need to mount and record—except a Phillips head screwdriver

Do I need to buy an SD card separately?

No. Your camera comes with a professional-grade 64GB micro SD card already installed in the SD card slot. It's pre-formatted, high-speed, and ready to record. You don't need to buy or install anything.

What tools do I need to install the camera?

You'll need a Phillips head screwdriver (not included). Any standard screwdriver will work. All mounting hardware (clamps and screws) is included in your package.

How do I charge the camera?

Plug the included USB cable into the camera's charging port and connect it to the power adapter (or any USB power source). A full charge takes approximately 2-3 hours and will provide several hours of recording time.

Should I charge it fully before first use?

Yes. We recommend fully charging the camera before your first use to ensure maximum recording time and optimal battery performance.

🛠️ Installation & Mounting

Where does the camera mount on the helmet?

The camera mounts to the front vertical posts of the facemask, positioned behind the facemask (between the facemask and the helmet shell). The lens faces forward through the facemask openings to capture the player's POV.

How does the mounting system work?

The camera has 4 screw posts (2 on each side). Bar clamps wrap around the front vertical posts of the facemask from the outside. Screws go through the clamps and thread into the camera's screw posts, creating a rock-solid sandwich mount that won't shift during contact play.

How tight should I tighten the screws?

Tighten the screws firmly with a Phillips head screwdriver. They should be tight enough that the camera doesn't move, wiggle, or rotate—but don't over-tighten to the point of stripping the threads. Test the security by tugging on the camera firmly; it should be completely locked in place.

Can I use the camera on different helmets?

Yes. The mounting system works with standard football facemasks. You can remove and reinstall the camera on different helmets as long as the facemask has vertical posts that align with the camera's screw posts.

Will the camera stay secure during contact play?

Absolutely. The case is engineered to withstand helmet-to-helmet impacts and full-contact football. When installed correctly with all four screws tightened, the camera will stay locked in place through collisions, hits, and intense gameplay.

What if the camera feels loose after installation?

If the camera moves or feels loose:

• Tighten all four screws further
• Make sure the bar clamps are positioned correctly around the facemask bars
• Verify that the clamps are aligned with the camera's screw posts
• Check that all screws are flush and fully tightened

📱 Using the Mobile App

Where do I download the app?

Android users: Install the app from Google Play using this link:
Facemask Camera App (Internal Testing)

iPhone/iPad users: The app is currently being added to the Apple App Store. We'll notify you as soon as it's available. Contact us if you need immediate iOS access.

How do I connect to the camera with the app?

1. Power on the Facemask Camera
2. On your phone/tablet, open WiFi settings and join the FACEMASK network (default password: gamefilm)
3. Open the Facemask Camera app
4. The app will automatically search for and connect to the camera

A banner at the top will show the connection status:

• "Searching for Camera …" — connecting
• "Camera Ready!" — successfully connected
• "Camera Not Found!" — camera unreachable (check WiFi connection)

Will I have internet access while connected to the camera?

No. While connected to the camera's WiFi network, your device will not have internet access. You'll need to disconnect from the camera's WiFi and reconnect to a standard WiFi or cellular network to access the internet.

How do I start recording using the app?

Open the Home tab and tap Start. The camera will begin recording and automatically create MP4 files on the SD card. Tap Stop to end the recording session.

Can I start recording automatically when the camera powers on?

Yes. In the app's Home tab, enable the Record on Boot setting. When this is enabled, the camera will start recording automatically every time it is powered on—no need to open the app or tap Start.

How long does each recording file last?

You can control this with the Segment Duration slider in the Home tab. Choose anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes. When a segment ends, the camera automatically starts a new file and continues recording seamlessly.

Example: If you set Segment Duration to 10 minutes, the camera will create facemask_0.mp4 (10 minutes), then facemask_1.mp4 (10 minutes), and so on.

Can I record audio with the video?

Yes. In the Home tab, toggle Enable Audio on or off. When enabled, the camera records both video and audio using the AAC codec.

How do I transfer recordings to my phone?

Open the Files tab in the app. Tap the Transfer & Save icon (folder with arrow) next to the file you want to download. The app will copy the file from the camera's SD card to your device and show transfer progress.

Files are saved to:

• Android: DCIM/Camera/Facemask/
• Windows: Videos\Facemask\
• iPhone/iPad: App documents folder

Can I transfer all recordings at once?

Yes. In the Files tab, tap Move All at the top of the file list. All recordings will be transferred to your device. You'll see progress for each file in the status banner.

Can I delete files from the camera using the app?

Yes. In the Files tab, tap the Delete icon (trash) next to a file. A confirmation dialog will appear before the file is permanently removed from the SD card. You can also use Delete All to remove all files at once.

Can I transfer or delete files while recording?

No. You must stop recording before transferring or deleting files. While recording is active, the current file is protected and cannot be transferred or deleted.

