How to Update GoPro Firmware

The best way to update your GoPro firmware is by using the GoPro Quik mobile app. You can also update your GoPro firmware by downloading the update onto your GoPro’s microSD card.

Hi, my name’s Larry. I’m a GoPro camera expert and have been filming with GoPro cameras since 2014. I’ve updated the firmware on my GoPro cameras dozens of times and am excited to show you how to do it today.

In today’s guide, I’ll show you how to update your GoPro’s firmware with the quickest and most efficient method. Updating your GoPro uses the same technique for each GoPro model, so follow along closely with the steps below.

Let’s update your GoPro together!

Do GoPros Need to be Updated?

GoPro constantly updates its firmware to provide new features and better performance in its cameras. For this reason, it’s important to update your GoPro whenever GoPro releases new firmware.

You’ll get access to bug fixes, usability enhancements, and general improvements. For example, back in late 2021, the GoPro HERO10 had overheating issues. GoPro quickly addressed these problems through a firmware update and solved the majority of GoPro HERO10 overheating cases.

This is why it’s essential to keep your GoPro up to date. 

How to Update Your GoPro’s Firmware Using GoPro Quik 

Before updating your GoPro, make sure:

• Your GoPro supports updates through the GoPro Quik mobile app. Only the HERO (2014), the HERO3, and older generation cameras cannot be updated through GoPro Quik. If you have a GoPro HERO10 Black, a HERO+, or any generation in between these two models, you can use GoPro Quik. 
• You are using a compatible mobile device and OS. These are iOS devices running iOS 13 or newer and Android devices running Android 9.0 or later with a minimum of 2GB of RAM.
• You have an active internet connection because GoPro Quik defaults to download automatically. Firmware updates are typically around 25MB large.
• You have at least two bars of battery life on your GoPro and a charged phone. The wireless update won’t start if your batteries aren’t sufficiently charged, and a warning message will pop up.
• Your camera has a microSD card installed.

Step 1: Connect your mobile device to the internet.

Step 2: Turn on your GoPro, enable its Wi-Fi, and connect to the network in your phone’s wireless settings.

Step 3: Open GoPro Quik on your mobile device.

Step 4: Find your GoPro camera and select ‘Control Your GoPro’.

Step 5: Once you select your camera, GoPro Quik immediately alerts you that a camera update is available if your current firmware is outdated.

Step 6: Read over the release notes and then press ‘Update’.

Step 7: Read over the legal disclaimer and then press ‘Accept & Continue’.

Step 8: GoPro Quik will transfer the new firmware into your camera. The camera will show “Transferring Files” as the software uploads. 

Step 9: Your GoPro camera will turn off and on a few times as the software updates. Because of this, your camera may disconnect from the app’s Wi-Fi.

Step 10: If the Wi-Fi disconnects, reconnect the camera to your phone’s Wi-Fi. Relaunch GoPro Quik, and it will notify you that the update was successful.

If you had trouble following the steps above, watch this official firmware update video from GoPro:

How to Update Your GoPro’s Firmware Manually

Before updating your GoPro, make sure:

• Your GoPro’s battery is at least 20%.

Step 1: Find your GoPro’s firmware update by clicking here and choosing your specific GoPro model.

Step 2: Click ‘Download Update’ to download the software update onto your computer.

Step 3: Open the ‘Downloads’ folder on your computer and find the software update. It should be titled “UPDATE.ZIP”. Next, Right-click on the UPDATE.zip file and click ‘Extract All’, and then click ‘Save’.

Step 4: Insert your GoPro’s microSD card into your computer using a USB reader or microSD card adapter.

Step 5: Drag the new UPDATE file (not the UPDATE.zip file) into your microSD card. Then, eject the microSD card from your computer and take it out.

Step 6: With your GoPro powered off, insert the microSD card into the camera. Afterwards, turn on your camera and the update will automatically begin. 

Your camera will beep and power off and on several times as the update installs. A checkmark will appear on your front screen once the update is complete.

If you receive a “CAMERA UPDATE FAILED” message, remove and insert the battery and start over from Step 1. 

Here’s an in-depth video tutorial from GoPro if you are still having trouble manually updating your GoPro’s firmware:

How Do I Know If My GoPro Camera is up to Date?

I recommend using GoPro Quik to find out if your GoPro’s firmware is outdated. After connecting your camera to GoPro Quik, an alert will immediately pop up with a firmware update if your firmware isn’t up to date. 

However, you may be wondering how to check your GoPro firmware version without using GoPro Quik.

In this case, you can find your firmware version directly on your GoPro. Turn your GoPro on and swipe down on the touchscreen to reveal the ‘Preferences’ menu.

Then, press on ‘Preferences’ and then tab ‘About this GoPro’. This screen will show your camera’s info, version number, and firmware number. 

FAQs

Let’s discuss a few more common questions I get asked about updating a GoPro’s firmware.

How long does it take to update my GoPro’s firmware?

The time it takes to install a GoPro firmware update varies because everyone has different internet speeds and devices. However, it should only take around 1 to 2 minutes for the firmware to finish installing.

Can I update my GoPro with my desktop computer?

GoPro was developing its Quik desktop app but discontinued its development in 2021. However, you can still download the legacy software and update your GoPro with the Quik desktop app if you have a HERO7, HERO6, HERO5, HERO4, HERO3+, or HERO+ camera. But I recommend using the GoPro Quik mobile app or a manual update since the desktop software isn’t under development anymore.

What’s the latest GoPro HERO10 firmware?

As of April 5th, 2022, the latest GoPro HERO10 firmware is v1.40. This update was released on March 30, 2022, and offered a variety of performance and usability improvements. 

Closing Thoughts

At this point, your GoPro camera should be fully updated and ready to film your favorite content. If you had any issues updating your GoPro, let me know what problem you ran into in the comments section below. I’ll try my best to answer your query as soon as possible.

But before you go, I’d like to ask you one simple question: What type of videos do you film with your GoPro and do you have any videos I can watch on YouTube?

I love watching GoPro videos and would love to learn about your filming experience!

Let me know by dropping a quick comment below.