Charging your GoPro depends on which model you own

GoPro cameras charge through a USB-C port on the side or bottom of the device, but the exact method varies by model. Newer GoPros (Hero 11, Hero 12, and Hero 13) charge via USB-C directly into the camera body. Older models like the Hero 10 and Hero 9 use a removable battery that you charge in a separate dock. Some GoPros also support charging through an external power bank or car charger, which is useful when you're away from a wall outlet.

The time it takes to fully charge ranges from about 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the charger you use and the battery capacity. A standard USB-C charger (like the one that comes with many phones) works, but a higher-wattage charger will charge faster. You can also charge while recording on newer models, though the battery will drain more slowly than it charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Newer GoPro models charge directly via USB-C cable plugged into the camera body, while older models use a removable battery and separate charging dock.
  • A standard USB-C charger works, but a higher-wattage charger (18W or higher) will charge your GoPro significantly faster.
  • Charging time is typically 90 minutes to three hours depending on the charger wattage and your camera model.
  • You can charge while recording on newer models, though the battery will drain faster than it charges during use.
  • Always use an official GoPro charger or a certified USB-C charger to avoid damaging the battery or camera.

Charging a newer GoPro with USB-C

If you own a Hero 11, Hero 12, Hero 13, or similar recent model, charging is straightforward. Locate the USB-C port on the side or bottom of your camera (check your manual if you're unsure). Connect a USB-C cable to the port, then plug the other end into a wall charger or USB power source.

The camera will display a charging indicator on the screen or through an LED light on the device. Most GoPros show a lightning bolt icon or a solid light while charging, and the light will turn off or change color when the battery is full. Leave the camera plugged in until you see the full-charge indicator.

For faster charging, use a charger with at least 18W of power output. The charger that comes with your GoPro is designed for optimal charging speed, but any certified USB-C charger with similar wattage will work. Avoid cheap or uncertified chargers, as they can damage the battery or the camera's charging port over time.

Charging an older GoPro with a removable battery

Hero 9, Hero 10, and some earlier models use a removable battery that charges separately. To charge, power off your camera and locate the battery door (usually on the side or bottom). Open the door and gently pull the battery straight out. The battery has a small connector on one end — this is what the charger uses.

Place the battery into the official GoPro charging dock, making sure the connector aligns with the metal contacts inside the dock. Connect the dock to a USB-C cable and plug it into a wall charger. The dock will show a light indicating the battery is charging. When the light turns off or changes color, the battery is fully charged.

If you don't have the official dock, you can buy a third-party USB-C battery charger designed for your specific GoPro model. Make sure any third-party charger is certified for your camera model before purchasing, as different GoPro batteries have different connector types and voltages.

Using a power bank or portable charger

You can charge your GoPro with a portable power bank if you're filming away from outlets. For newer USB-C models, simply connect a USB-C cable from the power bank to your camera. For older models with removable batteries, charge the battery in a portable dock that connects to the power bank via USB-C.

Choose a power bank with at least 10,000 mAh capacity to get a full charge on your GoPro battery. Higher capacity power banks (20,000 mAh or more) will charge your camera multiple times before needing to recharge themselves. Keep in mind that charging while recording will drain the battery faster than a power bank can replenish it, so use this method mainly for topping up between recording sessions.

Charging while recording or in use

Newer GoPro models allow you to charge while the camera is recording or powered on. Connect a USB-C cable to the camera and plug it into a power source. The camera will continue to operate, and the battery will charge slowly while in use. This is helpful if you're doing a long recording session and need to keep the camera running.

Be aware that the charging speed will be much slower when the camera is actively recording or in standby mode. If you need the fastest charge, power off the camera completely before plugging it in. Also, avoid using the camera while charging in very hot conditions, as the combination of charging and heat can stress the battery.

Troubleshooting charging problems

If your GoPro won't charge, first check that the USB-C cable is fully inserted into the port and that the wall charger is plugged in. Try a different USB-C cable or charger to rule out a faulty cable. Sometimes a cable that works with phones won't work reliably with cameras due to slight connector variations.

If the camera still won't charge, the charging port may be dirty. Use a dry cotton swab or soft brush to gently clean the metal contacts inside the USB-C port on the camera. Do the same for the charging dock if you're using one. Dust and lint can block the connection and prevent charging.

For removable battery models, make sure the battery is fully inserted into the dock and that the metal contacts on both the battery and dock are clean. If the battery is old (more than two years), it may no longer hold a charge. GoPro batteries degrade over time, and a worn battery may charge very slowly or not at all. Buying a replacement battery is usually the solution in this case.

Extending your GoPro battery life

To get the most from your battery between charges, turn off features you're not using. Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you don't need them, as they drain the battery even when the camera isn't recording. Lower the screen brightness or turn off the screen entirely if you're using an external monitor.

Keep spare batteries if you plan long recording sessions. For newer models, carry a portable power bank. For older models with removable batteries, buy one or two extra batteries and a portable charging dock. This way you can swap out a dead battery for a charged one without waiting for the charger to finish.

Store your GoPro battery in a cool, dry place when not in use. Extreme heat or cold reduces battery performance and lifespan. If you won't use your camera for more than a month, charge the battery to about 50% and store it separately from the camera to prevent damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any USB-C charger with my GoPro?

Most certified USB-C chargers will work, but use one with at least 18W of power for faster charging. Avoid very cheap or uncertified chargers, as they can damage the battery or charging port. The official GoPro charger is always the safest choice if you have it.

How long does it take to fully charge a GoPro battery?

With a standard charger, expect 90 minutes to two hours. With a higher-wattage charger (18W or more), you can charge in 60 to 90 minutes. Charging times vary slightly by model and battery age.

Can I charge my GoPro with a laptop or computer?

Yes, you can charge via a laptop's USB-C port, but it will be much slower than a wall charger because computers provide less power. Use a wall charger whenever possible for faster charging.

What does it mean if the charging light blinks instead of staying solid?

A blinking light usually indicates a problem with the connection or charger. Check that the cable is fully inserted, clean the charging port and dock contacts, and try a different cable or charger.

Is it bad to leave my GoPro plugged in overnight?

Modern GoPro batteries have built-in protection that stops charging once the battery is full, so leaving it plugged in overnight won't damage the battery. However, unplugging once fully charged is a good habit to save energy.