How to Format SD Card on GoPro [Quick Solutions]

GoPro is one of the most popular cameras that require a good SD card. Formatting the SD card can free up space and enhance the camera's performance, which is a fundamental feature of GoPro.

If you're in need of learning how to format an SD card on your GoPro, this guide will offer you the best assistance. Additionally, you'll discover an excellent alternative to the built-in GoPro formatting tool that can aid in resolving various formatting issues.

What Format Does GoPro SD Card Use?

Before we delve into how to format SD card on GoPro, we need to understand the file system format that the GoPro SD card employs.

GoPro SD cards should be formatted as FAT32 for cards 32GB or smaller, and exFAT for cards with a capacity of 64GB or larger. Keep in mind that the NTFS format, which we commonly use, is not suitable for GoPro cards. It is ideal for files or game disks that are larger than 4GB.

Before formatting the SD card, make sure to determine the correct GoPro SD card format to prevent SD card corruption or any other issues. If you wish to understand the differences between the three, click the link below for more detailed information.

After selecting the appropriate format for the GoPro SD card, let's explore how to format the SD card on your GoPro.

How to Format SD Card on GoPro? Formatting an SD card on your GoPro is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. **Power On Your GoPro**: Press the power button to turn on your camera. 2. **Access the Main Menu**: Press the "MODE" button to cycle through capture modes until you reach the main menu. 3. **Enter Settings**: In the main menu, press the "INFO" or "DOWN" button to access the settings menu. 4. **Select "System"**: Scroll down and select "System" using the shutter button to navigate and the "DOWN" button to select. 5. **Choose "Format SD Card"**: Within the System settings, scroll down and find the "Format SD Card" option. Select it using the shutter button. 6. **Confirm Formatting**: A warning message will appear, asking you to confirm the formatting. Use the shutter button to confirm or the "DOWN" button to cancel. If you choose to continue, the formatting process will begin. 7. **Wait for Completion**: Formatting may take a few minutes, so be patient. Do not turn off your GoPro during this process. 8. **Verification**: Once completed, your GoPro will verify the formatted card. After that, you're ready to use your SD card with a fresh start. Remember, formatting will erase all data on the SD card, so ensure you've transferred any important files to your computer before proceeding.

The GoPro camera features an integrated SD card formatting tool that allows you to format your SD card promptly in emergency situations. GoPro provides various models, including GoPro Hero 3, GoPro Hero 4, GoPro Hero 5, GoPro Hero 8, and more. If you're unsure how to format an SD card on your GoPro, please follow the step-by-step guide below.

For GoPro Hero 4 and Lower models

If you're using a GoPro Hero 2, GoPro Hero 3, or GoPro Hero 4, please follow these steps to format the SD card on your device: 1. Power on your GoPro camera by pressing the power button. 2. Ensure that the SD card is properly inserted into the camera's SD card slot. 3. From the main menu, navigate to the "Settings" option. 4. Using the up and down buttons, scroll until you find the "System" or "Memory" settings, then press the select button to enter. 5. Select the "Format SD Card" option. On some models, this might be found under "Tools" > "Format Card." 6. A warning message will appear, asking you to confirm the action. Press the select button again to proceed with the formatting process. 7. Wait for the camera to complete the formatting. This may take a few moments. 8. Once the formatting is finished, your GoPro will return to the main menu. You can now use your formatted SD card to record new footage. Remember that formatting will erase all data on the SD card, so ensure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.

Step 1. Insert the SD card into the GoPro.

Step 2. Turn on the GoPro Hero and press the Front Mode button repeatedly. Locate "Settings."

Step 3. Continue holding down the Mode button and click on the trash can icon.

Step 4. Choose "ALL/FORMAT." Then, press "DELETE" to complete formatting the SD card on the GoPro.

For GoPro Hero 5 and Above

If you're using a higher version of GoPro, such as GoPro Hero 8 or GoPro Hero 9, please follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1. Insert the SD card into the GoPro.

Step 2. Open the GoPro Hero and swipe down.

Step 3. Select "Preference."

Step 4. Scroll down and select "Format SD Card."

Step 5. Select "DELETE"/"FORMAT" to complete formatting the SD card on the GoPro.

This is how you format an SD card on a GoPro. Isn't it quite straightforward? However, if the SD card is write-protected or has bad sectors, you won't be able to format it directly on the GoPro. In such cases, you'll need to use a computer. Moving forward, I'll guide you through one of the safest methods to format your GoPro SD card on a Windows computer.

