Not Recording
GoPro Action Camera
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
A GoPro that won't record is usually caused by a full or faulty SD card, a card that's too slow, or the camera being in the wrong mode. Check the SD card first — it's the cause 80% of the time.
Affected Models
- GoPro HERO 12
- GoPro HERO 11
- GoPro HERO 10
- GoPro HERO 9
- GoPro HERO 8
- GoPro MAX
Common Causes
- SD card full — no space left for new video
- SD card too slow for the selected video resolution (e.g. 5.3K requires a fast V30 card)
- SD card not formatted correctly (needs FAT32 or exFAT)
- Camera in Photo mode instead of Video mode
- Protune settings set to values that require a faster card than installed
- Camera frozen — needs restart
How to Fix It
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Check that the SD card is not full.
On the GoPro display, the remaining recording time is shown. If it shows 0:00, the card is full. Delete old files or use a new card.
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Format the SD card in the camera.
Preferences → Reset → Format SD Card. Formatting in-camera sets the correct file system. Be aware this deletes all files on the card — back up first.
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Use a fast enough SD card.
For 5.3K or 4K/120fps, GoPro recommends a V30 or faster microSD card. Slow cards cannot keep up with high-bitrate video and cause recording to stop or fail to start. SamSung PRO Endurance, SanDisk Extreme Pro, and Lexar 1066x are good choices.
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Check the camera is in Video mode.
Press the Mode button to cycle through Photo, Video, and Time-Lapse. The record button does nothing in Photo mode except take a photo.
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Restart the camera.
Hold the Mode button for 10 seconds to force a restart. A software freeze can prevent recording from starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my GoPro stop recording after a few minutes?
The most common causes of short recordings are overheating (especially in warm weather or with the lens cover on), a slow SD card dropping frames, or the card filling up. For long recording sessions, use an endurance-rated card and ensure good airflow around the camera.