Firmware updates improve the performance of your GoPro camera. They can add new features, boost stability, improve compatibility with accessories, and fix bugs. So it’s always a good idea to keep your GoPro’s firmware up-to-date. Updates are provided free of charge and usually only take a few minutes to install.
The easiest way to update your GoPro’s firmware is to use the GoPro Quik app, which automatically checks for updates and prompts you to install them. You can also manually update the firmware by downloading the file from GoPro’s website and transferring it to your camera using a microSD card.
The importance of updating your GoPro’s firmware can’t be overstated. Updates can help improve your camera’s overall performance and fix any existing issues. Let’s take a closer look at why you need to keep your GoPro’s firmware up-to-date — and how to do it.
Why You Need to Update Your GoPro
GoPro cameras are top-rated, and as such, they receive a lot of firmware updates. These updates can add new features, improve compatibility with accessories, and fix any existing issues.
So it’s always a good idea to keep your GoPro’s firmware up-to-date. Here are some of the benefits of updating your GoPro’s firmware:
- Add new features: Firmware updates can add new features to your GoPro camera. For example, a recent firmware update for the GoPro HERO7 Black (on Amazon) added the ability to stream live to Facebook.
- Improve stability: Firmware updates can also improve the stability of your GoPro camera. If you’re experiencing any bugs or crashes, a firmware update might be able to fix them.
- Improve compatibility: New firmware updates can also improve compatibility with accessories. If you’re having trouble using an accessory with your GoPro, a firmware update might be able to help.
- Fix issues: Firmware updates can also fix existing issues with your GoPro camera. So if you’re experiencing any problems, check for updates before doing anything else.
Updating your GoPro’s firmware is quick and easy, and it can make a big difference in your camera’s overall performance. That’s never been more important than with the HERO10 model (on Amazon).
After widespread complaints about overheating issues, GoPro quickly issued new firmware that provided a workaround by adding some new shooting modes.
At the time of the HERO10’s release, compatibility with Max Lens Mod wasn’t included; this was also added with new firmware in mid-December 2021, alongside increased frame rates and a 5.3K SuperView Digital lens.
How to Update Your GoPro With the Quik App
The easiest way to update your GoPro’s firmware is to use the GoPro Quik app. The app will automatically check for available updates and prompt you to install them. The app is available for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows platforms.
To update your GoPro’s firmware with the Quik app, follow these steps:
- Open the Quik app on your iOS or Android device.
- Connect your GoPro to the app using a USB cable.
- Tap the ‘Update‘ button.
- Follow the prompts to install the update.
- Once the update is installed, disconnect your GoPro from the app.
If you’re using the Quik app for desktop, you need to connect your GoPro to the PC using a USB cable and launch the app. Updating your GoPro’s firmware with the Quik app is quick and easy.
The app will handle everything for you, so all you need to do is follow the prompts. And once the update is installed, you can disconnect your GoPro and start using it again.
How Do You Update Your GoPro Manually?
While the Quik app is the easiest way to update your GoPro’s firmware, you can also do it manually. This is a good option if you’re having trouble with the app or want to update multiple GoPros simultaneously.
To update your GoPro’s firmware manually, follow these steps:
- Download the desired firmware file from GoPro’s website.
- Connect your GoPro to your computer using a USB cable.
- Copy the downloaded file to the ‘UPDATE‘ folder on your GoPro.
- Eject your GoPro from your computer.
- Press and hold the ‘Mode‘ button for 3 seconds to turn on your GoPro.
- Your GoPro will automatically update its firmware.
- Once the update is complete, your GoPro will reboot itself.
Manually updating your GoPro’s firmware is a little more complicated than using the Quik app. But it’s still relatively easy to do. And if you have multiple GoPros to update, it’s definitely the way to go.
Which Method Should You Use?
Both methods are perfectly fine to use. The Quik app is easier and more user-friendly, while manual updates give you more control. It really comes down to personal preference.
If you’re unsure which method to use, we recommend starting with the Quik app.
Keep in mind that you should always update your GoPro’s firmware to the latest version. This will ensure that you have the best possible experience with your camera. And if you ever run into any problems, a firmware update might be able to fix them.
What Should I Do if the Update Fails?
There are several reasons why an update might fail. The most common reason is that the GoPro isn’t properly connected to the computer or the Quik app. Make sure your GoPro is firmly connected to the computer or app using a USB cable.
If you’re using the Quik app, try restarting the app and your GoPro. This often fixes any connection issues.
Another reason why an update might fail is that there’s not enough space on your GoPro. When you update your GoPro’s firmware, the camera creates a temporary file. This file needs to be stored on your GoPro while the update is being installed.
So, if there’s not enough space, the update will fail. To fix this, delete any unnecessary files from your GoPro. This will free up some space for the update.
You can’t update the GoPro while it’s in use. So make sure your camera is just updating without performing another operation. Trying to format the GoPro will also result in a failed update.
Finally, try updating your GoPro again. If the update still fails, there might be a problem with the firmware file. In this case, you can try downloading the file again from GoPro’s website. If you’re still having trouble, contact GoPro support for help.