GoPro Not Charging or Turning On: How to Diagnose and Fix the Problem

If your GoPro won’t charge or turn on after plugging it in, the problem usually involves the battery, charger, or the camera’s internal power system. Check the battery and charger first, then try simple resets and troubleshooting steps. If those don’t work, hardware damage or defects could be the cause, and professional repair might be needed.

Why won’t my GoPro charge or turn on?

When a GoPro won’t charge or power on, the screen stays blank, no lights appear, or the charging indicator doesn’t show when plugged in. Sometimes the camera is completely unresponsive even after being connected to power. This can happen suddenly or after physical impact or water exposure. It usually means the camera isn’t receiving power due to battery problems, a faulty charger, or internal electrical faults.

Symptom example:

No lights, blank screen, no charging indicator when plugged in

Before you start

This guide applies to most GoPro models with USB-C charging and removable or fixed batteries. You don’t need special privileges or software to check basic hardware issues. No restart or backup is required before you begin. Start with these safe checks:

• Make sure the charging cable and power source are working.
• Inspect the battery for visible damage or swelling.
• Check that the USB port on the camera is clean and undamaged.

Could the battery or charger be the issue?

First, rule out common power supply problems:

• If your GoPro has a removable battery, take it out and check for swelling, damage, or if it’s completely drained.
• Look over the charging cable and charger for damage like frayed wires, bent connectors, or corrosion.
• Try a different USB cable and wall adapter that you know work with similar devices.
• Use a different power outlet to exclude a faulty socket.
• If possible, test with another compatible GoPro or battery to isolate the problem.

If the battery won’t hold a charge or the charger and cable don’t deliver power, replacing those parts is the simplest fix.

How do I reset or troubleshoot the GoPro’s power system?

If the battery and charger seem fine, try these steps to reset the camera:

1. Remove the battery (if removable) and wait about 10 seconds.
2. Reinsert the battery firmly and try turning on the camera.
3. Hold the Mode/Power button for about 10 seconds to perform a soft reset. Watch for any signs that the camera restarts.
4. Plug the camera into a power source and watch for charging indicators.
5. If your GoPro supports it, update or reinstall the firmware using the official GoPro app or desktop software to fix possible software glitches.

These steps often fix minor power or software issues that prevent the camera from turning on.

How can I tell if my GoPro is physically damaged?

Physical damage can prevent charging or powering on. Check for:

• Water damage: Moisture or corrosion inside the battery compartment or near ports.
• Swollen battery: A bulging battery won’t charge properly and is unsafe.
• Damaged ports: Bent or broken USB-C or charging ports can stop power flow.
• Cracks or dents: Severe impacts might damage internal parts.

If you notice any of these, stop using or charging the camera. The problem likely requires professional inspection or battery replacement to avoid safety risks.

How do I verify that my GoPro is fixed and charging properly?

After fixes, check these to confirm your GoPro is working:

• It powers on normally when you press the power button.
• The charging LED or screen icon lights up when plugged in.
• The battery percentage increases over time while charging.
• The camera functions without unexpected shutdowns or error messages.

If these signs are present, your GoPro is likely charging and operating correctly. If not, repeat earlier checks or consider hardware faults.

When should I contact GoPro support or a repair service?

Contact GoPro support or a repair service if your camera still won’t charge or turn on after checking the battery and charger, performing resets, and ruling out visible damage. Persistent issues often mean internal hardware faults like motherboard or charging circuit damage. Also reach out if you see water damage or a swollen battery you cannot safely replace yourself. Professional repair or replacement may be necessary to prevent further damage or safety hazards.

Conclusion

Start by checking the battery and charger if your GoPro won’t charge or turn on. Then try resets and firmware updates. Physical damage usually requires repair. Confirm your fix by looking for charging indicators and camera responsiveness. If problems persist, contact GoPro support or a qualified repair service to avoid making the issue worse.