How do I change the camera's WiFi name and password?

Open the Wi-Fi tab in the app. Enter a new SSID (network name) and Password, then tap Update WiFi. After updating, power cycle the camera. It will now broadcast the new network name. Reconnect your device to the new network before using the app again.

How do I update the camera's firmware?

1. In the Update tab, connect to the camera's WiFi and tap Check Board Version to see the current firmware version
2. Switch your device to an internet connection and tap Check Web Version to see the latest available firmware
3. If an update is available, tap Download ota.bin from Web to download the firmware file
4. Copy ota.bin to the root of the camera's SD card
5. Power cycle the camera—it will detect the file, install the update, and reboot automatically

What is Review Mode?

Review Mode is a demo mode in the app that lets you explore all features without connecting to a camera. It simulates a connected camera with sample recordings. Enable it in the Help tab to test the app interface or troubleshoot app-related issues.

🎥 Using the Camera Without the App

Can I use the camera without the mobile app?

Absolutely. The camera is designed to work standalone. It starts recording automatically when powered on (as long as the SD card is inserted). No app, no setup, no configuration required—just power it on and it records.

How do I change settings without the app?

Settings are stored in a file called config.json on the SD card. To change settings:

1. Remove the SD card from the camera
2. Insert it into your computer
3. Open config.json with any text editor (Notepad, TextEdit, etc.)
4. Edit the values and save the file
5. Re-insert the SD card—changes take effect on the next power-on

Example config.json:

{
  "segmentMinutes": 1,
  "audioEnabled": true
}

Settings:

• segmentMinutes — Segment length (1 to 15 minutes). Default: 1
• audioEnabled — Record audio (true or false). Default: true

How do I copy recordings to my computer?

1. Power off the camera
2. Remove the SD card and insert it into your computer (use an SD card adapter if needed)
3. Open the SD card—recordings are stored as facemask_0.mp4, facemask_1.mp4, etc.
4. Copy the MP4 files to your computer like any other file
5. Move (not copy) the files to your computer to free up SD card space

What video format does the camera use?

Recordings are saved as MP4 files with:

• Resolution: 1080p
• Video Codec: H.264
• Audio Codec: AAC (if audio is enabled)
• Container: MP4

These files are compatible with any standard video player or editing software.

Will the camera record continuously?

Yes. The camera records continuously as long as it's powered on and there's space on the SD card. When a segment finishes, it automatically starts a new file and keeps recording. There are no gaps between segments.

🔋 Battery & Power

How long does the battery last?

A fully charged battery provides several hours of continuous recording. Actual recording time depends on settings (resolution, audio, segment length) and environmental conditions.

How do I know when the battery is low?

The camera does not have a built-in low-battery indicator. We recommend charging the camera between games or practices to ensure it's ready for your next session.

💾 SD Card & Storage

Do I need to format the SD card before first use?

No. The included 64GB SD card is pre-formatted and ready to record. Just power on the camera and it will start recording.

How much footage can the SD card hold?

A 64GB SD card can hold approximately 6-8 hours of 1080p video, depending on segment length and audio settings. If you record continuously, you'll need to transfer and delete files periodically to free up space.

What happens when the SD card is full?

The camera will stop recording when the SD card is full. Transfer or delete files to free up space before your next recording session.

Can I use a larger SD card?

Yes. The camera supports larger capacity SD cards (128GB, 256GB, etc.). Make sure the card is formatted as FAT32 or exFAT for compatibility.

What if the SD card is not detected?

If the app shows "SD Card Not Ready" or the camera won't record:

• Power off the camera
• Remove and reseat the SD card
• If the issue persists, reformat the SD card (FAT32 or exFAT)
• Reboot the camera

Can I hot-swap the SD card while the camera is on?

Not recommended. Always power off the camera before removing or inserting the SD card to avoid file corruption or data loss.

🛡️ Warranty & Returns

What warranty does the camera come with?

Your Facemask Camera includes a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering:

• Manufacturing defects — faulty components, hardware failures, performance issues not caused by misuse
• Contact play damage — if your camera is damaged during normal football gameplay (helmet-to-helmet contact, impacts, etc.), we'll replace it
• Component failures — camera board issues, mounting hardware defects, case integrity problems

What's NOT covered by the warranty?

• Damage from misuse, abuse, or improper installation
• Damage from non-football activities (dropping, throwing, intentional damage)
• Loss or theft
• Normal wear and tear on mounting hardware

What if my camera breaks during a game?

If your camera is damaged during contact play, we'll replace it. That's what it's built for, and we stand behind it. Contact us immediately at help@watchgamefilm.com or fill out the Return Request Form.

How does the replacement process work?

