Few things are more frustrating than gearing up for an adventure, pressing the power button on your GoPro, and… nothing happens. Whether you’re about to capture a once-in-a-lifetime moment or simply record a weekend ride, a GoPro that won’t turn on can feel like a disaster. The good news? In most cases, the issue is completely fixable with a few simple checks and adjustments.
TLDR: If your GoPro won’t turn on, the problem is usually related to the battery, charging cable, SD card, firmware, or internal freezing. Start by charging with a verified cable and wall adapter, removing and reseating the battery, and trying a manual reset. If that doesn’t work, test without the SD card or update the firmware. Hardware damage is less common but may require professional repair or replacement.
Start With the Basics: Power and Charging
The most common reason a GoPro won’t turn on is surprisingly simple: it has no usable charge. Even if you charged it recently, a faulty cord or adapter may have prevented it from charging properly.
1. Check the Charging Cable
Not all USB-C cables are created equal. Some cables only support data transfer and don’t deliver enough power to charge your camera efficiently.
- Use the original GoPro cable if possible.
- Try a different high-quality USB-C cable.
- Avoid charging through a laptop USB port—use a wall outlet instead.
2. Use a Wall Adapter
Plug your GoPro directly into a certified wall adapter that outputs the correct amperage. Low-power sources can make it seem like the battery is charging when it really isn’t.
3. Let It Charge Longer Than You Think
If the battery is fully drained, your GoPro might need 15–30 minutes of charging before any indication of life appears. Be patient before assuming the worst.
Remove and Reseat the Battery
Sometimes the internal connection between the battery and the camera isn’t seated properly. This is especially common after a drop or if the battery was recently swapped.
Steps to Try:
- Remove the battery completely.
- Wait 30–60 seconds.
- Reinsert it firmly.
- Try powering the camera on again.
If you have a spare battery, swap it in to see if the original battery is defective.
Signs Your Battery May Be Dead:
- The camera only works when plugged in.
- It briefly flashes then shuts off.
- The battery feels swollen or overheats.
Important: Never use a swollen battery. Replace it immediately.
Perform a Manual Reset
GoPros can occasionally freeze due to firmware glitches, especially after an update or improper shutdown. When this happens, the device may appear completely dead.
Image not found in postmetaFor Removable Battery Models:
- Take out the battery.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Reinsert and power on.
For Non-Removable Battery Models:
- Press and hold the Power button for 10–15 seconds.
- Release and attempt to restart.
This process forces a reset and clears temporary internal errors.
Remove the SD Card
Believe it or not, a faulty or corrupted SD card can prevent your GoPro from starting. The camera may freeze during boot-up if it cannot properly read the card.
What to Do:
- Power off the camera (if possible).
- Remove the SD card.
- Try turning the camera on without it.
If it turns on, your SD card is likely the issue.
Common SD Card Problems:
- Unsupported speed class
- Corrupted file structure
- Physical damage
- Counterfeit card
GoPros typically require Class 10 or UHS-I U3 microSD cards from reputable brands.
Update or Reinstall the Firmware
Outdated or corrupted firmware can also prevent your camera from powering on properly. If your GoPro shows signs of life—like blinking LEDs—but won’t fully start, firmware may be the culprit.
How to Fix It:
- Download the latest firmware from GoPro’s official support page.
- Install it manually via SD card if the camera won’t connect wirelessly.
- Follow on-screen instructions carefully.
In many cases, a clean firmware reinstall can revive an unresponsive unit.
Inspect for Physical or Water Damage
If your GoPro recently suffered a drop, impact, or water exposure (especially with an open battery door), hardware damage may be preventing startup.
Warning Signs of Internal Damage:
- No LED response at all
- Burning smell
- Visible corrosion inside battery compartment
- Loose internal components sound
If water damage is suspected:
- Remove the battery immediately.
- Do not attempt to charge it.
- Allow it to dry completely.
- Contact professional support.
Water and electronics are rarely forgiving, even with waterproof designs.
Troubleshooting Comparison Chart
Here’s a simple comparison chart to help you identify likely causes and solutions:
| Problem | Symptoms | Quick Test | Likely Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Battery | No lights, no response | Swap battery | Replace battery |
| Faulty Charging Cable | No charge indicator | Try different cable and wall adapter | Replace cable |
| Frozen Firmware | Unresponsive but warm | Remove battery for 60 seconds | Manual reset or firmware reinstall |
| Corrupt SD Card | Freezes during startup | Remove SD card | Format or replace card |
| Physical Damage | No signs of life after impact | External inspection | Professional repair |
When to Contact Support
If you’ve tried all the steps above and your GoPro still won’t turn on, it may be time to contact customer support.
Before doing so, gather:
- Your camera model name
- Proof of purchase
- Description of the issue
- Steps you’ve already tried
If the camera is under warranty, you may qualify for repair or replacement. Even out-of-warranty devices sometimes have service options available.
How to Prevent Future Power Issues
Once your GoPro is up and running again, taking preventative steps can help you avoid future headaches.
Best Practices:
- Use only certified batteries and chargers.
- Avoid fully draining the battery too often.
- Store batteries at partial charge if unused long-term.
- Keep firmware updated.
- Format SD cards regularly inside the camera.
Simple maintenance goes a long way in protecting small but powerful devices like action cameras.
Final Thoughts
A GoPro that won’t turn on can be alarming, especially when you’re about to capture important footage. But in most cases, the issue is something minor—like a drained battery, faulty SD card, or simple firmware glitch. By methodically checking each potential cause, you can usually bring your camera back to life in under an hour.
Electronics can be unpredictable, but they’re also remarkably resilient. Approach the problem calmly, work through the checklist step by step, and chances are your GoPro will be ready for your next adventure.
And when it finally powers back on? Maybe capture that moment—it makes a great behind-the-scenes story.