GoPros might make for great action filming devices, but the small camera can also get lost quite easily. If you’ve lost your GoPro or are concerned you might, what do you need to know about finding your lost device?
While you can’t track your GoPro using GPS, you can use other features like the Locate Camera function that plays a tone from the device when activated. Otherwise, you can try to search for Bluetooth devices in the area or look online for any signs of your device’s serial number.
While GoPros do use GPS, it’s not exactly the same as the GPS on your phone. Let’s take a look at how it differs and what to do if you’ve lost your GoPro.
Can You Track a GoPro?
GoPros (on Amazon) are great for a wide range of different adventure filming situations. From surfing to mountain biking, these small little cameras do the work of capturing the moment in crisp clear detail.
Unfortunately, the small, compact size not only helps lighten the load but also heightens the risk of losing your device. So, if you’ve lost your GoPro, can you track it?
While GoPros feature GPS, that doesn’t mean you can track your device like you can with your phone. The best you can do is use the Locate Camera Mode which plays a tone from the camera that is in your range. GPS tracking doesn’t yet exist for GoPros.
This has a lot to do with GoPro’s small and compact form factor. While these devices pack a lot of video quality into a little box, they don’t come jam-packed with tons of features like an active GPS transmitter.
Basically, this means your GoPro can’t be tracked. If you’re worried about losing yours, try to use a case or mount that helps you keep track of your device — and protects it at the same time.
What Is GoPro GPS?
You may be aware that GoPros have a GPS function. This adds a ton of telemetry features to your GoPro, but that doesn’t mean tracking.
The GPS on the GoPro is passive. This means it can receive information but not transmit it. Therefore, you can use the GPS data that comes to the device, but you can’t track your device because the GoPro doesn’t transmit a trackable signal.
What the GPS does allow is for you to add telemetry metrics to your videos. For example, if you’re taking on a difficult trail while snowboarding, you can track your speed, altitude, and even the amount of G-force you’re experiencing. This all happens with the passive GPS module on the GoPro.
All that said, you could consider adding a cheap GPS sticker (on Amazon) to the side of your device to try and deter thieves if you’re concerned about that. It may be just enough to put a would-be thief off stealing your device, given the opportunity, by fooling them into thinking it can be tracked.
What to Do if You Lose Your GoPro
Okay, so you’ve lost your GoPro. It happens. Before you start searching online for a new device, there are a few things you might want to try. Let’s explore those now.
First, you can try to use the Locate Camera function. You’ll find this in the GoPro app on your phone. Navigate to the settings page, and you should see a toggle switch toward the bottom of the screen with the label “locate camera.”
When this is enabled, the camera will make a beeping noise. From here, you’ll have to use your ears to find the device. Keep in mind that there’s a range for this feature.
You need to be less than 50 feet away from your GoPro to use this feature. If you can remember, try this method immediately when you notice your camera is missing. It will give you the highest chance of finding your device.
You can also try more traditional methods of locating lost cameras. To do this, find a website that allows you to track your GoPro’s serial number. Sites like this one will scour the web looking for your serial number in photos. If your device happens to be stolen and online, you might be able to locate it.
There are also apps that can scan for Bluetooth devices in the area. Since the GoPro uses Bluetooth, if you’re in range, you might be able to locate it.
Lastly, you can always ask around. This might seem obvious, but it should be at the top of your list when you find out your device is missing. This is especially useful if you’re using your GoPro while you do an activity since someone else may have found it not soon after you left the area.