GoPro Not Turning On? 10 Easy Fixes

Quick Fix

GoPro not turning on? Remove and reinsert the battery – take it out for 10 seconds, put it back in firmly. If still dead, charge for at least 30 minutes using the original USB cable plugged into a wall adapter (not computer). Hold the Mode button for 10 seconds to force reset.

Why Won’t GoPro Turn On?

GoPro fails to power on due to dead battery, battery not seated correctly, frozen firmware, SD card issues, or water damage. Cold temperatures also significantly reduce battery performance in GoPros.

Method 1: Remove and Reinsert Battery

Battery may not be seated properly.

1. Open battery compartment door
2. Remove battery completely
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Reinsert battery firmly
5. Ensure contacts align properly
6. Close door and try power button

Method 2: Charge the Battery

Battery may be completely drained.

1. Use original GoPro USB cable
2. Plug into wall adapter (not computer)
3. Charge for at least 30 minutes
4. Red light = charging
5. No light = check connection
6. Try powering on after charging

Method 3: Force Reset

Reset frozen firmware.

1. With battery inserted, hold Mode button
2. Hold for 10-15 seconds
3. GoPro should restart
4. Release when screen comes on
5. Or remove battery for 30 seconds if no response

Method 4: Try Without SD Card

Corrupted SD card can prevent boot.

1. Power off GoPro
2. Remove SD card
3. Try turning on without card
4. If it works, SD card is corrupted
5. Format card or use new one

Method 5: Check Battery Contacts

Dirty contacts block power.

1. Remove battery
2. Clean gold contacts on battery
3. Clean contacts inside GoPro
4. Use dry cloth or pencil eraser
5. Reinsert battery

Method 6: Try Different Battery

Battery may be dead.

1. GoPro batteries degrade over time
2. Try a different battery if available
3. Use only GoPro or certified batteries
4. Cheap batteries may not work
5. If new battery works, replace old one

Method 7: Check for Moisture

Water damage affects power.

1. Open all doors and compartments
2. Check for moisture inside
3. If wet, dry thoroughly before charging
4. Place in rice or use desiccant packets
5. Wait 24-48 hours before trying

Method 8: Warm Up Cold Battery

Cold kills GoPro battery.

1. GoPro batteries fail in cold weather
2. Remove battery and warm in pocket
3. Let it reach room temperature
4. Reinsert and try powering on
5. Keep spare warm batteries for cold shooting

Method 9: Update Firmware via SD Card

Manual update may help.

1. Download firmware from gopro.com/update
2. Copy UPDATE folder to SD card root
3. Insert SD and battery
4. GoPro should update automatically
5. Don’t interrupt update process

Method 10: Contact GoPro Support

Hardware failure needs service.

• Check warranty at gopro.com/support
• GoPro has 1-year limited warranty
• GoPro Plus subscription extends warranty
• Describe troubleshooting already tried

FAQ

Why does my GoPro battery drain so fast?

Quick battery drain is normal for 4K/60fps recording. WiFi and GPS also drain battery fast. Use lower resolution, turn off WiFi when not needed, and carry spare batteries. Cold weather dramatically reduces battery life.

How long should GoPro charge?

Full charge takes 2-3 hours via wall adapter, longer via computer USB. The red light turns off when fully charged. For fastest charging, use a 5V/2A wall adapter, not a computer port.

Can water damage be fixed?

If GoPro got wet inside, don’t try to turn it on. Remove battery immediately, dry all components, and wait 48 hours before trying. Rice or silica gel helps absorb moisture. Water damage may not be repairable.