GoPros are one of the most popular action cameras on the market and for a good reason. They’re durable, versatile, and easy to use. But like any electronic device, they need to be charged regularly. A GoPro battery lasts about two hours on average, so it’s important to know how to charge it properly.
Most GoPros use a standard USB-A to. micro-USB cable for charging. You can plug this into any USB port, whether it’s on a computer, wall charger, or portable battery pack. Newer GoPro models us USB-C on the device itself, but still have the familiar rectangular USB-A plug on the other end.
Honestly, charging a GoPro is pretty simple. We assume you know how to plug cables in! There are some more advanced questions around charging and GoPros in general, though, like how to charge them on the go, or whether or not you can use them while charging, extending your potential recording time. Let’s look at all the details so you can prep your adventure properly and not run out of juice!
Ways to Charge a GoPro
Charging times may vary depending on the power source used. For example, charging from a computer USB port will take longer than charging from a wall outlet. When using an external charger, always use one specifically designed for the GoPro.
Using an incompatible charger could damage the camera. As with any battery, it’s best to store a GoPro in a cool, dry place when not in use. This will help extend the life of the battery. With proper care, a GoPro can last for many years. Let’s look at the ideal way to charge your GoPro.
You can charge your GoPro in a few different ways. The most common method is to use the included charging cable and plug it into any USB port. This could be on a computer, wall charger, or portable battery pack. If you’re using an older GoPro that uses mini-USB, you’ll need to find an adapter or cable compatible with your device.
Another way to charge a GoPro is with an external charging kit station. These can only be used if you have a detachable battery. Once the battery is removed from the GoPro, you can place it in the charging station.
This is a great option if you’re traveling and want to ensure your GoPro is always charged and ready to go. Options like this one from TOMSHEIR (on Amazon) can allow you to really change the way you use your device because they offer so much extra battery power, and in such a convenient package.
Here are four power sources for USB charging your GoPro camera.
- Charge via wall plug: You’ll need a USB adapter to connect your USB cable. To use an adapter, make sure it outputs at least 5V 2A. Some power bars have USB ports built-in, so you may not need an additional one.
- Charge via power bank: This is the most convenient option for charging your in-camera GoPro battery. You won’t need to be connected to a wall or computer anymore. Connect and leave it on your picnic table or in your bag.
- Charge via computer: You can plug your GoPro into your computer USB port to charge it. It’s best to plug directly into your computer, avoiding USB hubs (unless they are powered with AC). Make sure that your USB port is powered when your computer is off.
- Charge via USB outlet in your car: Car chargers are great for keeping your GoPro charged while on long road trips. However, most cars come with 5W charging ports, while GoPros need at least 5V 2A. Check your user manual to see if this is an option in your vehicle.
Not your fastest option, but it will still get the trick done.
USB Wall Charging
Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to charge your GoPro in the most obvious way: a USB wall charger.
- Power OFF the camera.
- Put one end of the included USB charging cable into your GoPro’s charging port.
- Put the other end into the wall charger.
- Plug the charger on the wall and switch it ON to start charging your GoPro.
- Wait for the red light to go out to ensure it’s fully charged.
Charging Accessories Needed
The type of accessory you need to charge your GoPro will depend on your camera model. GoPro has three charging cables:
- Micro USB
- Mini USB
The older generation used Mini USB cables, but GoPro switched to Micro USB cables as technology progressed. The newest generation of GoPros uses USB-C cables that are also compatible with other USB-C devices.
USB-C
USB-C is the newest standard and is found on the latest GoPro models. It has been accepted by the International Electrotechnical Commission and is on the verge of being adopted as a global charging standard for portable electronics.
Here’s the list of models compatible with USB-C:
- GoPro Hero10 Black (on Amazon)
- GoPro Hero 8 Black
- GoPro Hero Max
- GoPro Hero 7 Black / White / Silver
- GoPro Fusion
- GoPro Hero (2018)
- GoPro Hero 6 Black
- GoPro Hero 5 Black
- GoPro Hero 5 Session
Micro USB
The Micro USB has been used for years as the standard for most Android devices. It was later adopted by other electronic devices, including GoPros.
Here’s the list of GoPro models that use Micro USB cables:
- GoPro Hero 4 Session
- GoPro Hero Session
Mini USB
The first cable utilized by GoPro was the Mini USB. However, it has been superseded in favor of the more dependable Micro USB and USB-C cables.
These are the GoPro models that use Mini USB cables:
- GoPro Hero 4 Black / Silver
- GoPro Hero 3+
- GoPro Hero 3
- GoPro Hero+ LCD
- GoPro Hero+
- GoPro Hero (2014)
- GoPro HD Hero 2
- GoPro HD Hero Original
How Long Does it Take for a GoPro to Charge?
