Whether you’re a new or experienced GoPro user, you’ve probably found yourself unable to turn on your camera at some point. This can be especially frustrating when you’re trying to capture a precious moment or know the batteries are charged and everything seems in working order. The good news is that this is often a temporary problem with an easy fix.
To power on most GoPros, press the Mode or Power button on the side or front of the camera. If the status light flashes three times and the screen displays information, then the camera is on. You can turn off the camera by holding down the same button.
Let’s take a closer look at how to turn your GoPro on and off, and what to do if the camera won’t turn on as it should. Once you get this right a few times, you’ll never have to pause and wonder if you’re GoPro is actually on and recording again!
GoPro Buttons Explained
Generally, GoPros have two or three buttons, depending on the model.
The Power/Mode button is located on the side of the camera and is used to change shooting modes. When the camera is off, pressing and holding this button turns on the camera. Once the camera is on, a single press of this button cycles through the available modes: video, photo, burst, time-lapse, night lapse, and settings/preview.
The Shutter/Select button is located on the top of the camera next to the Power/Mode button. In most modes, this button starts and stops recording. In photo mode, a single press takes a picture while a long press enters self-timer mode. This button also navigates menus and selections in Settings mode.
The WiFi/Connectivity button is located on the back of some GoPro models. It’s used to turn WiFi on and off as well as to connect the camera to the GoPro App.
How to Turn on a GoPro
To turn on your GoPro, simply press the power button on the top or side of the camera. The camera will power on and beep three times to indicate that it’s turned on. It will also turn on the screen and display information.
A GoPro is designed to handle extreme activities and work in various environments. You can turn it on underwater, in below-freezing weather, and in dusty or sandy conditions without damaging the camera.
Once your GoPro is turned on, you can navigate the menus using the touch screen or the physical buttons on the side of the camera.
The touch screen is easy to use and gives you access to all the features. The physical buttons are great for quickly changing settings without taking your hands off the camera.
Now that you have GoPro switched on, the next one is to read our other article Ultimate Guide To Using A GoPro.
How to Turn Off a GoPro
There are several ways to turn off your GoPro:
1. Hold Down the Power Button
This is the most common way to turn off the camera. Simply press and hold the power button for about two seconds. The camera will beep once, and the status light will flash to indicate that it’s turned off. The screen will also go blank.
2. Use the GoPro App
If you have a WiFi-enabled GoPro, you can turn it off using the GoPro App. This is great if you’re trying to conserve battery life or planning to leave the camera on for an extended period.
3. Use Voice Control
Some GoPro models have voice control, which allows you to turn the camera on and off with your voice. This feature is convenient if your hands are full or if you’re in a difficult-to-reach place.
4. Set a Timer
You can set a timer in the GoPro settings so that the camera will turn off after a set period. This is helpful if you want to make sure the camera doesn’t stay on all day and drain the battery.
5. Use Auto-Off
Auto-Off is a feature that turns off the camera after a certain amount of time if there’s no activity. This is great for conserving battery life.
Turning Off Just the LCD Screen
The GoPro has a built-in LCD screen that can be turned off to save power. To do this:
- Press the power button once to cycle through the modes.
- When you get to the Settings mode, press the ‘Shutter/Select’ button to enter the menu.
- Scroll down to ‘Screen Off Timer‘ and select the desired time.
Variations on the On/Off Procedure
Certain models of GoPros differ in the way they’re turned on and off:
GoPro HERO4
To turn off the HERO4, press and hold the ‘Power/Mode‘ button for one second. This GoPro button is located just below the lens on the front of the camera. It also supports support QuickCapture.
GoPro HERO4 and 5 Session
Simply press the shutter button to start capturing video or photographs with these GoPros. After you’ve finished, push the shutter button once more to power off the GoPro Session. The camera will automatically shut itself off if you aren’t using it. They can also be operated using the QuickCapture app.
GoPro Fusion
The GoPro Fusion can be turned off using the Mode Button, Voice Control Commands, or Quick Capture function. After seven minutes of inactivity, it will automatically switch off. However, it does not support auto adjustment of time.
What Should You Do If Your GoPro Won’t Turn On?
A GoPro that won’t turn on can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can try to get it working again.
Check the Battery
If your GoPro won’t turn on, the first thing to check is the battery. If the battery is dead, simply charge it and try again. If this doesn’t work, clean the camera terminals and try again.
Use a New Battery
GoPros’ batteries deteriorate with time, and eventually, they can puff up and become unusable. If you’ve been using the same battery for a long time, it’s probably time to replace it.
Check the SD Card
If the GoPro turns on but won’t take pictures or record video, the problem is probably with the SD card. Try removing and reinserting the card to see if that fixes the problem. If not, try using a different SD card.
Update the Firmware
If your GoPro is still not working properly, it might need a firmware update. You can download and install the latest firmware from the GoPro website.
Reset the GoPro
If none of these other methods work, you can try resetting the GoPro to its factory settings. This will delete your settings and data, so backup everything first. To reset the GoPro, press and hold the ‘Mode‘ and ‘Power/Select‘ buttons simultaneously for two seconds.