Learning how to connect a GoPro to computer is crucial for transferring your photos and videos. There are three main methods to do this: using a USB cable, using an SD card, or using the GoPro Quik app for desktop.

In this article, you’ll learn how to connect a GoPro to a computer and how to fix the problem if your computer doesn’t recognize the GoPro.

 

How to Connect GoPro to Computer Using USB Cable


GoPro-HDMI-out

Connecting GoPro to computer using USB Cable is quite a straightforward process. Follow the steps below:

  1. Turn On Your GoPro: Activate your GoPro by pressing the Power/Mode button located on the camera’s face or top until you see a red LED indicator light up.
  2. Disable Wi-Fi for Older Models: If you have a HERO3+ or an older model, ensure the Wi-Fi is turned off before connecting to your computer. Use the dedicated Wi-Fi button on the camera’s side to toggle Wi-Fi on and off.
  3. Find the USB Port: Look for the mini USB port on your GoPro, typically found on one of the camera’s sides.
  4. Connect the GoPro to Your Computer: Utilize the cable that came with your GoPro. Attach the mini USB end to your camera and the USB end to an available port on your computer. Avoid using USB hubs or ports on keyboards or monitors; instead, connect directly to one of the main USB ports on your computer.
  5. Wait for USB Mode Activation: Once connected, your GoPro should enter USB mode automatically, indicated by a USB symbol on the camera’s screen, provided it has one.
  6. Access Your Files:
    • On a Mac, a camera icon will appear on the desktop. Double-click this icon to open and view the photos and videos on the camera’s microSD card.
    • On Windows, navigate to “My Computer” or “This PC” and find your GoPro listed among the drives. Double-click it to access your files.
  7. Software for HERO7 and Earlier Models: For those using HERO 7 or earlier GoPro models, connecting the camera will automatically launch Quik for desktop on both Mac and Windows, allowing you to manage your files.

If you wonder how to connect your GoPro to TV monitor, watch my tutorial:

Connect GoPro Hero 12/11/10/9/8 to TV Monitor (HDMI, Wireless, USB)

 

How to Connect GoPro to Computer Using SD Card


gopro hero 9 sd card

These are the steps to connect your GoPro to computer using SD card:

  1. Extract the microSD Card: Begin by removing the microSD card from your GoPro. 
  2. Prepare the Card for Reading: Place the microSD card into an adapter or a card reader that connects to your computer. You’ll need an adapter to fit the microSD card into a standard SD card reader slot on your computer or an external card reader that links via USB. These accessories are readily available at most electronics stores.
  3. Connect to Your Computer: If using an adapter, insert it into your computer’s SD card reader slot.
  4. Access Your GoPro Files: Once your computer recognizes the card, it will automatically open your file manager—Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows. Look for your GoPro’s microSD card listed under devices or drives (the exact name will depend on the card’s manufacturer). From here, you can access all the files stored on your GoPro’s microSD card.

If your computer doesn’t see your SD Card

It’s possible that the SD card may not be compatible. To check, use an SD card adapter to insert the SD card into your computer. If the computer recognizes the SD card:

  1. Transfer any accessible files using the adapter.
  2. Format the SD card.
  3. After formatting, place the SD card back into the GoPro.
  4. Power on the camera and reconnect it to the computer.

If the SD card isn’t recognized when using a card adapter, contact the SD card’s manufacturer for help with troubleshooting.

 

How to Connect GoPro to Computer Using GoPro Quik


gopro quik logo

GoPro Quik is a highly recommended application for managing and editing GoPro footage. To connect your GoPro to a PC using the Quik app, follow these steps:

  1. Use a USB cable to connect your GoPro camera to your computer.
  2. Open the Quik software on your PC (download here) and wait for it to automatically detect your GoPro camera’s recent footage.
  3. Select the files you want to transfer and import them onto your computer.

If your GoPro Quik freezes, there are simple ways to fix it>>>

 

Fix Connection Issues


If you computer doesn’t see your GoPro, follow these steps:

Turn on the camera before connecting it to ensure it’s powered up.

When you connect the cable, look for the USB symbol on the camera’s front LCD screen (or the top display if you’re using the HERO 11 Black Mini), which signals a successful connection to the computer.

GoPro Not Connecting to PC Mac

If you don’t see this symbol:

  • Disconnect and then reconnect the cable at both the camera and computer ends.
  • Switch to a different USB cable to rule out cable issues.
  • Use another USB port on your computer in case the initial one is faulty.
  • Restart your computer with the camera disconnected, then reconnect the camera once the computer is back on.
  • Test the cable and USB ports with a different device to ensure they’re working correctly.
  • Update your computer’s USB port drivers. You can find guides on how to check and update USB drivers for both Windows and Mac.
  • If possible, try connecting the camera to a different computer to see if the issue persists.
  • As a last resort, manually update the camera’s firmware and perform a factory reset, then attempt the connection steps again.

Learn also how to connect your GoPro to the computer>>>

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you learn how to connect GoPro to computer 🙂

 

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