Bonus Tip: How to Format SD Card for GoPro on Windows If you're looking for an alternative way to format your GoPro SD card on a Windows computer, follow these steps: 1. **Connect the GoPro to the Computer**: First, connect your GoPro to your Windows PC using a USB cable. Make sure your camera is turned off. 2. **Open File Explorer**: On your Windows taskbar, click on the File Explorer icon (usually represented by a folder). 3. **Locate the SD Card**: In the File Explorer window, navigate to the "This PC" or "Devices with Removable Storage" section. You should see your GoPro listed as a removable drive, often labeled as "GOPRO (F:)" or something similar. 4. **Right-click on the SD Card**: Select the SD card from the list and right-click on it. A context menu will appear. 5. **Format the SD Card**: From the context menu, choose "Format." 6. **Choose Format Options**: In the Format window that appears, select the following options: - File System: Choose "FAT32" for compatibility with most devices, or "exFAT" if you need to store larger files (over 4GB). - Allocation Unit Size: Keep the default setting, usually "Default." - Volume Label: You can optionally give the SD card a custom label, like "GoPro SD." - Check the box for "Quick Format" (this will format the card faster). 7. **Start Formatting**: Click on the "Start" button to begin the formatting process. A warning message will appear, reminding you that all data will be erased. Click "OK" to proceed. 8. **Wait for Formatting to Complete**: The formatting may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the SD card. Do not remove the SD card or turn off your GoPro during this process. 9. **Eject the SD Card**: Once the formatting is complete, safely eject the GoPro from your computer by right-clicking on its icon in File Explorer and selecting "Eject." Now, you can remove the USB cable and use the formatted SD card with your GoPro. Remember, formatting will erase all data on the SD card, so ensure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.

The simplest method to format an SD card for GoPro on Windows is by utilizing a professional disk management utility like tools Partition Master Free. This is a free yet robust tool for formatting GoPro SD cards. You can refer to the table below to compare it with GoPro's in-built tool.

tools Partition Master is not only a free option but also provides more comprehensive features for formatting SD cards specifically for GoPro use. Additionally, it is highly user-friendly.

Step 1. Locate your SD card and right-click on the partition you wish to format, then select "Format."

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click "OK".

Step 3. Click "Yes" on the pop-up window to proceed.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button on the toolbar, then click "Apply" to begin formatting your SD card.

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If the SD card not showing up Windows 10, it might be due to a corrupted SD card or a damaged file system. Partition Master can also easily fix this issue. Additionally, it can check disk health status and repair bad sectors or mend corrupted disks.

Conclusion

This guide outlines the process of formatting an SD card on a GoPro camera. It distinguishes between methods for GoPro Hero 4 and earlier models, and GoPro Hero 5 and newer models. Furthermore, it recommends a top tool for formatting SD cards for GoPro on Windows, called Partition Master, which efficiently formats SD cards and offers additional SD card repair and protection features.

Frequently Asked Questions About Formatting an SD Card on GoPro

Here are some frequently asked questions about GoPro and SD cards. I hope they will be of assistance to you.

< strong > 1. Do you need to format the SD card for GoPro?

Yes, that's correct. Since it doesn't have an SD card, you'll need to purchase one and format it to create additional storage space for data.

2. What does it mean to format an SD card for GoPro? Formatting an SD card for GoPro means preparing the memory card specifically for use with your GoPro camera. This process involves erasing all existing data on the card, setting it up with the appropriate file system, and optimizing it to work efficiently with your GoPro device. Formatting ensures that the card is compatible, free from errors, and ready to store high-quality videos and photos captured by your GoPro. It's always recommended to format the SD card through your GoPro camera itself, rather than using a computer, as this ensures it's done in a way that's optimized for the camera.

Formatting an SD card for GoPro involves initializing it and clearing its storage space to make it ready for use with your GoPro camera.

3. How do I format my SD card on my GoPro Hero 9? To format your SD card on your GoPro Hero 9, follow these steps: 1. Power on your GoPro Hero 9 by pressing the power button. 2. Ensure that the SD card is inserted correctly into the camera's SD card slot. 3. From the main screen, press the Shutter button to enter the settings menu. 4. Using the touch screen, swipe down to access the "Settings" menu. 5. Scroll down and select "System." 6. Tap on "Format SD Card." 7. A warning message will appear. Confirm that you want to format the card by tapping "Yes." 8. Wait for the formatting process to complete. This should only take a few seconds. 9. Once done, your SD card will be formatted, and your GoPro will return to the main screen. Remember that formatting will erase all data on the SD card, so ensure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.

Here are the steps to format your SD card on a GoPro Hero 9: 1. Power on your GoPro Hero 9 by pressing the power button. 2. Ensure that the SD card is inserted correctly in the camera's SD card slot. 3. From the main screen, press the Shutter button to enter the main menu. 4. Using the rear touch screen, scroll down and select "Settings." 5. In the settings menu, scroll down and choose "Memory." 6. Tap on "Format SD Card" option. A warning message will appear. 7. Confirm the action by selecting "Yes" or "OK" on the prompt. This will erase all data on the SD card. 8. Wait for the formatting process to complete. The camera will display a message indicating that the SD card has been formatted. 9. Press the power button to exit the menu and return to the main screen. Your SD card is now formatted and ready to use with your GoPro Hero 9. Remember to backup any important files before formatting.

Step 1. Open the GoPro Hero 9 and swipe down to select "Preferences."

Step 2. Scroll down to Reset.

Step 3. Choose "Format SD Card."