How to Format a GoPro Memory Card

Ready to start over on a new GoPro project? Once you’ve saved all your videos from your GoPro to your computer, erasing the entire contents will free up all the space on the memory card once again.

Formatting the micro SD card with your GoPro is simple, but since most models don’t come with a screen, it’s sometimes hard to figure out on your own.

You can format the memory card on most GoPro cameras by going into your GoPro’s dashboard and tapping on Preferences, Reset, and Format SD Card. However, it’s important to back up your files before formatting your SD card by importing the files into your computer or phone.

Hi, my name is Larry. I’m a GoPro fanatic who’s owned 6 different GoPro models and has made hundreds of GoPro videos. So I’ve had my fair share of experience formatting GoPro memory cards on multiple GoPro cameras.

In today’s guide, I’m going to explain how to format a GoPro memory card on each specific GoPro camera, from the first HERO Session to the new HERO10 Black.

Find your specific GoPro model below and follow the listed instructions.

Warning: Don’t follow these steps until you’re sure the files you want are located on your computer. Once you erase the memory card, you can’t get them back.

Note: if you only want to delete a single file, follow the steps in our tutorial on how to delete GoPro videos – this method will delete all your files.

How to Format SD Card for HERO10 Black, HERO9 Black, HERO8 Black, and HERO7 Black?

Formatting your SD card is a quick and painless process if you have a newer GoPro model.

Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Insert your SD card into your GoPro camera and turn it on.

Step 2: Swipe down on the LCD touchscreen to open the menu. Then, press Preferences.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap Reset. Then, choose Format SD Card. Finally, press Format to confirm the process.

Once you confirm the format, your SD card will be completely wiped. Therefore, it’s important to back up the files you want to save before formatting your GoPro SD card. 

How to Format SD Card for HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018)?

If you have an older GoPro, such as the HERO6 Black or HERO5 Black, you can format your SD card directly on your camera. 

Step 1: Insert the SD card into your GoPro camera and turn the camera on.

Step 2: Open the GoPro’s menu and tap on Preferences.

Step 3: Scroll down and press Format SD Card.

Step 4: Choose Delete.

Your memory card will be cleared, and you will have a brand new SD card. 

How to Format SD Card for HERO5 Session, HERO Session, and HERO4 Session?

You can’t directly format your SD card using the onboard menu systems with the GoPro Session cameras. Instead, you need to either format the SD card with a computer or the GoPro Quik mobile app.

Check out the sections below to learn how to format your SD card on your computer or GoPro Quik.

How to Format SD Card for HERO4 Black or HERO4 Silver?

Even if you have an older GoPro like the HERO4 Black or HERO4 Silver, you can format your SD card using the camera itself.

Step 1: Insert your microSD card into your camera and turn it on.

Step 2: Go into the camera’s settings by pressing the front Mode button until the gear icon appears on the front screen. Then, press the top button.

Step 3: Access the format option by pressing the front button until the trash can icon appears on the front screen. Tap the top button again to select.

Step 4: Select “ALL / FORMAT” to erase the GoPro SD card. To select all option, use the front button to move down and the top button to choose the highlighted option.

Step 5: Confirm you want to delete by using the front button to navigate down to “yes” and then hitting the top button again to confirm.

Also, feel free to check out this video from STK’s Adventure Channel for how:

How to Format SD Card Using GoPro Quik Mobile App?

If you have a GoPro Session camera, you can easily format your SD card using the GoPro Quik mobile app. However, your can format your SD card using GoPro Quik with any GoPro camera model.

Step 1: Download GoPro Quik from the App Store or Play Store on your mobile phone.

Step 2: Connect your GoPro to GoPro Quik following the instructions on GoPro Quik.

Step 3: Open the Settings menu inside GoPro Quik and scroll down to the Delete section.

Step 4: Choose Delete All Files from SD Card.

Step 5: Confirm the formatting by pressing Delete All Files (Format). 

How to Format GoPro SD Card on Computer?

The last way to format your GoPro SD card is with your computer. You can use either a Windows computer or Mac to format your GoPro SD card.

Let’s learn how.

Formatting GoPro SD Card on Windows

Step 1: Insert your SD card into your computer using a microSD adapter.

Step 2: Click on My Computer and choose your SD card.

Step 3: Right-click on your SD card and select Format.

Step 4: In the Format window, make sure the File system is set to FAT32 for 32GB SD cards or EXFAT for 64GB SD cards. 

Step 5: Select Quick Format and then click Start.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully formatted your GoPro SD card.

Formatting GoPro SD Card on Mac

Step 1: Insert your SD card into your computer using a microSD adapter.

Step 2: Open Disk Utility on your Mac.

Step 3: Locate the SD card and select it. Then, click the Erase tab in the middle of the window.

Step 4: Next, click on the Format dropdown menu. Choose MS-DOS (FAT) if the card is 32GB or smaller. Select ExFAT if the SD card is 64GB or bigger.

Step 5: A message will appear asking, “Are you sure you want to erase the partition?”, click Erase. 

Your GoPro SD card has been successfully formatted.

FAQs

Below are a few popular questions I receive from people who need help formatting their GoPro SD cards.

How long does it take a GoPro to format an SD card?

Formatting a GoPro SD card takes less than a minute if you format it using your camera or GoPro Quik. If you use your computer to format your GoPro SD card, it may take a few minutes. However, formatting your memory card is a quick and effortless process if you follow the directions above for your specific GoPro model.

How do I wipe my GoPro 9?

You can wipe your GoPro HERO9 Black’s memory card by formatting the SD card in the menu settings. Enter your menu settings, and click on Preferences, Reset, and Format SD Card. However, make sure you save all your essential files on your computer or phone before wiping your memory card.

How do you delete videos from a GoPro SD card?

You can delete individual videos from your GoPro SD card directly on the camera by selecting the video and choosing delete. You can also delete videos with the GoPro Quik mobile app or by inserting your SD card into your computer.

Closing Thoughts

Deleting your GoPro’s memory clears the slate so you can save more files to a memory card. I understand how quickly your memory card can fill up when shooting high-resolution videos. This guide aims to help you quickly clear up your memory card so you can get back to filming.

Now I’d love to hear from you! What GoPro camera model do you own? Which method from today’s guide did you follow?

Either way, drop a comment below letting me know!