How to Reset GoPro to Factory Settings

If you’re experiencing a problem with your GoPro and want to reset it to the factory settings, you can reset it directly in your GoPro’s settings menu. For newer GoPro models, the factory reset setting is located in ‘Preferences’.

Hi, I’m Larry! I’m an adventure addict who has been using GoPro cameras since 2014. The new GoPro HERO10 is my daily sidekick, and I’ve reset this camera and many of my older GoPro cameras whenever I encounter a glitch or bug.

In this article, I’ll show you how to reset your specific GoPro model to its factory settings. The older GoPro models require a different technique to bring them back to their factory settings.

Continue reading to learn more!

Why Should You Reset GoPro to Factory Settings?

There are three common reasons why you would need to reset your GoPro. Firstly, you may want to reset your GoPro to its factory settings if your camera experiences a problem. 

Typical issues include:

  • Noticeable lag when changing settings using the menu buttons
  • HDMI connection issues 
  • Performance issues

The second reason you’d want to reset your GoPro is that you’ve adjusted the settings too much and want a fresh start. Thirdly, you might be selling your GoPro and want to give the new owner a clean slate to start with.

Regardless of why you want to reset your GoPro camera, all GoPro models can be restored to their factory settings.

What Does Resetting GoPro to Factory Settings Do?

Although you may have an idea of what resetting your GoPro to factory settings does, you probably don’t know the exact definition. Luckily, it’s not too complex. 

Resetting your GoPro camera resets the date/time, restores the default settings, clears your connections, and removes your camera from your GoPro Plus account.

That’s it! 

You won’t lose any memory from your SD card or void your warranty.

How to Reset Your GoPro to Factory Settings

Now let’s discuss how to reset your specific GoPro model back to its factory settings. Find your camera model from the list below and follow the steps underneath it.

It’s a quick and straightforward process that should have your camera up and running in less than 30 seconds.

HERO10 Black & HERO9 Black

  • Step 1: On the main GoPro screen, swipe down and then swipe left. 
  • Step 2: Tap ‘Preferences’ > ‘Reset’ > ‘Factory Reset’.

HERO8 Black

  • Step 1: On the main GoPro screen, swipe down to access the Dashboard. 
  • Step 2: Tap ‘Preferences’ > ‘Reset’ > ‘Factory Reset’.

HERO7 Black/White/Silver

  • Step 1: On the main GoPro screen, swipe down.
  • Step 2: Tap ‘Preferences’ > ‘Reset’ > ‘Factory Reset’ > ‘Confirm Reset’.

HERO6 Black

  • Step 1: On the main GoPro screen, swipe down.
  • Step 2: Tap ‘Preferences’ > ‘Factory Reset’ > ‘Reset’.

GoPro Max

  • Step 1: On the main GoPro screen, swipe down. 
  • Step 2: Tap ‘Preferences’ > ‘Reset’ > ‘Factory Reset’.

GoPro Fusion

  • Step 1: Press the ‘Mode’ (power) button on the side to turn on your camera.
  • Step 2: Repeatedly press the ‘Mode’ button until the ‘Settings’ icon (wrench) appears. Then, press the ‘Shutter’ button to enter the settings menu.
  • Step 3: Press the ‘Shutter’ button five times to display the ‘Preferences’ settings.
  • Step 4: Press the ‘Mode’ button repeatedly until ‘RESET’ is highlighted at the bottom of the list. Then, press the ‘Shutter’ button to select it.
  • Step 5: Press the ‘Mode’ button to highlight ‘RESET’. Then, press the ‘Shutter’ button to confirm and restore your GoPro Fusion to its factory settings.

HERO5 Black & HERO (2018)

  • Step 1: On the main GoPro screen, swipe down. 
  • Step 2: Tap ‘Preferences’ > ‘Factory Reset’ > ‘Reset’.

HERO5 Session

  • Step 1: When the camera is off, press the ‘Menu’ button to display the status screen.
  • Step 2: Repeatedly press the‘ Menu’ button until you reach the ‘Exit’ menu.
  • Step 3: Press and hold the ‘Shutter’ button for eight seconds.
  • Step 4: Press the ‘Menu’ button to move to ‘Yes’. Then, press the ‘Shutter’ button to select it.

HERO4

  • Step 1: Press the ‘Mode’ (power) button until you see the ‘Setup’ icon (gear).
  • Step 2: Press the ‘Shutter’ button (top) to select it.
  • Step 3: Press the ‘Mode’ button) until ‘Reset Cam’ is selected.
  • Step 4: Press the ‘Shutter’ button to select it.
  • Step 5: Press the ‘Mode’ button to select ‘Reset’.
  • Step 6: Press the ‘Shutter’ button to select it.
  • Step 7: When the camera powers on, it will reset to all of its factory default settings.

HERO3 Black & HERO3+ 

  • Step 1: Hold down the ‘Shutter’ button.
  • Step 2: Press the ‘Power’ button while holding the ‘Shutter’ button.
  • Step 3: When the camera turns on, it will reset to all of its factory default settings.

HERO+LCD/HERO+/HERO (2014) & HERO3 White & HERO3 Silver

First, you’ll need to perform a manual update. These cameras are older and don’t have a factory reset option built directly into the camera’s software. You’ll need to conduct a manual update to reset these models to their factory settings.

FAQs

Before I conclude this article, let’s go over two key questions I commonly receive about resetting GoPros to their factory settings.

Is it safe to factory reset a GoPro camera?

Yes, it’s completely safe to factory reset your GoPro camera. The hardware, software, and files on your SD card won’t be harmed. However, you will lose any settings you have adjusted within the GoPro’s interface because all settings will be reset to default.

Does resetting GoPro delete pictures?

A factory reset will not delete any pictures or videos from your GoPros SD card. There is another option in your GoPro settings called ‘Format SD Card’. Selecting this option will delete all the data on your SD card. Choosing the ‘Factory Reset’ option does not affect your camera’s files.

How do I unfreeze my GoPro?

If your GoPro is frozen and you can’t access your Settings menu to complete a factory reset, try to conduct a hard restart by holding the power button down for 10 seconds. This should solve the majority of frozen GoPro issues. However, if your camera is still frozen, take out the battery, wait 10 seconds, and then place it back inside.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide made it as easy as possible for you to reset your GoPro camera to its factory settings. My goal is to help you find the steps for your specific camera so that you can move on with your day quickly.

But before you go, I have a few questions for you. Were you able to resolve your GoPro issues with a factory reset? What kind of adventures or sports do you film with your GoPro camera?

Either way, let me know by dropping a quick comment below!

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