The fastest way to reset your GoPro Hero 3 WiFi password

The GoPro Hero 3 stores its WiFi password in the camera's settings, and you can reset it without losing any footage or photos. The simplest method is to use the camera's menu: power on the camera, press the Menu button, navigate to Wireless Settings, then select Reset Wireless. This clears the stored password and returns the WiFi to its default state. After reset, the camera's WiFi name will be something like "GOPRO-XXXX" (where XXXX are numbers), and there will be no password required to connect initially.

If you want to set a new password when ready after resetting, you can do that in the same Wireless Settings menu. The camera will let you create a custom WiFi name and password before you finish. This takes about two minutes total and requires nothing but the camera itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Reset the WiFi password through the camera's menu by going to Wireless Settings and selecting Reset Wireless.
  • After reset, the camera's WiFi will have no password and will broadcast a default name like "GOPRO-XXXX".
  • You can create a new custom password in the same Wireless Settings menu right after resetting.
  • Resetting the WiFi does not delete any photos, videos, or other data stored on the camera.

Step-by-step reset through the camera menu

Power on the GoPro Hero 3 and make sure the battery has enough charge to complete the process. Press the Menu button on the back of the camera (the button with three horizontal lines). Use the arrow buttons to scroll down until you see "Wireless Settings" and press the center button to select it.

Once you are in Wireless Settings, scroll down to find "Reset Wireless" or "Reset WiFi" (the exact wording varies slightly by firmware version). Press the center button to select it. The camera will ask you to confirm the reset. Press the center button again to confirm. The camera will display a message saying the wireless settings have been reset, and it will return to the main menu.

After the reset is complete, the camera's WiFi will be active but unsecured. You can now connect to it from your phone or computer using the default WiFi name (usually "GOPRO-XXXX" where the X's are numbers specific to your camera). No password will be required for this initial connection.

Setting a new password after reset

Once the wireless settings are reset, you can create a new password when ready. Go back into the Wireless Settings menu and look for "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Passphrase" options. Select the WiFi Name option first and enter a custom name for your camera's network using the arrow buttons and center button to select letters.

After you set the WiFi name, select the WiFi Password option and enter a password. The Hero 3 accepts passwords between 8 and 63 characters. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols if you want stronger security, though any password meeting the length requirement will work. Once you confirm the password, the new settings will be saved.

What happens if the menu method does not work

If you cannot navigate the menu or the camera is not responding, try a full power cycle. Power off the camera completely, remove the battery for 30 seconds, then reinsert the battery and power the camera back on. This sometimes clears temporary glitches that prevent the menu from working properly.

If the camera still will not respond to menu commands, check that the firmware is up to date. You can update the Hero 3 firmware by connecting it to a computer via USB cable and visiting the GoPro website to read the latest firmware file for your specific model. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update, then try the reset process again.

Connecting to your camera after reset

After you reset the WiFi, your phone or computer will no longer automatically connect to the camera using the old password. You will need to manually select the camera's WiFi network from your device's available networks list. Look for the network name you just set (or the default "GOPRO-XXXX" if you have not set a custom name yet).

Select the network and enter the password you created. Once connected, you can use the GoPro app on your phone to control the camera, preview footage, and read files. If you are connecting a computer, you can access the camera's storage as an external drive through your file manager.

Preventing password loss in the future

Write down your WiFi password and store it somewhere safe, such as a notes app on your phone or a password manager. This takes 10 seconds and saves you from having to reset the camera later. You can also use a straightforward password that is straightforward to remember, as long as it meets the camera's minimum length requirement of 8 characters.

If you frequently reset the camera or share it with others, consider using the same password each time you set it up. This way, anyone who uses the camera can connect without needing to ask you for the current password. Just make sure the password is not something sensitive, since it will be shared with multiple people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the WiFi delete my photos and videos?

No. Resetting the wireless settings only clears the WiFi password and network name. All photos, videos, and other data stored on the camera's memory card remain unchanged. The reset affects only the WiFi configuration, not the camera's storage.

What is the default WiFi password after reset?

There is no default password after reset. The camera's WiFi will broadcast an open network with a name like "GOPRO-XXXX" that anyone nearby can connect to without entering a password. You should set a new password when ready if you want to find the connection.

Can I reset the WiFi without using the camera menu?

The menu method is the standard way to reset WiFi on the Hero 3. There is no physical reset button on the camera for wireless settings. If the menu is not working, try a full power cycle by removing the battery for 30 seconds, then attempt the menu reset again.

How long does the WiFi reset take?

The reset itself takes about 10 to 15 seconds once you confirm it in the menu. Setting a new password afterward takes another minute or two, depending on how long your password is. The entire process from start to finish usually takes less than five minutes.

What if I forget the new password I just created?

You will need to reset the WiFi again using the menu method described above. There is no way to recover a forgotten password on the Hero 3, so you will have to go through the reset and create a new password. This is why writing down your password or using a password manager is helpful.