GoPro cameras charge through a USB-C port, usually located on the side or bottom of the camera body

Most modern GoPro models — the Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 — use a USB-C cable to charge. You plug one end into the camera and the other into a power adapter, computer, or any device with a USB-C port. The camera does not need to be powered on to charge, and you can use it while it is charging if you need to.

Older GoPro models like the Hero 7 and Hero 8 use a proprietary charging dock instead of direct USB charging. If you own one of those cameras, you place the camera into the dock, which connects to power via a USB cable. Check your camera's manual or the port on your device to know which type you have.

Charging time depends on the battery size and the power source. A standard USB-C wall adapter (5 watts) takes roughly two to three hours to fully charge a GoPro battery. Using a higher-wattage adapter — 18 watts or more — cuts that time to about one hour, though GoPro does not officially recommend charging faster than their standard adapter provides.

Key Takeaways

  • USB-C charging is standard on GoPro Hero 9 and newer models; older models use a separate charging dock.
  • You can charge your GoPro with any USB-C power adapter, wall charger, or computer with a USB-C port.
  • A standard 5-watt adapter takes two to three hours; a 18-watt adapter takes about one hour.
  • The camera does not need to be on to charge, and you can record or use it while plugged in.

What power adapter and cable you actually need

You do not need to buy a GoPro-branded charger. Any USB-C cable and power adapter will work, which means you can use the same charger you use for your phone or laptop if it has a USB-C port. This is one of the practical advantages of USB-C — it is the same standard used across thousands of devices.

If you are buying a new adapter, look for one rated at least 5 watts for basic charging. A 18-watt to 30-watt adapter is faster and costs only a few dollars more. Avoid extremely cheap adapters from unknown brands; a mid-range adapter from a known manufacturer like Anker or Belkin is reliable and inexpensive.

The cable itself matters less than the adapter. Any USB-C to USB-C cable rated for data transfer will charge your GoPro. If your cable is damaged — frayed, bent, or not making a solid connection — replace it rather than forcing it into the port, which can damage the camera.

Charging the battery outside the camera

GoPro batteries can be charged outside the camera using a separate battery charger, which is useful if you want to charge one battery while using another in the camera. GoPro sells an official dual-battery charger, but third-party chargers designed for GoPro batteries are cheaper and work the same way.

To use an external charger, you remove the battery from the camera by opening the battery door on the side or bottom — the exact location depends on your model. Insert the battery into the charger, plug the charger into power, and wait for the indicator light to show the battery is full. Most external chargers charge one or two batteries at a time and take the same two to three hours as charging in the camera.

An external charger is worth buying if you record for long stretches and want to keep a spare battery charged and ready. It also extends the life of your camera's battery door, which can wear out if you open it frequently.

Troubleshooting when your GoPro will not charge

If your camera is not charging, start by checking the cable and port. Disconnect the cable, look inside the USB-C port on the camera with a flashlight, and make sure there is no lint, dust, or debris blocking the connection. Use a dry cotton swab or compressed air to gently clean the port. Do the same with the cable connector.

Try a different USB-C cable and power adapter. Many charging problems are caused by a faulty cable rather than a problem with the camera itself. If the camera charges with a different cable, your original cable is damaged and should be replaced.

If the camera still will not charge with multiple cables and adapters, the battery itself may be dead or defective. Remove the battery, wait 30 seconds, and reinsert it firmly. If that does not work, try charging the battery in an external charger if you have one. If the battery charges in an external charger but not in the camera, the camera's charging port may need service from GoPro support.

How to know when your battery is fully charged

When you plug your GoPro into power, an LED light on the camera body will turn on. This light is usually white or blue and indicates the camera is receiving power. As the battery charges, the light may blink or change color depending on your model.

When the battery reaches full charge, the LED will stop blinking and stay solid, or it will turn off entirely — again, this varies by model. Check your camera's manual for the exact indicator for your specific GoPro. Most cameras reach full charge within the time estimates mentioned earlier, so if your camera has been plugged in for three hours and the light has not changed, unplug it and try a different cable or adapter.

Extending battery life between charges

You can make your GoPro battery last longer on a single charge by turning off features you are not using. Disable GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi if you do not need them. Lower the screen brightness or turn off the rear screen entirely. Recording in lower resolution and frame rates also uses less power than 4K at high frame rates.

Keep your camera cool while recording. Batteries drain faster when the camera is hot, and extended recording in direct sunlight or in warm environments will reduce how long a single charge lasts. If you are recording in hot conditions, take breaks to let the camera cool down.

Cold weather drains batteries faster too. If you are recording in freezing temperatures, keep a spare battery in an inside pocket close to your body to keep it warm, then swap it in when the first battery runs low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my GoPro with a phone charger?

Yes, if your phone charger has a USB-C port. Most modern phone chargers are USB-C and will charge a GoPro just as well as a dedicated GoPro charger. The power output does not need to match exactly — any charger between 5 and 30 watts will work safely.

Is it bad to leave my GoPro plugged in overnight?

No. Once the battery reaches full charge, the camera stops charging and the power goes to running the device. Leaving it plugged in overnight will not damage the battery or the camera. However, if the camera is on and recording while plugged in, it will draw power and generate heat, so unplug it if you are not using it.

Why does my GoPro charge slowly?

A low-wattage power adapter charges slowly. If you are using a 5-watt adapter, charging takes two to three hours. Switch to an 18-watt or higher adapter to cut the time in half. A damaged or loose cable can also slow charging — try a different cable to rule that out.

Can I use a fast charger on my GoPro?

Yes. GoPro batteries can handle fast chargers rated up to 30 watts without damage. Charging faster than that is not recommended, but a standard fast charger for phones or tablets will not harm your camera.

What should I do if the battery will not hold a charge?

If your battery drains quickly even after a full charge, the battery itself may be worn out. GoPro batteries typically last 300 to 500 charge cycles before capacity drops noticeably. If your camera is more than two years old and the battery drains in half the time it used to, buying a replacement battery is usually cheaper than sending the camera for repair.