It is known that GoPros don’t have internal storage. In order for you to use your GoPro, you would need to buy a separate SD card for storage. However, GoPro cameras are quite picky in terms of SD card specification requirements. Buying incompatible memory card for GoPros can lead to SD card errors and crashes. But don’t worry, we are here to lend a helping hand and show you how to fix the SD card error on GoPro cameras.
First, do you know why you are seeing SD card error on your GoPro? Let’s take a close look…
Reasons for SD Card Error on GoPro Cameras
SD card error on GoPro cameras is often due to the following reasons:
- Slow Read and Write speeds of memory card.
- Your SD Card is not formatted correctly.
- You need to upgrade your GoPro’s Firmware.
- A memory card is damaged or about to fail.
How to Fix SD Card Errors on GoPro
1. Check the SD Card Speed Class
Not all SD cards perform the same so keep in mind that GoPro cameras require a certain speed for memory cards. GoPro relies on fast write speeds to record high frame rate and high-resolution videos. So, buying an SD card that doesn’t meet the minimum write speed required by GoPro will result in SD card errors.
To check the speed class of your current memory card, you can follow the steps below:
- Make sure that your GoPro is turned off, then pull out the memory card from your GoPro.
- Check the SD Card’s label and make sure that it is at least class 10.
- Now, if your SD card is indeed class 10 but you are still encountering errors when recording videos. You can try and check GoPro’s Website to see if your memory card is on the recommended memory card models.
- If your card is not on the list, you can try lowering the video recording setting on your GoPro. Set the resolution to 720P and 30 frames per second.
- Lastly, you can try formatting your SD card if it keeps on getting errors. Proceed to the guide below.
2. Clean Memory Card Contact Points
If you use your GoPro outdoors a lot, chances are there are dirt build up on the memory card slot. This may cause SD card errors since the card slot and the SD card is not making proper contact.
In this case, you might want to check and clean your memory card.
- Turn off your GoPro, then remove the memory card from the GoPro’s SD card slot.
- Find the gold plated contact points on the back side of the SD Card.
- Use a soft cloth or cotton to clean the contact points with alcohol.
- Then, if you have an available can of compressed air you can also use it to blow the dust off the GoPro’s card slot.
- After cleaning the memory card and GoPro’s card slot, reinsert your SD card and see if the issue is resolved.
3. Format your Memory Card
When your memory card is not formatted correctly, the GoPro cannot properly read the SD card and this can result in errors when you try to use your GoPro. To format your GoPro’s SD card follow the guide below.
Keep in mind that all files on your memory card would be deleted so make sure that you have a backup of all the files inside your SD card.
How to Format SD Card on GoPro HERO 7 Black, Silver, and White
- Insert the SD Card and Turn on your GoPro.
- On the back screen, open Menu.
- After that, find and click on Preferences.
- Next, scroll down and click Reset.
- Lastly, click on the Format SD Card.
How to Format SD Card on GoPro HERO 6 & 5
- Turn on your GoPro Hero 5 or 6 and make sure that your memory card is inserted properly.
- Go to the main display and open Menu.
- On the menu, find Preferences.
- Next, scroll down to the bottom and click on Format SD Card.
- Now, select Delete and wait for the format to process.
How to Format SD Card on GoPro Hero 4 Black and Silver
- Open your GoPro and Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and find Delete.
- Click on All/Format.
- Now, select Delete and wait for the format to finish. After that try to use the GoPro if the SD card error issue is fixed.
4. Update GoPro’s Firmware
Update via the GoPro App
The easiest way to upgrade your GoPro’s firmware is by using the dedicated GoPro application which you can download on Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
- Open the GoPro application on your smartphone.
- Now, pair your mobile device to your GoPro.
- Make sure that your camera is fully charged before updating the firmware.
- Lastly, the app will automatically detect new updates for your camera. If a firmware update is available for your camera, it will prompt you to update your camera. Just follow the on-screen instructions on the application when updating your firmware.
Update GoPro’s firmware using Quik
- Download and Install Quik for desktop.
- Make sure that your GoPro’s battery is fully charged before doing a firmware upgrade.
- Launch the Quik desktop app.
- Next, connect your GoPro to your computer using the included USB cable.
- The Quik desktop application would automatically detect a new firmware version for your GoPro if it is available. Now, just follow the on-screen prompts to update your GoPro’s firmware.
Now, if you are still having problems with your memory card when using it on your GoPro. This could be a sign that it is failing and it is best to get a replacement card.
In this case, we made a list of some of the best memory cards that you can consider as a replacement for your old SD Card.
Best Replacement SD Card for GoPro (All Models)
To prevent further errors and problems in the future with your GoPro, make sure to get a replacement card that is fully compatible with your GoPro camera. Here below I’ve listed and reviewed a few…
SanDisk Extreme UHS-I 160MB/s
- Ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, action cameras, and drones
- Up to 160MB/s
- Compact and durable microSD card reader
SanDisk is one of the go-to memory cards for most GoPro users. This SanDisk Extreme memory card in particular works well with all GoPro cameras. It has a write speed of 60 MB per second which is enough for 4k 60 frames per second videos and a transfer speed of 160 MB per second. It is available on Amazon in 64, 128, 256, and 400 GB storage variants.
Samsung Pro Plus UHS-I
- Up to 95MB/s Read and 90MB/s Write speed
- Storage Capacity: 32 GB
- Great Performance in High-End Smartphones, Tablet PCs, Action Cameras, and DSLRs
Here’s another good memory card option to use on your GoPro. The Samsung Pro Plus UHS-1 card. It is compatible with most GoPro models and specifically built for 4k video recording. The card has a transfer speed of 95 MB per second while write speed is at 90 MB per second. The Pro Plus is available in 64, 128, and 256 GB storage option on Amazon.
For a more in-depth guide on memory cards for GoPro, check out our review below:
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