1. Contact us via email (help@watchgamefilm.com), text (425.591.5889), or the Return Request Form
2. Ship the damaged camera to us (you pay for shipping; we'll provide the return address)
3. We send you a replacement (we pay for return shipping)
4. Typical turnaround: 5-7 business days after we receive your camera

I bought a pre-production camera. What happens after my season?

If you purchased one of the first 100 Version 2.0 pre-production cameras, you're part of our field testing program. Here's what happens:

1. Around July 2026, we'll notify you when final production cameras are ready
2. You ship your pre-production camera to us (you pay for shipping)
3. We send you the final production camera with:
   • Professional injection-molded polycarbonate case (stronger, sleeker)
   • Any hardware updates or improvements discovered during field testing
   • Your feedback and suggestions built into the final design
4. We pay for return shipping to send you the upgraded camera

You helped us test and refine the camera—now you get the final, perfected version.

How do I initiate a warranty claim or return?

Option 1: Fill out the Return Request Form
Option 2: Email help@watchgamefilm.com
Option 3: Text 425.591.5889

We'll review your request and respond within 24 hours.

What's the response time for warranty claims?

• Return requests — Reviewed and responded to within 24 hours
• Replacement processing — 5-7 business days after we receive your camera
• Pre-production exchanges — Early adopters will be notified when final cameras are ready (expected July 2026)

🐛 Troubleshooting & Known Issues

The app says "Camera Not Found!" What do I do?

Check these things:

1. Make sure the camera is powered on
2. Verify your device is connected to the FACEMASK WiFi network (default password: gamefilm)
3. Make sure you're not connected to a different WiFi network or using cellular data
4. Try closing and reopening the app
5. If you changed the camera's WiFi name/password, connect to the new network

The file list in the app is empty. Why?

Possible causes:

1. No recordings have been created yet—start recording first
2. The SD card is not inserted or not detected—check the SD card
3. The camera is not reachable—verify WiFi connection
4. Try tapping the refresh icon in the app

The MP4 file won't play after I download it. What's wrong?

Cause: The file may still be actively recording or not finalized.

Solution:

1. Stop recording in the app
2. Refresh the file list to allow the file to finalize
3. Re-download the file

If the camera is still recording, the current segment is not finalized and may not play correctly until recording is stopped.

The last recording segment is missing or unplayable. What happened?

Known Issue: If the camera is powered off while actively recording a segment, that file may be incomplete or unplayable. All previously completed segments will be intact.

Solution: To avoid losing footage, allow the current segment to finish before powering off (if possible). Alternatively, use longer segment durations to reduce the risk of losing incomplete segments.

The camera won't charge. What should I check?

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Make sure the USB cable is fully connected to both the camera and power source
2. Try a different USB cable or power adapter
3. Check that the charging port on the camera is clean and free of debris
4. Try a different power source (wall adapter, computer USB port, power bank)

If the camera still won't charge, contact us at help@facemaskcamera.com.

The camera won't turn on. What do I do?

Possible causes:

1. Battery is completely drained—charge the camera fully (2-3 hours)
2. Power button not held long enough—hold the power button for 3-5 seconds
3. Hardware issue—contact us at help@facemaskcamera.com for support

The camera is overheating. Is that normal?

The camera may get warm during extended recording sessions—this is normal. If the camera becomes excessively hot or shuts down unexpectedly, power it off and allow it to cool. If overheating continues, contact us at help@facemaskcamera.com.

Video timestamps are incorrect. Why?

The camera does not have a real-time clock, so video timestamps may not reflect the actual recording time. Use the file number (e.g., facemask_5.mp4) to identify the order of recordings.

Can I reset the camera to factory settings?

Yes. To reset the camera:

1. Remove the SD card
2. Delete the config.json file (or format the SD card)
3. Re-insert the SD card
4. Power on the camera—it will create a new config.json with default settings

🏈 Using the Camera During Games

Can I wear the camera during full-contact practice and games?

Absolutely. The camera is engineered to withstand helmet-to-helmet impacts and survive the intensity of full-contact football. The 3D-printed polycarbonate case is designed for the game—the real game—where collisions happen and players go full speed.

Will the camera affect my helmet's fit or comfort?

The camera is lightweight and mounts securely to the facemask without interfering with the helmet's fit. Most players forget it's there after the first few reps.

Will the camera fall off during contact?

No. When installed correctly with all four screws tightened, the camera will stay locked in place through collisions, hits, and intense gameplay. The mounting system is designed for contact play.

Can I adjust the camera angle?

The camera's angle is determined by how it's positioned on the facemask. You can adjust the angle slightly by changing which facemask bars you use for mounting. Experiment during installation to find the angle that best captures your POV.

Should I remove the camera between plays or during timeouts?

No. The camera is designed to stay mounted throughout the entire game or practice. Let it record continuously to capture all the action without interruption.

Can I use the camera in the rain or wet conditions?

