For camera lovers, having a camera with 4K resolution capacity, compact size, powerful processor, waterproof case, 30 fps capacity, etc. seems like a breeze. That’s GoPro Hero4 for you! This camera has beaten its predecessors and dominates the camera world. It has captured the attention of masses alike, and more so with its new updated Firmware.

For using its advanced features, keep your GoPro camera updated through its firmware; this may prove to be a tricky situation as thing may go wrong. Let’s identify the issues and their possible fixes:

First and foremost, there are three ways to update GoPro Hero 4 Firmware:

Update GoPro Hero4 using GoPro App:

1. Install GoPro App on your smartphone and pair it with the GoPro Hero4 camera.
2. On your smartphone, click ‘Update Arrow’> ‘Install’ button> Check mark on ‘Agree with Terms & Conditions’ box.
3. The update should start immediately.
4. Make sure to keep a copy of your data before updating firmware.
5. Next, your GoPro Hero4 Update should be completed within few minutes.
6. If it does not, then there’s a possibility that the firmware has stopped working.
7. In such situation, simply turn off your GoPro Hero4 camera and turn it on again. The GoPro Hero4 Update should start automatically.
8. In the end, you will receive a message that says “100% Updated.”

Update GoPro Hero4 Firmware Manually:

1. First of all, you’ll need to perform a Quick Format on your SD card that you’ll use for downloading the firmware. You can use Stellar Photo Recovery tool if you don’t intend to format your card or has already lost or corrupted files on your SD card. This software will help to recover photos, music, videos and other media files from the SD Card.
2. Place this formatted SD Card inside the camera and click ‘Delete All/ Format’ on the GoPro Hero4 camera. Disconnect the camera from the computer.
3. Click a picture with the GroPro Hero4 camera.
4. Download the GoPro Hero4 Update Firmware through its website on your computer.
5. Copy this firmware on your SD card via SD Card Adapter.
6. Make sure to unzip it before copying on the SD Card.
7. Now disconnect the SD Card from the computer and place it in the GoPro Hero4 camera. Switch the camera off at this point.
8. Switch on the camera. The update should begin now.

Update GoPro Hero4 Firmware Using GoPro Studio:

1. Go to the GoPro website and download GoPro Studio on the computer.
2. Start the GoPro Studio and connect the GoPro Hero4 camera using the USB provided.
3. A screen indicating ‘Update Available’ will pop-up. If it does not, it probably means that your GoPro Hero4 Firmware is updated.
4. Click Continue.
5. Accept the ‘Terms & Conditions’ after reading.
6. GoPro Hero4 Firmware Update will start and will be downloaded to your camera.
7. After successful Update, the GoPro Hero4 camera will indicate “100% updated”.

Two points need to be kept in mind before using any of these methods. First, make sure the batteries are fully charged. Keep a copy of your photos or video on the SD card or at any other place, otherwise; you may lose data during the Update process.

You can use Stellar Photo Recovery tool if in any case you lose photos or any media files from the GoPro Hero4 camera. It can be used directly on the external drive, memory card, camera, and hard disks.

Now, let’s check the possible issues while updating the GoPro Hero4 Firmware update. The most common error or issue you can face is “Update Failed”, followed by the ‘Camera freeze’ or ‘Camera is not starting.’

Follow the steps below to fix these issues:

1. The foremost step to do is to remove the battery and switch off the camera.
2. Replace them with new batteries and switch on the camera.
3. Keep the camera idle for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes, it takes time for the Firmware to get updated in the camera and install the new settings.
4. If the problem persists, then switch off the GoPro Hero4 camera. It means you’ll need to format the SD Card. Formatting can delete your data. Hence, make sure you have a copy or use Stellar Photo Recovery Tool to recover the lost, deleted or corrupted media files from the SD card or the camera.
5. Remove the SD card from the camera and connect it to the computer.
6. Right-click on the SD Card and select ‘FAT32′ format option if you have an SD Card with capacity up to 32 GB. If the card is up to 64 GB, select ‘exFAT’ format option.
7. Go to GoPro Site. Find the option ‘Other Methods to ‘ Use your serial number to download the files on your computer for the manual update process.
8. Extract the files from your computer and copy them on the SD card.
9. Place the SD card in the camera and switch it on.
10. The update will begin.

The way forward:

The various methods which we have discussed will help you fix issues related to the GoPro Hero4 Firmware Update. However, should the Update process fail, and your data gets lost, corrupted or deleted, I would recommend you to use a professional and reliable recovery software such as Stellar Photo Recovery tool to restore  your fond memories.