GoPro Won’t Connect to Computer: 7 Possible Causes and Fixes

There are several possible reasons why your GoPro won’t connect to your computer. From a faulty SD card to a broken USB port, you can pinpoint your problem by following the guide below.

Hi, my name is Larry, and I’m going to solve your GoPro connection issues today. I’ve been using GoPro cameras for nearly 10 years and have encountered every GoPro problem that exists.

Throughout the past decade, I’ve had my fair share of experience with GoPro connection issues with my computer. Luckily, I’ve been able to solve every issue, and I’m excited to share the solutions I’ve learned with you.

Let’s dive right in.

Why Is My Computer Not Finding My GoPro?

All of that exhilaration and excitement to see how your action shots turned out deflates rather quickly when your GoPro won’t connect to your computer.

Often, it’s the first time you’ve plugged your GoPro in, but sometimes the issue pops up even when you’ve paired the two before. 

So, what then?

When your computer doesn’t recognize your GoPro, there could be a number of possible problems: it could be the GoPro, the computer, the USB cord, or even the SD card.

Here are seven things you can try.

Cause 1: Unexplainable Glitch

Sometimes, technology can glitch out for no reason whatsoever. If you’ve paired your GoPro with your computer before but are now facing connection issues, follow the fix below. 

Fix 1: Restart Your Camera and Computer

The first thing to try is to shut down your computer. Then, while your computer is powering off, unplug the GoPro and turn that off too. 

Leave the GoPro off, then plug the camera into the computer while both are off. Then, start your computer with the GoPro off. Once the computer has powered up, turn your GoPro on if it doesn’t turn on automatically.

If your GoPro still won’t connect to your computer, move on to the next step.

Cause 2: Faulty SD Card

An issue with your SD card can prevent your GoPro from connecting to your computer. For example, your computer can’t detect your GoPro if you have a corrupted SD card.

Fix 2: Check Your SD Card

The first step is to check your SD card for visible damage. So, remove the SD card from your GoPro and look for dust, residue, scratches, or anything else to suggest it isn’t in working condition. 

Then, reinsert the SD card into your GoPro and connect your GoPro to your computer again. If you still can’t get a connection, unplug your GoPro and remove the USB cable. 

Next, remove the SD card from your GoPro and connect the camera to your computer again. See if your computer reads your GoPro without the SD card inserted. 

If the GoPro connects without the SD card, retrieve your files using an SD card reader instead of plugging it into the computer, then purchase a GoPro compatible memory card. If the GoPro still doesn’t connect, the SD card likely isn’t the issue.

Cause 3: Defective USB Port

Your computer’s USB port may be the reason why you can’t connect your GoPro to your computer. A defective USB port won’t be able to recognize your GoPro.

Fix 3: Use Another USB Port

Unplug the USB cable from your computer and try another USB port. If you still can’t connect your GoPro to your computer, move on to the next step.

Cause 4: Broken or Improperly Inserted USB Cable

Cables are prone to wear and tear. For this reason, you may have a broken USB cable. Furthermore, you may have inserted the cable into your computer incorrectly. 

So check to see if your cable is properly inserted in your computer and GoPro. Both ends should be flush and pushed all the way in. 

Fix 4: Use a Different USB Cable

If you have another camera or smartphone with the same USB plug, try using the same cable and see if the other device connects. If the other device can’t connect to your computer either, you’ll need to use a different USB cable.

However, if the other device successfully connects to your computer, the issue isn’t with your USB cable. In this case, try out the next step.

Cause 5: Outdated GoPro Firmware

Compatibility issues between your GoPro and your computer may be caused by outdated GoPro firmware. If you haven’t updated your GoPro in a long time, it’s important to install the latest update.

Fix 5: Update Your GoPro Firmware

You can update your GoPro firmware by pairing your GoPro with your phone through the GoPro Quik mobile app. GoPro Quik will automatically scan your GoPro for firmware updates.

If you’re still confused, check out my guide on how to update GoPro firmware. This guide explains how to update firmware for each GoPro camera model.

Cause 6: GoPro Turned Off 

Your computer won’t be able to recognize your GoPro If your camera is powered down when you try to connect it to your computer.

Fix 6: Turn on Your GoPro

In this case, simply turn on your GoPro before connecting it to your computer.

Cause 7: Unusable Connection Method

If your GoPro still doesn’t connect to your computer, I recommend trying another connection method. There are actually two ways to connect a GoPro to a computer. One way is by using a USB cable, and the other way is by using an SD card reader.

Fix 7: Use an SD Card Reader

An SD card reader lets you connect your GoPro’s microSD card to your computer. Therefore, only your SD card is connected to the computer, not your entire GoPro.

Here’s my favorite SD card reader that I’ve used for the past 3 years. Simply place your microSD card into the correct slot on the SD card reader. Then, insert the SD card reading into a USB port on your computer.

Afterward, open the File Explorer on your computer, and you should see your SD card on the left-hand side.

This is a foolproof method that bypasses any connection issues with your GoPro or USB cable. If this method doesn’t work, it means there’s a problem with your SD card. 

GoPro Won’t Connect to My Mac?

The GoPro HERO4 has a known compatibility issue with older Macs. On a Mac, the newer GoPros won’t connect as a drive, so you can’t see them in a Finder window or on the desktop.

But, you can still connect. Instead of using the drag and drop method in Finder, use the Image Capture app (you can find Image Capture by typing it into the search bar at the top right).

You should see your GoPro connected on the lefthand side. Your GoPro should also still charge through your computer.

FAQs

Below are a few common questions I receive about GoPro connection problems with a computer.

How do I get Windows 10 to recognize my GoPro?

There a several potential reasons why your Windows 10 computer can’t recognize your GoPro. I recommend testing a new SD card, a new USB cable, and a new USB port. You should also update your GoPro firmware and restart your computer and GoPro. If your GoPro still won’t connect to your computer, use an SD card reader.

How do I connect my GoPro to my computer via USB?

Connect the micro-USB end of the USB cable to your GoPro. Then, connect the USB end of the cable to a USB port on your computer. Your GoPro will automatically connect to your computer, and you can begin uploading your videos and photos.

How do I download videos from my GoPro?

Instead of connecting your GoPro to your computer to download your videos, you can use the GoPro Quik mobile app. Once you pair GoPro Quik with your camera, you can easily download any video from your GoPro onto your phone.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide allowed you to easily solve your GoPro connection issues with your computer. I completely understand how frustrating it can be when you can’t upload the amazing videos you just shot.

If you still can’t connect your GoPro to your computer, there are likely deeper technical issues within your GoPro. In this case, I recommend reaching out to GoPro support. You may need to send your camera in for repairs or a replacement. 

However, you can provide as much information about your cameras as possible in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help. Furthermore, if you were able to solve your GoPro connection issues, which solution fixed the problem?

Let me know by dropping a quick comment right below!