How to Recover GoPro Video from SD Cards? [3 Ways]

Can you retrieve deleted GoPro videos?

GoPro cameras are popular among adventure enthusiasts and content creators due to their ability to capture high-quality videos in extreme conditions.

Many users would like to transfer GoPro videos to iPhones or places after taking some great videos to share them with others as good memories.

However, there are instances where GoPro videos stored on an SD card can be accidentally deleted or become inaccessible. It's a frustrating situation that can lead to the loss of not only your time but also precious memories.

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But fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the process of recovering GoPro videos from SD cards effectively. Whether you've accidentally deleted the files or encountered an SD card error, we've got you covered.

So, let's dive into the reasons first!

Video loss causes: Why are some of my GoPro videos missing?

Understanding the potential reasons behind the loss of GoPro videos from an SD card can help you maximize your chances of successful recovery.

✍ Accidental formatting: Disk formatting wipes your GoPro SD cards and all contents including the videos will be gone.

✍ Accidental deletion: Removing videos from the GoPro SD cards will directly delete the videos instead of moving them to the desktop Recycle Bin.

✍ Corrupted SD card: Logical and physical damage can cause a corrupted SD card and lead to GoPro video loss.

✍ Improper ejection: Force ejection might damage the file system or partition table. It requires proper insertion and ejection, otherwise, errors may happen. E.g., some users find that they cannot delete GoPro files from SD cards.

✍ Physical damage: Dropping/jolting/water/oil damage may imply a low chance of successful recovery and may require professional help.

✍ Camera firmware issues: Firmware problems also happen, which can make it difficult to recover deleted GoPro videos.

How to recover GoPro videos from SD cards?

Now that you understand the possible causes of GoPro SD card errors, let's explore methods for recovering deleted videos from your GoPro. Try these detailed solutions and learn how to recover deleted GoPro videos from SD cards on Windows PC.

Before attempting any recovery method, it is crucial to take certain precautions to maximize the chances of successful recovery:

• Stop using the SD card immediately to prevent overwriting the deleted files.
• Remove the SD card from your GoPro and keep it in a safe place.
• Do not format the SD card or perform any write operations on it, including adding files/creating partitions.

Method 1: Efficiently recover GoPro videos from SD cards without backups

Are you devastated by the loss of your precious GoPro videos? We understand the emotional toll it takes when your priceless memories vanish in an instant.

To recover GoPro files, you need to download and install the appropriate GoPro recovery software. MyRecover stands out among data recovery tools for Windows with its user-friendly interface and simple recovery process.

Easy: With its visually pleasing user interface and user-friendly guide, MyRecover empowers all users, regardless of technical expertise, to effortlessly restore their deleted and lost files. 

Competitive: It enables users to effortlessly restore deleted and lost files, including videos in various formats like mp4, mpg, avi, etc.

Comprehensive: Besides SD cards, you can also easily retrieve your GoPro videos from healthy or formatted SD cards, HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, and more. 

Compatible: it is available for Windows 10, 11, 8, 7, and Server.

Follow the detailed instructions and learn how to recover deleted videos from micro SD cards.

Step 1. Install and run the MyRecover software, connect the GoPro SD card to your PC, hover the mouse over the SD card drive, and star Scan.

Step 2. Use filters like Type, Size, Date modified, etc., to target the video files.

Step 3. Access the Other missing files folder > Videos section, select the desired videos and click Recover x files. In addition to videos, this app also supports the recovery of accidentally deleted photos from SD cards.

The free version allows for the restoration of up to 30 MB of files each time, while the pro/tech version offers unlimited data recovery. Upgrade MyRecover and start to enjoy!

Method 2: Perform GoPro video recovery via Windows File Recovery

Windows File Recovery is a command-line utility that can restore deleted and lost files from both internal and external hard drives, whether healthy, corrupted, or formatted.

With the parameters and recovery modes it offers, users can search and scan for deleted GoPro videos from SD cards.

What is notable is that this tool doesn’t provide GUI, users have to operate it with commands, which is pretty challenging. Check the Windows File Recovery user guide if you need it.

Notes:✎...

Windows File Recovery is available for users of Windows 10, 2004, Windows 10, version 2004 (Build 19041), and above.

Step 1. Carefully connect your SD card to the computer, right-click the SD card drive in This PC, and go to Properties to determine the File System used by the SD card.

Step 2. Choose an appropriate recovery mode based on the File System and the data loss situation.

Step 3. Target your desired files using switches to narrow down the search.

Step 4. Install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.

Step 5. Then input the command using the following format: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches].

For example, to restore deleted video files: winfr F: D: /extensive /n *.mp4. Confirm with "y" to initiate the scan and recovery process.

If Windows File Recovery failed to create destination folder, check the tutorial to fix it.

Method 3. Retrieve GoPro deleted videos from GoPro Plus Backup

If you want to recover deleted videos from the GoPro app, GoPro Plus cloud storage provides a backup solution.

It automatically uploads videos when connected to Wi-Fi, and subscribing to GoPro Plus allows for video recovery from this cloud storage. GoPro Plus is available on iOS, Windows, Android, and Mac.

Step 1. Open your GoPro Plus account on the mobile app or access it via Quik on your PC's desktop or gopro.com on a browser.

Step 2. View and restore deleted files from GoPro Plus backup. You could access your cloud backups from another mobile device.

Best practices to prevent GoPro video loss

To minimize the risk of losing your GoPro videos in the future, consider implementing the following best practices:

 ► Regularly Backing up Your GoPro Videos

Make it a habit to back up your GoPro videos to a secure location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. This way, even if you encounter a data loss situation, you'll have a copy of your precious footage. For example, you could back up SD card files to Google Drive or other cloud storage/external storage devices.

► Safely Ejecting the SD Card

Always follow the proper procedure for ejecting the SD card from your GoPro or computer to avoid file system errors and corruption. Safely ejecting the card ensures data integrity and reduces the risk of video loss.

► Avoiding File Corruption

Handle your SD card and GoPro camera carefully to prevent physical damage. Additionally, avoid forcefully removing the SD card during video recording or while the camera is powered on, as it may lead to file corruption.

Bonus tip: supported video formats for GoPro cameras

• MP4: All GoPro cameras can handle MP4 files, which are encoded using h.264 or h.265 codecs. The h.265 codec is utilized in high-resolution video formats.
• LRV: LRV stands for low-resolution video, serving as a preview file for recorded footage. It allows previewing the original MP4 file on a built-in touch LCD screen or mobile app.
• THM: THM refers to thumbnail files. These small images represent the original MP4 files and occupy only a few KBs of storage each, with dimensions of 160 x 120 pixels.

MyRecover could help whenever you need to recover MP4 files from SD cards and other formats you need.

Conclusion

Losing GoPro videos can be disheartening, but with the right approach, you can recover them successfully. In this article, we explored various methods to recover GoPro videos from SD cards, including utilizing data recovery software and backups.

Additionally, we discussed precautions to take before recovery and best practices to prevent future video loss. By following the outlined steps and guidelines, you can increase your chances of retrieving your cherished GoPro footage.