Charging a GoPro is pretty simple & straightforward! If you’ve been a GoPro user for a while, it’s highly unlikely that you don’t know about how to charge your camera. But, new users may not find it that obvious, as different GoPro models use different types of chargers and charging options.
In this article, you’ll find a detailed overview of the various options you have for charging your GoPro and how to do it. You will get full information about all GoPro models.
How to Charge GoPro [Step by Step]
Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to charge your GoPro in the most obvious way: a USB Wall charger.
- Power OFF the camera.
- Put one end of the included USB charging cable into your GoPro’s charging port.
- Put the other end into the wall charger.
- Plug the charger on the wall and switch it ON to start charging your GoPro.
- Wait for the red light to go out to ensure that it’s fully charged.
Note: You don’t need to buy a separate USB Wall charger to connect to your GoPro charging cable. The one that comes with your phone: 5V/1A (an iPhone charger for instance) can do the job pretty well. For the newer models, including GoPro Hero 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 7, Hero (2018) and Fusion, you can also use a 5V/3A charger for fast charging.
Apart from the wall charger, there are several other methods that you can use for charging your GoPro via USB cable in different situations. Here’s the list:
- Plugging GoPro cable into a USB port on your computer
- Using a Powerbank
- Multi-port AC USB hub
- Car charger
- Solar charger
- Supercharger
The GoPro Supercharger is a device designed to rapidly charge your GoPro camera and other USB Type-C devices. It has a fast charging speed and can charge up to two devices simultaneously. Additionally, it supports multiple power input options, including AC power and 12V DC power for use in a car. The Supercharger is also compatible with most GoPro mounts, making it a convenient accessory to have when you’re out filming for extended periods. Read more: GoPro Supercharger: Worth it? (Specs & Alternatives).
Charging Cable Type You Need
The type of charging cable you need for your GoPro depends upon which model you’re using. Throughout its models, GoPro has adopted 3 types of charging cables:
- USB-C
- Micro USB
- Mini USB
Several initial GoPro models used Mini USB cables. As the technology shifted to Micro USB, GoPro launched two of its models supporting this cable. The company then switched to the latest USB-C cable for all the models that came out afterward.
Here’s the list of models compatible with each cable type:
USB-C:
- GoPro Hero 12 Black
- GoPro Hero 11 Black
- GoPro Hero 11 Mini
- GoPro Hero 10 Black
- GoPro Hero 9 Black
- GoPro Hero 8 Black
- GoPro Hero Max
- GoPro Hero 7 Black / White / Silver
- GoPro Fusion
- GoPro Hero (2018)
- GoPro Hero 6 Black
- GoPro Hero 5 Black
- GoPro Hero 5 Session
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Micro USB:
- GoPro Hero 4 Session
- GoPro Hero Session
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Mini USB:
- GoPro Hero 4 Black / Silver
- GoPro Hero 3+
- GoPro Hero 3
- GoPro Hero+ LCD
- GoPro Hero+
- GoPro Hero (2014)
- GoPro HD Hero 2
- GoPro HD Hero Original
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How Long Does a GoPro Take to Charge
Well, that depends upon two major factors, which include:
Battery Health
The overall health of your GoPro’s battery determines how long it will take to charge. Older batteries may take longer to charge than newer ones.
Power Source
- If you’re using a low-current power source (your computer’s USB Port, for instance), it may take up to 4 hours to fully charge your GoPro.
- In the case of a standard wall charger, your GoPro will be fully charged in about 2 hours. As the charging tends to be the fastest in the beginning, the initial 80% should complete in just about an hour.
- Newer GoPro models that use USB-C cable support fast charging. If you plug this cable into a high-current USB port, you can expect up to 70% faster charging speed.
Read all the useful info on How Long for GoPro Battery to Charge? + GoPro Battery Hacks.
How To Charge Your GoPro in Details
There are two ways to charge your GoPro. The first one is the most obvious: using a charging cable. But, there’s another way to charge your GoPro battery. If your GoPro has a removable battery, you can use a charging kit station to charge your battery directly, after removing it from your GoPro. Such chargers can even charge two (or in some cases, more) batteries simultaneously.
In some GoPro models, the battery can be taken out, while in others it can’t! Here’s the list of GoPros that have removable batteries:
- GoPro Hero 12 Black
- GoPro Hero 11 Black
- GoPro Hero 10 Black
- GoPro Hero 9 Black
- Hero 8 Black
- Hero Max
- Hero 7 Black
- Hero 6 Black
- Hero (2018)
- Fusion
- Hero 5 Black
- Hero 4 Black / Silver
- Hero 3+ Black
- Hero 3 Black
Here are the details regarding how to charge your GoPro:
With a charging cable
This is the most straightforward method of charging. You just need to power OFF your GoPro and connect it to your desired power source (a lot of different power sources have been mentioned above) with the charging cable. When the red light goes out, your GoPro is fully charged.
To know more about the GoPro Charging Cable You Need (ALL the models), click on this link.
