Charge your GoPro using the USB-C cable and power adapter that came in the box, or any compatible USB-C charger rated for at least 5 watts
GoPro cameras use USB-C charging, which is the same standard found on most modern phones and tablets. You can charge directly through the camera's USB-C port, or you can remove the battery and charge it separately using an external battery charger. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need power and what equipment you have on hand.
The standard charger that ships with your GoPro delivers 5 watts and takes roughly two to three hours to fully charge an empty battery. If you use a higher-wattage charger — up to 18 watts — the camera will charge faster, typically in 60 to 90 minutes. The camera itself regulates how much power it draws, so using a more powerful charger will not damage the battery.
Key Takeaways
- GoPro cameras charge via USB-C, and you can use any USB-C charger rated for 5 watts or higher.
- Charging the camera directly takes two to three hours with the standard 5-watt adapter, or 60 to 90 minutes with an 18-watt charger.
- You can remove the battery and charge it separately using an external GoPro battery charger, which is useful if you need the camera ready while the battery charges.
- Avoid leaving the camera plugged in for days after it reaches full charge, as this can shorten battery lifespan over time.
Charging the camera directly through the USB-C port
Connect the USB-C cable to the port on the side or bottom of your GoPro (the exact location varies by model). Plug the other end into a USB-C power adapter connected to a wall outlet. The camera will display a charging indicator — usually a lightning bolt icon or a solid light on the front or back of the device — to show that power is flowing.
You can use the camera while it charges, though this will slow the charging process. If the camera is powered on and recording or displaying the screen, it draws power while also charging the battery, so the net charge rate drops. For fastest charging, power the camera off completely before plugging it in.
The USB-C port on GoPro cameras is sealed against water and dust, but the seal can wear over time if you plug and unplug the cable hundreds of times. If you charge frequently, consider using an external battery charger instead to reduce wear on the port.
Using an external battery charger
GoPro sells a dedicated external battery charger that holds one or two batteries at a time. You remove the battery from the camera by opening the battery door (usually on the side or bottom) and sliding the battery out, then insert it into the external charger and plug the charger into a wall outlet. This method keeps the camera free to use or charge another battery simultaneously.
External chargers are particularly useful if you own multiple batteries and want to rotate them — charge one while using another in the camera. They also reduce the number of times you plug the USB-C cable into the camera itself, which can extend the life of the port.
Third-party external chargers made by other manufacturers exist and are often cheaper than the official GoPro charger, but they vary in quality and charging speed. If you buy a third-party charger, check the reviews for your specific GoPro model to confirm it works reliably.
Charging times by wattage and method
| Charging Method | Wattage | Typical Time to Full Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Camera via USB-C (standard) | 5W | 2–3 hours |
| Camera via USB-C (fast) | 18W | 60–90 minutes |
| External battery charger | 5W | 2–3 hours |
| External battery charger | 18W | 60–90 minutes |
Charging time also depends on the battery capacity of your specific GoPro model. Newer models with larger batteries take longer to charge than older models with smaller batteries. If you are charging a nearly full battery (from 80% to 100%), the final 20% often charges more slowly than the first 80%, which is normal behavior for lithium batteries.
What to avoid to protect your battery
Do not leave your GoPro plugged in continuously for days or weeks after it reaches full charge. Lithium batteries degrade faster when held at 100% charge for extended periods. If you charge the camera and then do not use it for several days, unplug it once it is full.
Avoid charging in extremely hot environments — above 104°F (40°C) — as heat accelerates battery degradation. If your camera is hot to the touch, let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes before charging. Similarly, do not charge a battery that is extremely cold; if the camera has been outside in freezing weather, bring it indoors and let it warm up first.
Do not use a charger rated for significantly higher wattage than 18 watts without checking your camera's manual first. While the camera regulates its own power draw, using an extremely high-wattage charger designed for laptops or other devices could theoretically cause issues in rare cases. Stick to chargers in the 5 to 18 watt range.
Troubleshooting a GoPro that will not charge
If your camera does not show a charging indicator when plugged in, first try a different USB-C cable. The cable itself fails more often than the port. If you have another USB-C cable (from a phone, tablet, or other device), test with that one before assuming the camera is broken.
Next, check the USB-C port on the camera for debris. Lint, sand, or dust can block the connection. Use a flashlight to look into the port, and if you see debris, use a wooden toothpick or a soft plastic pick to gently remove it. Do not use metal objects, which can damage the port contacts.
If the camera still does not charge, try removing the battery and inserting it again to may support it is seated properly. Sometimes the battery contacts do not make full contact if the battery is not pushed all the way in. If you have access to an external charger, test the battery in that charger to determine whether the problem is the camera's charging circuit or the battery itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any USB-C charger with my GoPro?
Yes, as long as it is rated for at least 5 watts. Phone chargers, tablet chargers, and laptop chargers with USB-C output all work. Higher wattage (up to 18 watts) will charge faster, but the camera regulates power draw, so you cannot damage it by using a more powerful charger.
Is it bad to leave my GoPro charging overnight?
Occasionally charging overnight is fine, but making it a habit will shorten battery lifespan. Lithium batteries degrade faster when held at full charge for long periods. If you charge overnight, unplug the camera in the morning once it reaches 100%.
Why is my GoPro charging slowly?
The camera may be powered on, which slows charging. Turn it off completely for faster charging. You may also be using a low-wattage charger (below 5 watts) or a damaged cable. Test with a different cable and a charger rated for at least 5 watts.
Can I charge my GoPro battery outside the camera?
Yes, if you have an external battery charger. Remove the battery from the camera, insert it into the external charger, and plug the charger into a wall outlet. This keeps the camera available to use while the battery charges.
What should I do if the USB-C port is loose or damaged?
If the port is loose, stop using it and switch to an external battery charger to avoid further damage. If the port is visibly cracked or corroded, contact GoPro support about repair options. Continuing to use a damaged port can cause electrical problems.