GoPro SD Card Error: How to Fix SD Error and Recover Your Data

Seeing “SD card error” on your GoPro? These SD card errors can prevent the camera from reading or writing data. In this guide, we’ll explain why GoPro SD card errors occur and show you how to fix them step by step.

Common GoPro SD Card Errors

In this section, we will list several common GoPro SD card errors.

#1. SD Err or SD Error

This error message is very common and usually indicates that there is a problem with the communication between the GoPro camera and the memory card. It could be a misaligned or damaged connection, a damaged memory card, or an incompatibility issue.

For example, if the memory card is not formatted correctly or the file system is corrupted, the camera may not be able to access it properly, resulting in this error.

Another possibility is that the memory card is not fully inserted into the camera’s card slot. Even a slight misalignment can prevent the camera from recognizing the card.

#2. No SD

When you see the “No SD Card” message on your GoPro, it means the camera can’t detect the SD card. This could be caused by a physical problem, such as the card being inserted incorrectly, a malfunctioning card slot, or a damaged card.

Sometimes, a card can come loose during use, especially if the camera is subject to vibration or impact. Also, if there is a hardware failure with the card, the camera won’t recognize it.

#3. Card Full

As the name suggests, this error indicates that the card has reached its maximum storage capacity and can no longer record new footage.

It’s important to check the available space on your card regularly, especially if you plan to record long videos or a lot of high-resolution photos. Once the card is full, you’ll need to transfer existing files to an external storage device or format the card to free up space.

#4. SD Card Is Locked

This error occurs when the write-protect switch on the memory card is in the “locked” position. When the memory card is locked, the camera cannot write new files to it.

However, if you encounter this error while trying to record new footage, you will need to slide the write-protect switch to the unlocked position.

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What Causes GoPro SD Card Errors?

GoPro SD card errors can be caused by an incompatible or low-speed SD card, improper formatting, outdated firmware, connection issues, or a failing memory card.

The table below summarizes the most common causes and why they can trigger SD card errors.

Once you identify the possible cause, follow the solutions below to fix common GoPro SD card errors such as “SD Err” and “No SD.”

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Recover Data from the GoPro SD Card

To protect the photos and videos on the damaged card, you should first recover them from the card using professional data recovery software. MiniTool Partition Wizard is an excellent choice.

Data Recovery is one of its featured functions. It allows you to recover files from storage devices such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, etc. Here is the guide:

MiniTool Partition Wizard DemoClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1. Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard on your computer. Then connect the SD card to the computer.

Step 2. Launch this software to enter its main interface and click Data Recovery in the top toolbar.

Step 3. In the pop-up window, under the Logical Devices tab, select the partition on the SD card and click Scan. Here, you can click the gear-shaped icon to select the desired file system or file type.

Step 4. Then, wait for the scan to complete. If the desired data is found, you can click the Pause or Stop icon to get instant data recovery.

Step 5. After completing the scan, make sure to tick the checkboxes of the folders/files you want to recover and click Save.

Step 6. In the pop-up window, select the location to save the selected files/folders and click OK to confirm this action. It is highly recommended that you save the recovered files on another drive. Otherwise, the lost/deleted data may be overwritten.

After recovering lost data, you can continue using MiniTool Partition Wizard for other functions. This versatile tool also lets you create/format/resize/extend partitions, wipe disks, partition a hard drive, check drive health, convert disks between MBR and GPT, clone a hard drive, etc.

How to Fix GoPro SD Card Error?

In this section, we will show you 6 feasible ways to solve your GoPro SD card errors. By checking the SD card, verifying the SD card compatibility, formatting the SD card, updating the GoPro firmware, and resetting the GoPro camera, you can solve it.

Way 1. Check and Reinsert the SD Card

The first and easiest step is to make sure the memory card is properly inserted into the camera. Carefully remove the memory card and inspect it for signs of damage, such as bent pins or scratches. Then, firmly insert the memory card, making sure it clicks into place.

Sometimes, a loose connection can be the cause of the error, and simply reinserting the memory card can fix the problem.

Also, some SD cards come with a small switch on the side that is used to enable or disable write protection. Check if the switch is stuck or damaged.

Way 2. Clean the SD Card and Slot

If the problem persists, clean the SD card and the SD card slot of your GoPro. Gently wipe the contacts on the SD card with a soft, lint-free cloth. For the card slot, you can use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris.

Be careful not to insert any sharp objects into the card slot to avoid damaging the internal components.

Way 3. Verify the SD Card Compatibility

Make sure you use a GoPro-compatible SD card. This is because GoPro cameras have specific requirements for SD cards, and using a mismatched card can easily trigger an error message.

For example, for HERO13/12/11/10, GoPro recommends using a V30 or UHS-3 rated microSD card. For HERO (2024), a microSD card with a V30 and Class A2 rating is recommended.

To find the best microSD card for your GoPro model and see a more comprehensive list, visit the official GoPro SD card requirements page.

Way 4. Format the SD Card

Formatting the SD card can often resolve issues related to a corrupted file system or improper formatting. You can do that on your GoPro camera or Windows PC. Here is the guide:

Format the SD card on GoPro camera

1. Swipe down from the top of the camera’s screen to access the Quick menu.
2. Tap the Preferences icon.
3. Scroll down through the list until you find Reset.
4. Tap Reset, then select Format SD card.

Format the SD card on Windows PC

If formatting in GoPro doesn’t work, you can also format the SD card on your computer using MiniTool Partition Wizard. As the GoPro camera SD card formatter, it can format the card with a few clicks.

MiniTool Partition Wizard FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

To format GoPro camera SD card with MiniTool Partition Wizard, here is the guide:

Step 1. In the main interface of MiniTool Partition Wizard, right-click the SD card partition from the disk map, and then choose Format from the context menu.

Step 2: On the pop-up window, choose the correct file system and click the OK button. GoPro cameras support FAT32 and exFAT file system. If your SD card is less than 32GB, you should choose FAT32. Otherwise, you should choose exFAT.

Step 3: Now, you can preview that the SD card partition will be a FAT32 file system. Then, click on the Apply button to execute the formatting operation.

Way 5. Update GoPro Firmware

Updating firmware can fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance compatibility with different memory cards.

To update GoPro firmware, connect the SD card to your computer with a card reader. Then, visit the official GoPro website and download the latest firmware for your specific model. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware update.

Way 6. Reset GoPro Camera

Sometimes, restoring your GoPro to factory settings can resolve memory card errors, especially if the problem is caused by incorrect settings.

To reset the camera, navigate to the Reset > Factory Reset > Reset. This will restore the camera’s default settings, after which you can reconfigure the settings to your liking.

I was troubled by the GoPro SD card error when using the camera. Fortunately, I solved this problem by formatting the SD card via MiniTool Partition Wizard. I’d like to share it with you!Click to Tweet

Bottom Line

SD card error on GoPro can be a major inconvenience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it can usually be resolved.

By understanding the different types of errors, their causes, and available workarounds, you can ensure your GoPro continues to capture high-quality footage without interruption.

If you have any questions or suggestions on how to use MiniTool Partition Wizard, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

GoPro SD Card Error FAQ