Depending on the model of GoPro you have, it will take a different amount of time to charge. The average time is between 2-3.5 hrs. And each has different requirements, which are listed here:
GoPro Hero10
- USB Cable: USB-C
- Charging Methods: In-camera, external charger
- Compatible Battery: 1720mAh (SPBL1B)
- Charging Times: 2 hours
- Recommended Voltage: 5V 2A output
GoPro Hero9
- USB Cable: USB-C
- Charging Methods: In-camera, external charger
- Compatible Battery: 1720mAh (SPBL1B)
- Charging Times: 2 hours
- Recommended Voltage: 5V 2A output
GoPro Max (360)
- USB Cable: USB-C
- Charging Methods: In-camera, external charger
- Compatible Battery: 1600mAh (ACBAT-001)
- Charging Times: 2 hours
- Recommended Voltage: 5V 2A output
GoPro Hero4
- USB Cable: Mini-USB
- Charging Methods: In-camera, external charger
- Compatible Battery: 1160mAh (AHBBP-401)
- Charging Times: 2 hours
- Recommended Voltage: 5V 1A output
GoPro Fusion (360)
- USB Cable: USB-C
- Charging Methods: In-camera, external charger
- Compatible Battery: 2620mAh (ASBBA-001)
- Charging Times: 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on the power source
- Recommended Voltage: 5V 2A output
How To Charge GoPro Remote?
The GoPro remote is a great way to control your GoPro without touching it. You can attach it to your wrist, handlebars, or any other convenient place.
To charge the GoPro remote, you will need the following items:
- USB-C cable
- Wall charger
The first thing you want to do is make sure that your GoPro is turned off. If it’s on, the remote will try to connect to the camera and won’t charge. Once your GoPro is off, take the USB-C cable and plug one end into the remote and the other into the wall charger.
Switch on the power to start charging. The LED light on the front of the remote will turn red when charging and green when it’s finished. It takes about 2 hours to charge the GoPro remote fully.
Things To Remember When Charging Your GoPro
Here are a few things to keep in mind when charging your GoPro:
- First, the type of battery you have will make a difference. The newer GoPros use lithium-ion batteries, which charge faster than the older NiMH batteries.
- Second, the charger you’re using will also affect charging time. The included GoPro chargers are designed to get the job done quickly. Third-party chargers may not be as efficient and could take longer to charge your GoPro battery.
- How depleted your battery is will also affect charging time. A completely dead battery will take longer to charge than one with some juice left in it.
- Finally, the power source you’re using will also play a role. USB ports on computers can vary in output; some are stronger than others. If you’re using a weaker port, it will take longer to charge your GoPro battery. Wall outlets are the best power source and will charge your GoPro quicker.
Keeping Your GoPro On The Charger Overnight
The GoPro battery is designed to last long enough, so you don’t have to worry about it dying in the middle of your adventure. However, if you plan on using your GoPro for an extended period, it’s a good idea to keep it on the charger.
This will help ensure that you don’t run into any issues. It’s also a good idea to keep your GoPro on the charger when you’re not using it. This will help prolong the life of your battery and keep it working like new. That being said, the camera’s batteries do not last indefinitely.
If you charge it before it’s completely discharged or fully drained, there will be some loss in battery life over time. Also, it’s not a good idea to leave your GoPro plugged in overnight since this may result in overheating and damage to the battery.
Unplug your GoPro from the charger once fully charged to avoid any power surges. This way, you will guarantee that your battery is in excellent condition.
A light indicator will show when the GoPro is fully charged. The indicator may vary depending on which model of GoPro you have. But to most GoPro models, the display on the GoPro turns off when the battery is fully charged. There’s also an audible sound that notifies when it’s done charging.
Tips On Keeping Your GoPro Charged
Here are some tips on how you can keep your GoPro charged:
- Invest in extra batteries: This is one of the best ways to ensure that you always have power for your GoPro. Having extra batteries means that you can swap them out when one dies and keep going.
This is a great option if you’re going on a long trip or doing something where you won’t have access to a charger. Options like this TOMSHEIR Hero 9/10 Battery Pack (on Amazon) offer 3 batteries AND a case to charge them all in at the same time!
- Bring a portable charger: Another great way to ensure you can always charge your GoPro is to bring a portable charger. This way, you can charge your GoPro anytime, anywhere. Make sure the portable charger is compatible with your GoPro before buying it.
- Use a solar charger: If you’re going to be in an area with plenty of sunlight, then you can use a solar charger to keep your GoPro charged. This is a great option if you’re going camping or hiking. Make sure the solar charger is compatible with your GoPro before buying it.
- Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth: When you’re not using them, turn off the WiFi and Bluetooth on your GoPro. This will help conserve battery life.
- Reduce screen brightness: Another way to conserve battery life is to reduce screen brightness. You can do this by going into the Settings menu on your GoPro.