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How to Turn Off Your GoPro (All Model Guide) Hero12 to Hero5

If you have a new GoPro, it can be hard to find the off switch. There are actually three ways to turn off every GoPro, with specific steps varying across specific models. Here’s how to turn off a GoPro camera – every model from the Hero5 up to the newest Hero12.

how to turn off gopro

How to Turn Off a GoPro (All Models)

There are three ways to turn off your GoPro. Specific camera instructions below.

  1. Voice commands: For voice-activated models, simply say “GoPro Turn Off”. It really is that easy. Learn more about GoPro voice commands.
  2. Manual: Press and hold the Mode button for 2-3 seconds (depending on the model).
  3. Auto Power Off: This setting will turn off your GoPro after a period of inactivity. Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never. This will ensure that you never end up with a dead battery because you forgot to turn your camera off. The 15-minute increment is set by default.

The Auto Power Off setting works on all the current models, except the older Fusion. This model has an automatic shut-off after 7 minutes of inactivity.

More reading: Just how long does a GoPro battery last? See our full guide (with tips for longer life).

To get the most from your battery, make sure to turn off Voice Control, and then turn your camera off manually (more on this later).

Shutting your camera off when you aren’t using it, will help avoid overheating and other performance glitches. Learn more about why GoPro cameras overheat and tips for keeping them cool.

Here’s the full guide to each GoPro camera, from the Hero5 to the Hero11 Black.


Turn off GoPro Hero12

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro, turn off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
  3. Auto Power Off: In the Dashboard, swipe left and tap Preferences > General > Auto Power Off. Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never. 

Turn off GoPro Hero11

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro, turn off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
  3. Auto Power Off: In the Dashboard, swipe left and tap Preferences > General > Auto Power Off. Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never. 

Turn off GoPro Hero10

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro, turn off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
  3. Auto Power Off: In the Dashboard, swipe left and tap Preferences > General > Auto Power Off. Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never. 

Turn off GoPro Hero9

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro, turn off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
  3. Auto Power Off: In the Dashboard, swipe left and tap Preferences > General > Auto Power Off. Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never. 

Turn off GoPro Hero8

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro Turn Off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds to turn it off.
  3. Auto Power Off: Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never.

Turn off GoPro MAX

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro Turn Off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds to turn it off.
  3. Auto Power Off: Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never.

The MAX is also known as Fusion 2.

Turn off GoPro Hero7 (White, Silver, Black)

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro Turn Off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button to turn it off.
  3. Auto Power Off: Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never.

Turn off GoPro Hero6 Black

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro Turn Off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 2 seconds to turn it off. The camera will beep and status lights will flash several times.
  3. Auto Power Off: Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never. The camera will beep and status lights will flash several times.

Turn off GoPro Fusion

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro Turn Off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 2 seconds to turn it off. The camera will beep and status lights will flash several times.
  3. Auto Power Off: This setting isn’t preset. The Fusion will turn off automatically after 7 minutes of inactivity.

Turn off GoPro Hero5 (Black and Session)

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro Turn Off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on. Note: Different than the newer models, Voice Control of the Hero5 is not available when the GoPro is turned off.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 2 seconds to turn it off. The camera will beep and status lights will flash several times.
  3. Auto Power Off: Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never. The camera will beep and status lights will flash several times.

Turn off GoPro Hero 2018

  1. Voice command: Simply say “GoPro Turn Off”. Make sure that Voice Control is turned on. Note: Different than the newer models, Voice Control of the Hero5 is not available when the GoPro is turned off.
  2. Manually: Press and hold the Mode button for 2 seconds to turn it off. The camera will beep and status lights will flash several times.
  3. Auto Power Off: Choose increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never. The camera will beep and status lights will flash several times.

More reading: How to Turn off GoPro Beeping


Why should I turn off my GoPro?

GoPro cameras come with tons of battery draining features. GPS, WiFi, and voice control all use your battery power. Save your juice by turning the camera off.

Even when your camera is turned off, it will continue to listen for voice commands for 8 hours.

If you want the most life from your battery, make sure to turn off Voice Control before turning off your camera. Or else your camera will continue to use battery to wait for your next command, even though you already turned it off.

Does GoPro turn off automatically?

Yes, if you select Auto Power Off. By default, it is set to turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity.

You can choose from the following for settings: 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or never.

How do I stop my GoPro from turning off?

To keep your GoPro from turning off automatically, select “Never” in the Auto Power Off feature.

Keep Comparing: GoPro Comparison Guide: All Models

how to turn off gopro hero

More reading: Why does my GoPro freeze up? And how to fix it

What if your GoPro is dead? Here’s how to fix a GoPro that won’t turn on


Your Turn

Have a question about powering off a GoPro camera? Or maybe a tip to share? Join me below!

Gary Huston

Saturday 2nd of May 2020

I have disabled everything I can find on my GoPro 8 but after switching it off it still starts up when I open the app. It must still be still using battery waiting for this command. How can I shut it down completely?

Bryan Haines

Tuesday 12th of May 2020

Interesting. I would check WiFi, GPS, voice control settings. If WiFi on your camera is off, it won't connect to the app.

Matthew

Sunday 20th of October 2019

Hi Bryan, Do you know how I can get my GoPro videos onto DVD? I have tried VSDC and Devinci resolve and they have my footage jumpy when I review them and not sure how to burn to dvd anyway. Any help I appreciate. Thanks,Matt.