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How to Recover Deleted/Lost Files from GoPro

Home > HowTos > File Recovery Tips Updated by Amy on June 28, 2024 | Approved by William

GoPro cameras are essential tools for adventurers, sports enthusiasts, and content creators who wish to capture their most thrilling moments. However, the dread of losing those captivating videos is an unfortunate reality, and if you're reading this article, it may have happened to you. Fear not; in the following sections, I will detail how you can recover GoPro videos and photos, ensuring you can constantly relive every jump, splash, and swoosh from your favorite action sports.

Understand the Source of the Loss

The first step in GoPro recovery is understanding how the video was lost. Each situation likely requires a different approach, so knowing the root cause can guide you toward the most effective solution.

No matter why your files were lost, there is always a way to restore your memories as long as you act quickly.

Preparation Before GoPro Data Recovery

Prevention is better than cure, but when prevention fails, preparation is everything. If you've realized you need to recover deleted files from GoPro, here's what you need to do:

How to Recover GoPro Videos and Photos

When everything is in place, it's time to begin recovery. There are multiple ways for GoPro recover deleted files, from using specialized recovery software to advanced techniques using Command Prompt to a GoPro Plus account. Next, you can check them and choose a suitable one.

Method 1: Using Recovery Tool

One of the most reliable methods for GoPro recovery is using specialized tools. Here are two options that have proven to be effective:

A. iBeesoft Data Recovery

iBeesoft is user-friendly and powerful software, especially for photo video recovery with a high success rate. The following are its main features:

Best GoPro Recovery Software

(Trust Score 4.7 by 1695 Users)
  • Its built-in repair options can greatly reorganize corrupted items to improve recovery.
  • Powerful algorithm, even if your GoPro memory card is inaccessible, it can still retrieve data from it.
  • The software's simple and clean interface and preview options ensure that users can easily navigate the GoPro file recovery on Mac or Windows without extensive technical knowledge.
Download for Windows Download for macOS

Here is a guide on how to recover GoPro videos:

  1. Download, install, and launch iBeesoft on your computer.
  2. Insert your GoPro's SD card into your computer.
  3. Select the card as the target location for scanning.

  4. After scanning, the software will display the recoverable files. You can preview them to determine the target file.

  5. Select the GoPro videos you want and click "Recover" to store them.

B. PhotoRec

While its powerful features and cross-platform support make PhotoRec a solid option, it runs from the command line, making it unsuitable for all users. However, you can still follow the steps below to recover deleted files from GoPro.

  1. Insert your GoPro's memory card into the computer or connect the GoPro itself if it allows data access.
  2. After extracting the downloaded package, run PhotoRec. If you're on MacOS or Linux, you might need to launch it via Terminal with administrative privileges.
  3. Select the storage device containing your missing GoPro files and select the partition. For most, it will be the primary partition.

  4. Choose file system type; if unsure, opt for "Other."

  5. Choose "Free" to recover files from free space or "Whole" to scan the entire device.
  6. Choose a location to save recovered files.
  7. After the setup, PhotoRec will start scanning. Depending on the storage size and the accidentally deleted GoPro video or picture, the process can take some time.
  8. Once the scan is complete, PhotoRec will place the recovered GoPro files in your specified directory.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (For Advanced Users)

This method suits users who feel comfortable navigating their computer's operating system. It involves using Windows Command Prompt to recover GoPro files directly. Basic steps include:

  1. Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type in "diskpart > list volume" and press Enter.
  3. Select the GoPro SD card by typing select volume X, with "X" being the number of the drive.
  4. Type "attributes disk clear readonly" and confirm.

Method 3: GoPro Plus Account

If you've subscribed to GoPro Plus, you are in luck. This subscription service offers automatic backup and lets you access your media files anywhere with the cloud storage solution. To undelete GoPro files, please follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your GoPro account from the GoPro website or mobile app.
  2. Navigate to the cloud storage section of your account and look for the recently deleted footage.
  3. Choose your lost GoPro files and follow the prompts.

Please note that the ability to recover deleted GoPro videos or photos from using a Plus Account is often time-dependent, as it is only available for a specified period.

How to Repair the Corrupted GoPro Card without Losing Files

Are you unable to access the files on your GoPro memory card due to corruption? If this is the reason you are looking for a GoPro SD card recovery solution, you can use the following methods to resolve this issue.

Method 1: Using Built-in System Tools

For Windows PC:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type "chkdsk *: /f" (replace "*" with the letter assigned to your card) and press Enter.

For macOS:

  1. Navigate to "Applications > Utilities" and click Disk Utility.
  2. Click on the corrupted SD card from the sidebar.
  3. Click the "First Aid" button and follow the prompts to repair it.

Method 2: Format the Memory Card

Suppose the above method does not work, and you have backed up the data or retrieved files, such as GoPro-stored videos, using data recovery software for Mac or Windows. In that case, you can format them to solve the problem fundamentally.

Preventing Future GoPro Data Loss

Restoring GoPro files is a temporary relief from the panic of those memories seemingly being wiped out. To help you avoid this situation in the future, here are some best practices:

Conclusion

Losing GoPro videos or photos is a distressing experience, especially when they hold priceless memories and the adrenaline of captured exploits. By following the guidelines in this post, you can maximize your chances of GoPro recovery. Remember to act quickly, choose the right tools, and avoid worsening the situation with inappropriate actions. Lastly, prevention should always be prioritized through regular backups and safe storage practices. Your adventures deserve to be preserved, and with the right approach, they can be recovered.

FAQs

  • Unfortunately, GoPros does not have a feature like a Recycle Bin, where all deleted files are stored for recovery. Once a file is deleted from a GoPro, it's often permanently removed and cannot be restored using the device's built-in functionality. However, third-party software can sometimes help recover deleted files from GoPro.

  • Without a GoPro Plus subscription, recovering deleted GoPro files usually requires third-party data recovery software since GoPro does not have a native reverse option.her until recovery is attempted.

  • Several data recovery tools, such as iBeesoft Data Recovery, Wondershare Recoverit, and Disk Drill, are well-suited for GoPro files. These tools typically offer a robust scanning and recovery process to retrieve various file formats commonly used in the GoPro's storage drive.

  • Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary equipment. You'll need your GoPro, a memory card reader, a computer, and the software. Remember to charge your GoPro fully or connect it to a power source, as GoPro data recovery can be time-consuming. It's also important to select a reliable and stable computer to minimize the risk of further data loss.

  • If your GoPro's memory card has been formatted, please stop using it to avoid overwriting the data. Formatting a memory card doesn't permanently erase the data; it only clears the file directory. Use recovery software as soon as possible to recover GoPro footage.

  • Yes! If the computer can recognize your GoPro, you can use iBeesoft Data Recovery to extract the data from it. If your GoPro has been physically damaged, it is best to seek out a professional data recovery service that has experience dealing with physical damage to storage devices.

  • Here are a few tips to increase the likelihood of a successful recovery:

    1. Immediately stop using the GoPro or its memory card once you realize files are deleted or lost.
    2. Choose a powerful and reliable recovery tool suited for GoPro files.
    3. Ensure your computer's anti-virus software is temporarily disabled during recovery to prevent scanning interference.

    Following these tips and being patient during the recovery process can maximize your chances of retrieving your precious footage from your GoPro.