2 Simple Methods for Connecting a GoPro to a Computer

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Quick & easy ways to transfer footage from a GoPro to a computer

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Using a USB Cable
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• Using an SD Card
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• Troubleshooting
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• Video
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• Q&A

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This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a GoPro camera to your computer so you can download and edit the photos and videos you captured. Using the USB cable that came with your GoPro is the easiest way to connect to your computer, though you can use a microSD card if your GoPro has one.

Quickly Connect a GoPro to a PC

1. Power on your GoPro.
2. Connect a USB-C cable to your GoPro
3. Connect it to a free USB port on your computer
4. Open File Explorer or Finder.
5. Access the DCIM folder on your GoPro.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Connecting the GoPro Using a USB Cable

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1. 
   1
   Power on your GoPro. Do so by pressing the Power/Mode button on the face, top, or right side of the camera.

   • If you're using a HERO3+ or older, turn Wi-Fi OFF on the camera before connecting it to your computer. There's a dedicated button to enable and disable Wi-Fi on the side of the camera.
2. 
   2
   Locate the USB port. On most newer models, there is a compartment that opens up on the right side of the device. There you will find a USB-C port. On some older models, it may be a micro-USB port.
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3. 
   3
   Connect the GoPro to your computer. Use the cable that came with your GoPro. Attach the end with the USB mini-jack to your camera, and plug the USB jack into a vacant port on your computer. When the GoPro recognizes the USB connection to your computer, it should go into USB connected mode.https://community.gopro.com/s/article/Importing-Camera-Files-to-a-Computer-Windows-10

   • Connect the camera to one of the main USB ports on your computer rather than a USB hub or a port on your keyboard or monitor.
   • If you’re using a Mac, you may need to use a USB-C to USB-C cable (or a micro-USB to USB-C cable). You can also use an adapter to connect a regular USB cable to your Mac.
   • For HERO7 and earlier GoPros, Quik for desktop (Mac and Windows) will open.
4. 
   4
   Select Open device to view files (Windows only). On a Windows computer, you may see the AutoPlay pop-up in your notifications. If so, select Open device to view files. This will allow you to transfer files from your GoPro to your computer.
5. 
   5
   Access your camera’s files using File Explorer or Finder. If you are using a Windows computer, press Win + E to open File Explorer. If you are using a Mac, click the Finder icon in your dock. This icon resembles a blue and white smiley face.
6. 
   6
   Access your GoPro files. Locate your GoPro in the menu panel to the left. Then open the DCIM folder. Here you can find your GoPro files. You can transfer them from your GoPro to your computer.
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Section 2 of 3:

Connecting to a Computer Using the SD Card

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1. 
   1
   Remove the microSD card from your GoPro. Not every camera comes with an extra storage card, so if you aren't sure if you have one, use the method for connecting a USB cable.

   • You can usually find the SD card slot in the compartment on the right side.
2. 
   2
   Insert the microSD card into a microSD card adapter. You’ll most likely need a microSD card adapter in order to read the SD card on your computer. Insert the microSD card into a standard sized microSD card adapter.
3. 
   3
   Insert the microSD card adapter into your SD card reader. Most laptops have a SD card reader on the side. If your computer does not have an SD card reader, you can purchase a USB SD card reader and connect it to a USB port on your computer.
4. 
   4
   Find your GoPro's files. Once your computer reads the card, your file manager will open (Finder for Mac and File Explorer for Windows), and you'll find your GoPro's SD card there (the name of the SD card will vary based on who manufactured it).

   • You can find your SD card reader in the list of drives in the menu bar to the left. Open the SD card and access the DCIM folder within.
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Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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1. 
   1
   Set your camera to MTP mode (HERO9 Black and HERO8 Black only). If you can’t get your GoPro to connect with your computer, you might need to set it to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode. To do so, swipe down on the rear LCD screen. Tap Connections > USB Connection. Select MTP.

   • To use the camera as a webcam, select GoPro Connect instead.
2. 
   2
   Turn the GoPro off and back on once it's connected. The GoPro usually needs to be on when you make the connection, but if that doesn't work, you can try restarting it once you have the camera connected to your computer.
3. 
   3
   Check all connections. You might have a loose connection between the camera and your computer.
4. 
   4
   Use a third-party app. Try using the Photos app on your Mac or PC instead of the Finder or File Explorer. On some camera models, you may need to use Android File Transfer on your Mac instead of Finder.

   • The original Android File Transfer app is no longer fully supported by the developer, so it might not work as intended. If not, you can try an alternative, like MacDroid.
5. 
   5
   Replace the USB cable. If the USB cable you have is completely plugged in without loose connections, you'll want to see if the cable is the issue by replacing it with another one. If the second cable works, you know that the first one is faulty.https://community.gopro.com/s/article/Camera-is-not-Recognized-when-Plugged-into-a-Computer-USB-Port
6. 
   6
   Try another USB port. The port on your computer may not be working, so try another port.
7. 
   7
   Restart your computer and camera. If none of the previous steps help, you can try restarting everything. Unplug the camera, then restart your computer. Finally, reconnect the GoPro.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How do I charge a GoPro battery that came with my GoPro?

  

  Community Answer

  Either plug it in with the wall charger or plug it in to your PC. Make sure it is powered off first.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 18 Helpful 15
• Question

  Why does my camera start to install drivers and then stop, saying that it failed to install drivers?

  

  Community Answer

  Try deleting the device from your computer, then reinstall it using the method above.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  How do I connect a GoPro to my computer if it doesn't read?

  

  Ally_21

  Community Answer

  Switch off the camera. Before you can connect the camera to a computer, you will need to turn it off first. Find the USB port. Connect the GoPro to your computer.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 97 Helpful 29

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