The camera is not waterproof, but it is designed to handle sweat, light moisture, and typical outdoor football conditions. Avoid submerging the camera in water or exposing it to heavy rain for extended periods.

What should I do with the camera between games?

• Charge the battery to ensure it's ready for the next session
• Transfer or delete recordings to free up SD card space
• Check the mounting screws to make sure they're still tight
• Store the camera in a safe place to avoid accidental damage

🎬 Video Quality & Settings

What resolution does the camera record?

The camera records in 1080p (1920x1080) at 30 frames per second using the H.264 video codec.

Can I change the video resolution or frame rate?

Not currently. The camera is locked to 1080p at 30fps. Future firmware updates may add additional resolution or frame rate options.

Why do my recordings have multiple files instead of one long video?

The camera automatically splits recordings into segments (default: 1 minute per file). This prevents file corruption, makes it easier to manage large recordings, and allows you to download specific segments without transferring an entire multi-hour video.

You can change the segment length (1-15 minutes) using the Segment Duration slider in the app or by editing the segmentMinutes value in config.json.

Can I combine multiple segment files into one video?

Yes. Use any video editing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, iMovie, etc.) to import and merge the MP4 segments into a single continuous video.

Does the camera record in slow motion or high frame rates?

No. The camera records at standard 30fps. You can create slow-motion effects in post-production by slowing down the footage in video editing software.

Can I disable audio recording?

Yes. In the app, toggle Enable Audio off in the Home tab. Or, edit config.json on the SD card and set "audioEnabled": false.

🤝 Early Adopter Program & Feedback

What does it mean to be an early adopter?

You're one of the first to own a Version 2.0 Facemask Camera—pre-production technology in your hands. You're helping us test, refine, and perfect the camera through real-world use. Your feedback, footage, and experience directly shape the final product.

What is the pre-production camera exchange program?

If you purchased one of the first 100 Version 2.0 cameras, you'll exchange your pre-production camera for the final production version (expected around July 2026). You'll receive:

• Upgraded injection-molded polycarbonate case (stronger, sleeker, production-quality)
• Updated hardware with any improvements or fixes discovered during field testing
• Your feedback implemented — features and improvements suggested by early adopters like you

You ship the pre-production camera to us (you pay shipping); we send you the upgraded camera (we pay shipping).

Why is my camera 3D-printed instead of injection-molded?

We're using 3D printing for the pre-production run because it allows us to iterate quickly, test designs, and get cameras into your hands right now instead of waiting months for injection-molded tooling. It's strong, durable, and works—but we're not stopping here. Final production cameras will have professional injection-molded cases.

How do I provide feedback or report issues?

We want to hear from you. If something works great, tell us. If something's frustrating, tell us. If you have an idea, we want to hear it.

📧 Email: help@facemaskcamera.com
💬 Text: 425.591.5889

Every piece of feedback you send helps us fix bugs faster, add features that matter, and build a camera that works the way players and coaches actually need it to work.

Will there be firmware updates?

Yes. We'll release firmware updates over the coming weeks and months to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Check the Update tab in the app regularly to see if new firmware is available.

Should I expect bugs or issues with my camera?

Possibly. This is Version 2.0, and it's pre-production. You should expect minor bugs, quirks, or features that need improvement. That's what makes you an early adopter—you're helping us find the edges, test the limits, and make this camera bulletproof for everyone who comes after you.

Check the documentation regularly. We'll keep it updated with tips, troubleshooting, and new features as they roll out.

📞 Support & Contact

How do I contact support?

📧 Email: help@facemaskcamera.com
💬 Text: 425.591.5889

We're a small team, and we care about every single camera out there. Don't hesitate. Don't wait. If you need help, we're here.

What are your support hours?

We respond to emails and texts as quickly as possible, typically within 24 hours or less. For urgent issues (damaged camera before a game, critical troubleshooting), text us at 425.591.5889 for the fastest response.

Can I call instead of texting or emailing?

We primarily support via email and text to ensure we can provide detailed, written responses and track all support requests. If you have an urgent issue, text 425.591.5889 and we'll prioritize your request.

Where can I find the latest documentation?

All documentation is available on the Facemask Camera website under the Docs section. We update it regularly with new guides, troubleshooting tips, and feature announcements.

Can I share my game footage with you?

Absolutely! We'd love to see your footage. Send it to help@facemaskcamera.com or share it on social media:

• X (Twitter): Shout out @facemaskcamera so we can follow along
• Instagram: Tag @facemaskcamera at instagram.com/facemaskcamera
• Facebook: Friend us at facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588634772844 so we can share your footage

The best clips may be featured on our website or social channels (with your permission, of course).

Still Have Questions?

If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, reach out. Seriously.

📧 Email: help@facemaskcamera.com
💬 Text: 425.591.5889

You're never on your own with this camera. We're here to support you—from unboxing to every game you play. Let's go. 🏈