If your GoPro is not reading your SD card, try the following tips. They will help you troubleshoot and fix any issues with your SD card that may be causing it to stop working properly. Format the SD card in your GoPro. This will set the correct block size and optimize it for your GoPro’s read and write capabilities.
1. Check the Card’s Speed
The higher the quality of your GoPro video files, the faster your card needs to be. If your SD card’s speed can’t keep up, it will display an error message on your camera that reads “SD ERR” or “NO SD”. Try blowing on the SD card and its port to remove any dust particles. Gently wipe it with a cloth or toothbrush if the problem persists.
If you have a spare SD card, try using it in your GoPro to see if the problem resolves itself. If not, try reformatting the card with a computer. Be sure to save any files on the card to a computer before formatting it.
2. Check the Card’s Surface
If the card itself is okay and it’s inserted correctly, the problem may be with the camera’s slot. Using a can of compressed air or a cleaning tool designed for SD cards can clean the metal contacts and remove any dust that’s stuck to them.
If all else fails, you can also try reformatting the card with Windows’ built-in CHKDSK program. However, doing this will erase all the photos and videos stored on the card. So make sure to recover any important files first. Then, connect the card to your computer and open File Explorer. You should see a new mapped drive appear in the list.
3. Check the Card’s Slot
If your GoPro’s SD card slot is dirty, it may cause the camera to malfunction. To clean it, remove the SD card and use isopropyl alcohol to scrub its metal parts and contacts. Make sure you dry the card completely before re-inserting it into the camera. Another way to clean the SD card’s slot is to use a can of compressed air. Gently blow on the SD card’s metal contacts and the slot itself.
If all else fails, try reformatting with the www.microsoft.com link. This will wipe all of its files, but it may fix the problem. If not, try using a data recovery software to recover your lost files.
4. Check the Card’s Contacts
The memory card’s contacts or the metal pieces on the camera’s SD slot can get dirty over time, leading to an error message like “NO SD.” Using a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol, gently clean them.
If cleaning the card doesn’t fix the problem, you can try reformatting it. This process will erase all videos and photos on the card, though, so be sure to back up any important files first. You can also contact GoPro’s customer support for help. In many cases, they can help you recover your data without losing any of it.
5. Check the Card’s Firmware
GoPro cameras are picky about what cards they’ll work with, so if you’re getting the “SD ERR” error message, try using another card. Also, if possible, try updating the camera’s firmware. Over time, the SD card’s contacts and slot can become dirty, which can cause it to stop working. To clean them, remove the card and use isopropyl alcohol to scrub its surface and its contacts. Then let the card and the contact points dry.
Once the scanning process is complete, you’ll be able to view your recovered data in two different patterns: Path and File Type. Select the ones you need and save them to your computer.
6. Check the Card’s Speed
GoPro recommends using a SD card with a peak write speed of 100 Mb/s or higher. But sometimes, the card might not be able to keep up with the camera’s maximum read and write speeds. Hence, you might face issues with storing and accessing photos and videos on the card. If this is the case, you should clean the card’s surface as well as its slot to remove any dirt or debris obstructing it.
You can also try using the card on another camera to see if it works properly or not. This way, you can rule out a device incompatibility or driver related issue as the cause of the problem.
