GoPro File Recovery: Recover Deleted Photos & Videos from GoPro

Learn to perform GoPro file recovery via SD card recovery software on this page. You can recover deleted photos & videos from GoPro SD cards and get some SD card recovery tips.

By @Penny Last Updated September 13, 2024

Can you recover deleted video footage and photos from GoPro?

GoPro action cameras have gradually gained a reputation for their durability and ability to withstand impressive stunts. Thus, many users use GoPro cameras to take photos and record videos.

But some users have reported that they cannot access their stored pictures or videos because of mishandling, damaged SD card, deletion, or other reasons.

I’m using a GoPro8+ San Disk extreme pro memory card. I had used this card before and continued using it (no disk formatting or changes). Yesterday I couldn’t notice my pics/videos. My videos and photos disappeared from camera SD cards. Has anyone had a similar experience? So is it possible for me to recover GoPro files from SD cards? Thanks.

- A user from GoPro Forums

Please don’t be concerned because there exists a possibility to recover GoPro files from SD cards. Please read further.

Why are some of my GoPro videos missing?

Let’s overview the following common reasons for missing GoPro videos or images.

User error
Corrupted file systems
Remove or Eject the SD card as it reads, writes, or transfers data
Use an unreliable memory card reader for file transfer
Recording with a drained battery
Poor connection
Physical damage
Power failure

To ensure the safety of your GoPro data, please these causes in mind and stay away from them.

Useful tips for GoPro file recovery

Before beginning GoPro file recovery, it is essential to remember a few helpful tips that can greatly impact the data recovery rate.

Stop using your GoPro: If you’ve accidentally deleted a precious video or photo while using your GoPro camera, you’re recommended to stop using the GoPro camera and its SD card because this precautionary measure can prevent overwritten files. Overwritten files are difficult to be recovered even with professional SD card recovery software.

Remove your SD card: Please remove the SD card from your GoPro camera and store it safely until you are ready to begin GoPro file recovery. Modern GoPro action cameras, including Hero 3/4/5/6/7/8/9, do not have internal memory, so having an alternate SD card is necessary to record any footage.

Avoid formatting the SD card: Formatting GoPro SD cards will not help restore lost files. Remember not to perform disk formatting as you receive this error message (you need to format the disk before using it). Although less detrimental than overwriting the lost files, disk formatting would only complicate the recovery process.

Create a disk backup of your SD card: Creating a byte-to-byte copy is advisable to safeguard your GoPro SD data because this process involves generating an exact replica of your SD card, including all its saved data.

Please scroll down to find ways to perform GoPro file recovery.

How to recover deleted GoPro videos and photos?

How to recover deleted GoPro videos from SD cards? At this point, powerful Windows data recovery software like MyRecover could be your second-to-none choice for GoPro file recovery.

Supported by AOMEI Tech, MyRecover is good at recovering deleted photos & videos from SD cards.

After recovery, please store your retrieved videos/images in another path instead of the original GoPro camera SD card.
If you only need to recover videos/pictures from your GoPro SD card within 500MB, you don’t have to pay for it because MyRecover can help users recover 500MB files.
If you want to recover a large number of deleted files from SD cards or other local hard drives, upgrading MyRecover may be a better and more money-saving choice.

Highlights of MyRecover:

High-efficiency: Recover MS Office files, WPS files, folders, compressed files, images, audio, songs, videos, and websites, from SD cards, internal & external HDDs, SSDs, USBs, etc.
Advanced scanning method: MyRecover runs Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically to search all the recoverable files. Specify the filename, saved path, date, or size to filter your needed files.
Convenience: Retain the original filename, path, and format for the deleted files.
Excellent compatibility: Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems and work with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Server PC.

Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server

Secure Download

Step 1. Connect the GoPro camera SD card to your Windows and launch MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the SD card saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. MyRecover will automatically scan your chosen GoPro camera SD card and search all the recoverable files.

You can preview/filter specific files according to Documents Type, Name, Path, or Date.

Name: Type the relevant filenames in the search bar to quickly locate your desired deleted/lost files.
Date modified: Set a customized date (today, yesterday, last 7 or 30 days, etc.)
Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~512MB, etc.)

Step 3. Under the Other Missing Files Folder, select your needed photos/videos. Then click the “Recover x files” button.

FQ&A about GoPro file recovery & data loss prevention tips

Data loss is a common occurrence for GoPro users. If you’re bothered by deleted GoPro videos or images, please consider adopting MyRecover to get them back.

Moreover, some practical tips can help you avoid losing important footage and preserve precious memories.

How to recover deleted GoPro videos from SD cards?

Here is the most efficient way to recover deleted photos & videos from GoPro SD cards. Connect your GoPro SD card to the Windows > install and run MyRecover > select the SD card > select your desired videos or images > Recover x files > save them in another location.

How do I fix a corrupted GoPro MP4?

To recover corrupt GoPro video files, you can run CHKDSK with parameters to fix file system errors.

What is the best GoPro file recovery software?

While numerous GoPro recovery software applications exist, MyRecover is recognized as one of the best data recovery software for Windows because it offers excellent features and easy-to-following operating steps.

Why does my GoPro keep giving me an SD card error?

If you receive SD ERR (sometimes SD ERROR) or NO SD errors, which suggests your GoPro device fails to establish proper communication with its SD card. And these error messages can appear on the LCD screen. You can try the following tips to fix it. Please ensure the SD card is properly inserted into your GoPro camera. Please connect the SD card to your PC to verify its functionality. If you’ve backed up important data beforehand, you could format your GoPro SD card by going to the Settings menu > selecting the trash icon > select Delete All/Format your SD card.

How do I prevent data loss on my SD card?

Undoubtedly, it’s crucial to note that prevention is always better than cure. By taking these precautionary measures, you can safeguard your GoPro media files and reduce the need for recovery in the first place. To minimize the risk of data loss, it’s advisable to make regular file backups using this free Windows backup software, AOMEI Backupper because it has richer features and more straightforward steps than Windows backup features. Meanwhile, handling your GoPro camera SD card with care is necessary. Please avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, moisture, or physical damage.