Charging your GoPro depends on which model you own, but most use either a USB-C cable connected to a wall adapter or a removable battery you charge separately in a dock
The simplest way to charge is plugging your GoPro directly into power with the cable that came in the box. Most current GoPro models (Hero 11, Hero 12, and newer) use USB-C, which means you can use any USB-C wall charger you already own — a phone charger works fine. Older models like the Hero 10 and earlier use a proprietary charging cable that looks different from standard USB.
If your GoPro has a removable battery, you have a second option: pull the battery out and charge it in a separate dock plugged into the wall. This is faster than charging the camera itself and lets you swap in a fresh battery while one charges. Not all GoPro models have removable batteries, so check your manual or the back of your camera to see if the battery slides out.
Key Takeaways
- GoPro Hero 11 and newer models charge via USB-C cable, so any USB-C phone charger will work.
- Older GoPro models use a proprietary charging cable that only works with that specific camera.
- If your GoPro has a removable battery, charging it in a separate dock is faster than charging the camera itself.
- A full charge typically takes one to two hours depending on the model and the power adapter you use.
- You can use your GoPro while it charges, though the battery will charge more slowly if the camera is powered on.
Charging a GoPro with USB-C directly
Plug the USB-C cable into the port on the bottom or side of your GoPro (the exact location varies by model). Connect the other end to a USB-C wall adapter — this can be your phone charger, a laptop charger, or any USB-C power brick rated for at least 5 watts. A standard phone charger (5 watts) will work, but a higher-wattage charger like a 20-watt or 30-watt adapter will charge faster.
The camera will show a charging indicator on the screen or with a light on the body. Most GoPros display a battery icon that fills as it charges. Leave it plugged in until the icon shows full, which usually takes one to two hours. You can use the camera while it charges, but the battery will fill more slowly if the camera is powered on.
Charging a removable GoPro battery in a dock
If your GoPro battery slides out from the side or bottom of the camera, you can charge it separately. Press or slide the battery release (usually on the side of the camera) and pull the battery straight out. The battery is a small rectangular block with metal contacts on one end.
Place the battery into the charging dock with the metal contacts facing down into the dock's slots. Plug the dock's USB cable into a wall adapter. The dock will show a light — usually red while charging and green when full. Most removable batteries charge in 45 minutes to an hour. While one battery charges, you can insert a second battery into your GoPro and keep shooting.
What to do if your GoPro won't charge
If your camera shows no charging sign after you plug it in, first try a different USB-C cable. The cable that came with your GoPro can wear out or break, and a bad cable is the most common reason charging fails. If you have a phone with USB-C, try that cable — if it works, you know your original cable is the problem.
Next, try a different wall adapter. Some older or low-power adapters (like those rated below 5 watts) may not deliver enough power to trigger charging. If you have a phone charger handy, use that instead. If the camera still does not charge with a different cable and adapter, the charging port itself may be damaged, or the battery may have failed. In that case, contact GoPro support or visit an authorized retailer.
Charging tips to extend battery life
Avoid letting your GoPro battery drain completely to zero before charging. Lithium batteries (which GoPro uses) last longer overall if you charge them before they are fully empty. If you plan to store your camera for more than a week, charge the battery to about 50 percent and then power the camera off — this is the ideal storage state for battery health.
Keep the charging port clean and dry. If you have been using your GoPro in water or sand, wipe the port with a dry cloth before plugging in the cable. Moisture or debris in the port can prevent charging or damage the connection. If your camera is wet, let it dry completely before charging.
Charging times by GoPro model
| Model | Charging Method | Typical Charge Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hero 12 | USB-C cable to camera | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Hero 11 | USB-C cable to camera | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Hero 10 | Proprietary cable to camera | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Hero 9 | Removable battery in dock or proprietary cable | 45 minutes (dock) or 1.5 hours (camera) |
| Hero 8 | Proprietary cable to camera | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Charge times depend on the power adapter you use. A 5-watt adapter will charge more slowly than a 20-watt or 30-watt adapter. If you are using a removable battery dock, the charge time is usually faster than charging the camera itself because the dock delivers power more efficiently to just the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my GoPro with a phone charger?
Yes, if your GoPro uses USB-C (Hero 11 and newer), any USB-C phone charger will work. Older models with proprietary cables cannot use a phone charger. A standard 5-watt phone charger will charge your GoPro, but a higher-wattage charger (20 watts or more) will charge it faster.
How long does a GoPro battery last on a single charge?
A full GoPro battery lasts between 1 and 2.5 hours of continuous recording, depending on the model, resolution, and frame rate. Recording at lower resolutions or using Wi-Fi drains the battery faster. Cold temperatures also reduce battery life significantly.
Can I use my GoPro while it is charging?
Yes, you can power on and use your GoPro while it charges, but the battery will charge more slowly. If you need the fastest charge, turn the camera off while plugged in. If you are using a removable battery dock, you can charge one battery while using a second battery in the camera.
What is the difference between charging the camera and charging a removable battery?
Charging a removable battery in a dock is usually faster (45 minutes to 1 hour) because the dock delivers power directly to the battery. Charging the camera itself through the USB port is slower (1 to 2 hours) because power goes through the camera's internal circuits first. If your GoPro has a removable battery, the dock is the faster option.
Why is my GoPro charging slowly?
A slow charge usually means the power adapter is too weak (below 5 watts), the cable is damaged, or the camera is powered on while charging. Try using a higher-wattage adapter (20 watts or more), switch to a different cable, or turn the camera off. If you have a removable battery, charging it in a dock instead of the camera itself will be faster.