This article explains how to charge a GoPro Hero 5 Black Edition camera and GoPro batteries. The process is similar for other GoPro cameras but may be different for older models.

What to Know

  • Charge with the battery outside camera: Insert camera into charging cradle > plug cradle into power source.Charge with battery inside camera: Connect GoPro charging cable to PC or to wall outlet with adapter.

Charging With the Battery Outside the Camera

Aftermarket chargers are available for many GoPro models. Many support charging two batteries at once. Purchase an extra battery so that you always have one with a full charge.

To charge a GoPro battery with a charging device, remove the battery from the camera. This procedure depends on the camera model. For example, for a GoPro Hero 5 Black Edition, follow these steps:

  • Locate the button on the bottom panel.
  • Press the button and slide the door to the side.
  • Swing the door out to reveal the battery.
  • Remove the battery by pulling on the attached plastic strip.
  • Once the battery is removed, insert it into the charging cradle and plug the cradle into either a wall adapter or computer.
  • It takes about two to four hours to go from empty to full. Most cradles have lights to indicate the charging status. Red indicates the battery is charging, and green indicates a fully charged battery.
  • Once the battery indicator turns green, pull the battery from the charger and insert it into the GoPro. You’re ready for your close up!

Charging With the Battery Inside the Camera

It’s easy to charge a GoPro battery while it’s inside the camera. You need a cable to go from the camera to either a computer or a wall outlet.

Locate the button on the bottom panel.

Press the button and slide the door to the side.

Swing the door out to reveal the battery.

Remove the battery by pulling on the attached plastic strip.

Once the battery is removed, insert it into the charging cradle and plug the cradle into either a wall adapter or computer.

It takes about two to four hours to go from empty to full. Most cradles have lights to indicate the charging status. Red indicates the battery is charging, and green indicates a fully charged battery.

Once the battery indicator turns green, pull the battery from the charger and insert it into the GoPro. You’re ready for your close up!

To charge the battery from a wall outlet, you need an adapter that allows you to plug the USB cable into a standard outlet (similar to what you use for a smartphone).

USB Cables

The type of USB cable you need depends on the GoPro model. Here’s a list of cables that various GoPro models use.

These models are compatible with USB-C:

  • GoPro MaxGoPro HERO8 BlackGoPro HERO7 BlackGoPro HERO7 SilverGoPro HERO7 WhiteGoPro FusionGoPro HERO (2018)GoPro HERO6 BlackGoPro HERO5 BlackGoPro HERO5 Session

These models are compatible with Micro-USB B:

  • GoPro HERO SessionGoPro HERO4 Session

These models are compatible with Mini-USB (USB Mini-B 5 pin):

  • GoPro HERO4 BlackGoPro HERO4 SilverGoPro HERO3+GoPro HERO3GoPro HERO+ LCDGoPro HERO+GoPro HERO (2014)GoPro HD HERO2GoPro HD HERO Original

Plugging in the Cable

Where the cable plugs in depends on the GoPro model. For example, the GoPro Hero 5 Black Edition includes a USB-C connection on the side (under a removable door). Plug the USB-C cable into this connection, and then plug the other end into either your computer or an adapter for a wall outlet.

Your GoPro camera likely included the proper cable when you purchased it, so check the packaging.

Charging Your GoPro

GoPro models with touchscreens, such as the GoPro Hero 5 Black Edition, report the battery’s charge percentage during charging. Once the indicator shows 100 percent, it’s time to unplug and film.

Older cameras may not have this ability. Generally, with a standard wall outlet, charging a battery from empty to full takes about two hours. If you use a desktop or laptop to charge the battery, going from empty to full can take up to four hours.

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