3 Ways to Update GoPro Firmware (All Models) Manual, Quik, Labs

Keeping your GoPro firmware up-to-date keeps your camera stable and gives you access to the latest features. Updated firmware also fixes glitches, errors, and mistakes of past versions.

To update GoPro firmware, you should use the GoPro Quik app. It’s fast and (nearly) fail-proof. You can also manually update your GoPro via a firmware download/upload. It requires more technical knowledge. Depending on your model, you might also be able to use Quik Desktop.

In this guide, you’ll learn three ways to update GoPro firmware on your camera. Each method is pretty easy and takes just a few minutes.

There are three ways to update your GoPro firmware. Here they are, beginning with the easiest method.

How to Update GoPro Firmware

Here are simple, step-by-step guides for each of the three updating methods.

1. How to Update GoPro Via Quik

The easiest way to update your GoPro is with the Quik app.

1. Once you connect your camera to the app, you will be notified of an available update: A Firmware update is available.
2. You can select Install Update or Not Now.
3. Version Screen: Before updating, you’ll see a page noting the version number of the update and what improvements and changes in that version. Tap Update
4. Follow the On Screen Prompts: Legal Disclaimer (you’ll be asked to Accept & Continue) and you’ll connect Quik to your GoPro WiFi network. This will allow the transfer of the update files.
5. The camera will now auto-install the update package. You’ll see Transferring Files to Camera and Installing Update messages. Time required: About 2-4 minutes.
6. Update Complete! You’ll see this message with the successful install of the package.

Here are the screen sequences for running your update:

Fully Charged Battery? Does the battery need to be fully charged to run an update? No, you can run an update with a low battery. But this isn’t recommended. I ran an update this morning on my Hero11 Black with just 21% battery.

I prefer to have a fully charged battery – or power it via a USB cable. It would not be good for the battery to die during the update process. A failed firmware update can turn your camera into a brick.

2. Manually Update GoPro Firmware (via Computer)

For this method, you don’t require a mobile device or any extra software.

What you’ll need:

• GoPro camera and computer
• Charged battery: I prefer starting a critical process like this with a fully charged battery. But as long as you have a 50% charge, you should be fine.
• Formatted microSD card

Here are the steps to download and install GoPro firmware.

1. Download the GoPro firmware here. Make sure to match the firmware with your camera model. Here’s how to tell which model you have by serial number.
2. Extract (or unzip) the folder.
3. Format your microSD card, then connect it to your computer.
4. Copy your update files to the card. Copy the complete UPDATE folder to the root directory of your card.
5. Insert the microSD card into your powered-off camera.
6. Power on your camera, and it will auto-install the UPDATE package. Expect the camera to beep and turn on/off a few times.
7. When the update is successful, you’ll see the check mark.

Your GoPro camera is now updated with the newest firmware version.

If my battery is low, Iike to power it via USB cable during the updating process.

3. How to Update GoPro Firmware via Quik Desktop

Quik for desktop is available in two versions.

1. Quik for desktop: For Hero7 cameras and older. Quik for Desktop is available for up to Hero7 Black and earlier cameras. Because of larger file sizes, newer models may glitch out. This older version of Quik has a limitation of file sizes up to 4GB. Download the legacy version here.
2. Quik for Desktop (Pending): GoPro recently announced that they’ll release Quik for desktop (again). The proposed release date is November 1, 2023 (Mac) and summer of 2024 (Windows).

Update with Legacy Quik for desktop

1. Connect your GoPro via USB cable. Supported older cameras include: Hero7/6/5/4/3+, and Hero/Hero+
2. Click Get Update and follow the prompts.
3. Your final message will read Success! Click Got It to conclude the updating process.

This section will be updated with the release of the new Quik for Desktop software when it’s released.

Install GoPro Labs

GoPro Labs extends beyond consumer firmware and offers extended camera control and functionality.

The GoPro Labs firmware update is pretty similar to the standard updating process.

Here are the steps to update your GoPro Labs firmware:

1. Download the GoPro Labs firmware here. Extract (or unzip) the folder.
2. Format your microSD card, then connect it to your computer.
3. Copy your update files to the card. Copy the complete UPDATE folder to the root directory of your card.
4. Insert microSD card into your powered-off camera.
5. Turn on your camera, and it will auto-install the UPDATE package. Expect the camera to beep and turn on/off a few times.
6. When the update is successful, you’ll see the check mark.

What if the update fails?

If you get a CAMERA UPDATE FAILED message, remove and reinsert the battery and restart from the beginning.

GoPro Labs

Why Run a GoPro Update?

GoPro releases many features after the initial camera release. And they fix some glitches as they surface.

To get the most from your camera, I recommend updating the firmware. I haven’t seen any negative yet and it gives you a stabler and more dynamic camera.

Some Past Firmware Updates

Over the years, GoPro has fixed overheating issues, enabled higher-resolution filming, corrected charging issues, and enabled an external charging function on some models. Old firmware has been known to cause a GoPro to randomly power off.

GoPro Update Fails

The firmware update process has come a long way over the years. Back with the Hero4, a glitch was turning some cameras into bricks. And my Hero4 Black glitched out and was caught in a loop for 75 minutes.

To fix it, I did a reset – pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds. When it came back on, it began to install updates and it worked great since.

Thankfully, I haven’t had a single glitch on dozens of firmware updates on my dozen GoPro cameras.

Here’s how to connect your GoPro to Mac and a desktop computer.

Your Turn

How did the GoPro firmware update process go for you? Have a tip to share? I would love to hear it.