GoPro cameras charge through a USB-C port, and the method depends on which model you own and what charging equipment you have available

Most current GoPro models — the Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 — use a USB-C cable to charge. You connect the USB-C end to the port on the side or bottom of the camera and plug the other end into a power adapter, computer, or portable battery pack. The camera does not need to be powered on to charge, and charging while the camera is off is actually faster than charging while it is running.

Older GoPro models like the Hero 8 and earlier use a micro-USB port instead of USB-C, so you will need a different cable if you own one of those cameras. Check your camera's manual or the port on your device to know which type you have — USB-C is smaller and more symmetrical, while micro-USB has a flatter, rectangular shape.

Key Takeaways

  • GoPro Hero 9 and newer models use USB-C charging, while Hero 8 and earlier models use micro-USB.
  • Charging the camera while it is powered off takes less time than charging while it is on or recording.
  • Any standard USB power adapter rated for at least 5 watts will charge your GoPro, though faster chargers (18 watts or higher) reduce charging time.
  • The official GoPro Supercharger is faster than standard chargers but not required — a quality third-party USB-C charger works just as well.
  • Battery percentage appears on the camera screen during charging, and a full charge typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the charger you use.

What power adapter and cable you need

You do not need to buy GoPro-branded charging equipment. Any USB power adapter and cable that matches your camera's port will work. For Hero 9 and newer, use a USB-C cable and a USB power adapter rated for at least 5 watts. Most phone chargers meet this requirement — a standard iPhone or Android charger will charge your GoPro, though it will be slower than a higher-wattage charger.

If you want faster charging, use an adapter rated for 18 watts or higher. The GoPro Supercharger (the official fast charger) is 30 watts and cuts charging time roughly in half compared to a standard 5-watt adapter, but third-party USB-C chargers at the same wattage perform identically. Check the wattage printed on the adapter itself — it is usually listed as "18W", "30W", or similar.

For older GoPro models with micro-USB ports, the same principle applies: any micro-USB cable and 5-watt-or-higher adapter will work. You likely already have a micro-USB cable if you own older Android phones or other devices.

Charging from a computer or portable battery

You can charge your GoPro from any computer's USB port, though it will be slower than using a wall adapter. Most computer USB ports provide only 0.5 to 1 amp of power, which is less than a dedicated charger. If your computer has a USB-C port (not USB-A), charging will be faster, but still slower than a wall charger.

Portable battery packs work well for charging GoPro cameras in the field. Look for a pack with a USB-C output port if you own a Hero 9 or newer. The capacity of the battery pack (measured in mAh or Wh) determines how many times it can fully charge your camera — a 20,000 mAh pack will typically charge a GoPro battery two to three times. Smaller packs around 10,000 mAh will charge it once or slightly more.

How long charging takes

A full charge on a GoPro battery takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the charger wattage and whether the camera is on or off. With a standard 5-watt charger, expect closer to 3 hours. With an 18-watt or higher charger, you can reach a full charge in 1.5 to 2 hours. Charging while the camera is powered off shaves 20 to 30 minutes off the total time.

The camera screen will show a battery percentage icon while charging, so you can check progress without unplugging it. You do not need to wait for the percentage to reach 100 before using the camera — it will function at any charge level above about 10 percent, though you will get less recording time.

Charging the removable battery separately

If your GoPro model has a removable battery (Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 do), you can charge the battery outside the camera using the GoPro Dual Battery Charger or a third-party USB-C battery charger. This is useful if you own multiple batteries and want to charge one while using another in the camera.

To remove the battery, power off the camera, open the side door, and slide the battery out. The battery slides into the charger with the contacts facing the charger's metal pins. A full charge in an external charger takes about the same time as charging inside the camera — 1.5 to 3 hours depending on charger wattage.

Troubleshooting slow or failed charging

If your GoPro is charging very slowly or not charging at all, first try a different USB cable. Cables wear out or develop internal breaks that prevent proper power flow, and a damaged cable is the most common cause of charging problems. If you have a second cable available, test with that one before assuming the camera is faulty.

Check the USB-C or micro-USB port on the camera for debris or corrosion. If the camera has been used in saltwater or sand, particles can lodge in the port and block the charging contacts. Use a dry cotton swab or soft brush to gently clean the port. Do not use water or compressed air, as these can push debris deeper into the port or damage internal components.

If the camera still will not charge after trying a different cable and cleaning the port, try charging from a different power source — a different wall outlet, a computer, or a portable battery. This will tell you whether the problem is with your charger or with the camera itself. If the camera charges from one source but not another, the issue is with that particular charger, not the camera.

Extending battery life while charging

Charging the camera while it is powered off is faster and slightly better for battery longevity than charging while it is on. If you are charging overnight or have time to wait, turning the camera off before plugging it in will reduce total charging time by 20 to 30 minutes.

Avoid letting the battery drain completely to zero percent before charging. Lithium batteries (which GoPro uses) last longer overall if you charge them when they reach 20 to 30 percent rather than waiting until they are completely dead. If you use your GoPro regularly, charging it after each use or every few uses will keep the battery healthier than occasional deep drains followed by long charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my GoPro while I am recording?

Yes, you can charge while recording, but the camera will charge more slowly because power is being used for recording at the same time. If you need to record for extended periods, charge the camera fully before you start, or use an external portable battery pack connected via USB-C while recording.

What is the difference between the GoPro Supercharger and a regular charger?

The Supercharger is 30 watts, which is six times more powerful than a standard 5-watt charger. This reduces charging time from about 3 hours to about 1.5 hours. A third-party 30-watt USB-C charger will perform identically and costs less.

Do I need to buy GoPro's official charging cable?

No. Any USB-C cable (for Hero 9 and newer) or micro-USB cable (for older models) will work. The cable itself does not need to be branded — a standard cable from any electronics retailer will charge your camera just as well as an official GoPro cable.

How do I know if my GoPro battery is damaged?

A damaged battery will not hold a charge, will drain very quickly during use, or will not charge at all even with a working cable and charger. If you suspect a bad battery, try charging it for a full 3 hours, then power on the camera and see how long it records before the battery dies. If it dies within 10 minutes of recording, the battery is likely damaged and should be replaced.