By using a charging kit station (multiple batteries)
This method is useful for those who have more than one GoPro battery. It ensures that you have sufficient power for the day to keep shooting without worrying about running out of juice! When one of the batteries runs out, you can quickly swap it out for a freshly charged spare battery.
Since these multiple battery chargers come for specific battery types, you must check if the one you’re buying supports the battery of your GoPro model. To charge your battery, you can connect the charging station via a USB port. If you own one of the recent GoPro models, you can use it with GoPro SuperCharger for faster charging.
- Conveniently charges 2 HERO6 Black or HERO5 Black camera batteries simultaneously
- Charges via any USB port; For faster charging, use with GoPro supercharger...
- Dual led lights display charging status of both batteries
Read more on GoPro SuperCharger: GoPro Supercharger: Worth it? (Specs & Alternatives).
If you have issues with charging your GoPro read: Your GoPro Won’t Turn ON or Charge? (7 Easy FIX Solutions).
How to Charge GoPro Hero 12
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2-3 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)
The GoPro Hero 12 Black features a detachable Enduro battery. The HERO 12 Black, known for its optimal record time irrespective of airflow, provides an insight into the efficiency of the Enduro battery. Whether the camera or the surrounding air is in motion, it optimizes the recording time in various modes, for instance, ensuring up to 102 minutes of recording in 4K / 30fps and 155 minutes in 1080p / 30fps. These functionalities ensure continuous and uncompromised capturing of high-quality videos, making these GoPro models a reliable choice for all your filming endeavors. Whether you’re shooting in high resolutions like 5.3K at 60fps or in more standard resolutions like 1080p at 30fps, the efficient battery management and faster charging times will ensure that you’re ready to capture every moment.
How to Charge GoPro Hero 11
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2-3 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)
The GoPro Hero 11 Black removable Enduro battery with a 1720mAh capacity that delivers a charging rate that’s up to 13% quicker than conventional GoPro batteries. With enhanced longevity and faster charging times compared to earlier GoPro battery models, you’ll be able to capture more, regardless of the challenges posed by the environment!
Find Hero 11 chargers: 7 Best GoPro HERO 11 Chargers (Quick Charge)
Learn about the new Enduro battery of Hero 11: GoPro Hero 11 Battery: How Long Can You Film?
How to Charge GoPro Hero 11 Mini
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2-3 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)
The Hero 11 Black and Hero 11 Mini differ in terms of their batteries. The Hero 11 Black features a removable battery with a 1720mAh capacity, while the Hero 11 Mini is equipped with a non-removable 1500mAh battery. Consequently, if the Mini’s battery dies, you won’t have the option to swap it out, and you’ll need to recharge the camera fully before continuing your shoot.
Despite the Mini’s lower power capacity compared to the flagship Hero 11 Black, there isn’t a significant difference in battery life between the two cameras. This is primarily due to the absence of a display on the GoPro Hero 11 Mini, which results in reduced battery consumption. Consequently, the lower battery capacity in the Mini is largely compensated for by this power-saving feature.
To learn more read: GoPro Hero 11 mini Battery Life (How long can you record for?).
How to Charge GoPro Hero 10
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)
When considering the battery life of the GoPro Hero 10 Black, you can anticipate the following performance:
- 5.3K/60FPS: 60 minutes
- 4K/60FPS: 90 minutes
Read more on GoPro Hero 10 battery life: GoPro 10 Battery: Duration, Replacements, Tips for Extending it.
How to Charge GoPro Hero 9
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)GoPro
Do you wonder what’s the battery has GoPro Hero 9? Then check out: Hero 9 Battery Life: How Long Can You Film? [+Tips].
How to Charge GoPro Hero 8
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)
How to Charge GoPro Hero 7
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)
How to Charge GoPro Hero 6
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)
How to Charge GoPro Hero 5
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)
How to Charge GoPro Hero 4
- Cable Type: Mini USB
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2 Hours (standard charger)
How to Charge GoPro Hero Session
- Cable Type: Micro USB
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2 Hours (standard charger)
How to Charge GoPro Hero Max
- Cable Type: USB-C
- Ways of charging: Cable / External charger
- How long it takes to charge: 4 Hours (low power source), 2 Hours (standard charger), 1.5 Hours (SuperCharger)
How to Extend GoPro Battery Life
A GoPro gives a battery backup of roughly between 1.5 to 2 hours if it’s in continual video shooting in 1080p at 60fps (the most popular video setting for GoPro). But, you can significantly extend your GoPro battery life by following these ten tips:
- Keep your GoPro off when not recording.
- Keep your batteries warm in cold weather.
- Turn off the LCD screen.
- Keep Protune off (though it’ll slightly improve battery life, you have to compromise on image quality).
- Don’t use a remote or smartphone app.
- Use a wall charger (instead of a USB cable from your PC).
- Update the firmware.
- Don’t use the extra settings (WiFi, GPS, voice control).
- Reduce the recording resolution or frame rate.
- Bring along an extended battery pack or extra batteries.
For more details regarding how to extend your GoPro’s battery life, visit this article
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