The three ways to charge a GoPro

You can charge a GoPro in three ways: with the USB cable that came in the box plugged into a wall adapter, with the same cable plugged into a computer, or with an optional external battery charger. The USB cable method is fastest and works with any standard USB power adapter rated for at least 5 volts and 1 amp. Most modern phone chargers meet this standard.

The cable that ships with your GoPro is a USB-C connector on one end (the end that plugs into the camera) and a standard USB-A connector on the other (the end that plugs into a wall adapter or computer). If you lose this cable, you can replace it with any USB-C cable, though GoPro's official cable is designed to fit snugly without putting strain on the port.

Charging through a computer takes longer than a wall outlet because computers deliver less power, but it works if you do not have a wall adapter nearby. An external charger is useful only if you own multiple batteries and want to charge them all at once while using the camera, since the camera itself charges faster when plugged in directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug the USB-C end of the cable into your GoPro and the USB-A end into any standard 5V/1A wall adapter for the fastest charge.
  • The battery charges inside the camera; you do not remove it to charge it, and you do not need to buy a separate charger.
  • A full charge from empty takes roughly two to three hours with a wall adapter, longer with a computer.
  • You can use your GoPro while it is charging, though the battery will charge more slowly if the camera is powered on.

Charging with a wall adapter

This is the fastest and most common method. Plug the USB-C end of the cable into the port on the bottom of your GoPro (or the side, depending on the model). Plug the USB-A end into a wall adapter, then plug the adapter into an outlet. The camera will show a charging indicator on the screen or a light on the body, depending on which GoPro model you own.

Use any wall adapter that outputs 5 volts and at least 1 amp. Most phone chargers, including those for iPhones and Android devices, meet this requirement. Avoid very old or very cheap adapters, as they may not deliver consistent power and could damage the battery over time. If you do not have a wall adapter, you can buy a basic USB-A wall adapter for under ten dollars at any electronics store.

The camera will charge whether it is powered on or off, but it charges faster when powered off. If you turn the camera on while charging, the battery will fill more slowly because the camera is using power at the same time it is receiving it. For the fastest charge, power the camera off before plugging it in.

Charging through a computer

Plug the USB-C end into your GoPro and the USB-A end into any open USB port on your computer. The camera will begin charging, though more slowly than with a wall adapter because USB ports on computers deliver less power than wall outlets. A full charge through a computer typically takes four to six hours, compared to two to three hours with a wall adapter.

This method is useful if you are at a desk or working on a computer and want to charge your camera without finding a wall outlet. It also lets you transfer footage to your computer at the same time you charge, since the USB connection allows data to move both ways. However, if your computer goes to sleep, the USB port may stop delivering power, so check your computer's power settings before leaving it unattended.

Using an external battery charger

GoPro sells an optional external charger that holds multiple batteries and charges them outside the camera. This is useful only if you own two or more batteries and want to charge them all at once while using the camera with a fresh battery. For most people, the built-in charging method is sufficient.

If you do buy an external charger, it connects to a wall adapter the same way the camera does: USB-C cable to the charger, USB-A end to a wall adapter. The charger typically holds two or three batteries depending on the model. Batteries charge in the charger at roughly the same speed as they do inside the camera, so there is no speed advantage — the only benefit is charging multiple batteries at once.

What to do if your GoPro will not charge

If your camera does not respond when you plug it in, first try a different wall adapter or USB cable. The cable is the most common culprit; if it is damaged, bent, or frayed, it will not deliver power even if it looks fine. Borrow a cable from a phone or other device to test whether the problem is the cable or the camera.

If a different cable works, your original cable is damaged and should be replaced. If the camera still will not charge with multiple cables and adapters, the charging port itself may be damaged. Inspect the port on the bottom of the camera for bent pins, debris, or corrosion. If you see debris, use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the port. If you see bent pins or corrosion, the camera will need repair and should be sent to GoPro's service center.

If the camera charges but the battery drains very quickly during use, the battery itself may be failing. GoPro batteries typically last for hundreds of charge cycles before they begin to hold less charge. If your camera is more than two years old and the battery no longer holds a charge for more than a few minutes, a replacement battery is inexpensive and solves the problem.

Protecting your battery during charging

Do not leave your GoPro plugged in for days after it reaches a full charge. Lithium batteries, which GoPro uses, can degrade if they sit at 100 percent charge for extended periods. Once the battery is full, unplug the camera. If you will not use the camera for more than a week, charge it to about 50 percent and store it in a cool, dry place.

Avoid charging in very hot environments, such as a car in direct sunlight or next to a heat source. Heat degrades lithium batteries faster than anything else. If the camera feels warm while charging, move it to a cooler location. It is normal for the camera to feel slightly warm during charging, but if it becomes too hot to touch, unplug it and let it cool before trying again.

Do not use the camera while it is charging in extreme cold. Cold temperatures slow the charging process and can temporarily reduce the battery's ability to hold a charge. If you have been using the camera in cold weather, let it warm to room temperature before plugging it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone charger to charge my GoPro?

Yes, if your phone charger is USB-A and outputs at least 5 volts and 1 amp. Most modern phone chargers meet this standard. You will need a USB-C cable to connect the charger to your GoPro, which is the cable that came in the box. If your phone charger uses a different connector type, like Lightning or Micro-USB, you will need a separate USB-A wall adapter.

How long does it take to fully charge a GoPro?

A full charge from empty takes roughly two to three hours with a wall adapter rated for 5V/1A. Charging through a computer takes four to six hours because USB ports deliver less power. The time also depends on the GoPro model and the age of the battery; older batteries may charge slightly faster but hold less charge overall.

Is it bad to leave my GoPro charging overnight?

It is not ideal. Lithium batteries degrade faster when they sit at full charge for long periods. Once your GoPro reaches 100 percent, unplug it. If you regularly charge overnight, try to unplug the camera within an hour of it reaching full charge. Most modern chargers stop delivering power once the battery is full, but it is still better not to leave it plugged in longer than necessary.

Can I charge my GoPro while I am using it?

Yes, but the battery will charge more slowly because the camera is using power at the same time it is receiving it. If you need to use the camera while charging, expect the battery to fill at roughly half the normal speed. For faster charging, power the camera off before plugging it in.

What does it mean if my GoPro gets hot while charging?

It is normal for the camera to feel slightly warm during charging. If it becomes too hot to hold comfortably, unplug it and let it cool in a well-ventilated area. Excessive heat can damage the battery. Make sure you are charging in a cool room, not in direct sunlight or near a heat source. If the camera continues to overheat during charging, the battery or charging port may be failing.