Wondering if it’s normal that your GoPro is getting very hot? Yes, it is. And sometimes, it gets very hot.
If you have a recent model like the HERO13, HERO12, HERO11, or HERO10 Black, you might have noticed the camera getting uncomfortable to touch during long recordings. In extreme cases, it shows a temperature warning icon and shuts itself down.
Here is why this happens, why it isn’t necessarily a defect, and the specific settings you can change to keep your camera cool.
Why do GoPros get so hot?
It comes down to physics. A modern GoPro is essentially a high-powered computer crammed into a tiny, waterproof box.
- Massive Processing Power: Recording 5.3K video at 60 frames per second requires the processor to crunch an immense amount of data.
- No Fans: Because the camera must be waterproof to 33 feet, there are no air vents or cooling fans.
- The Heat Sink: The camera is designed to use its outer shell — specifically the metal ring around the lens and the folding mounting fingers — as a heat sink. It purposefully draws heat away from the processor to the outside case. If the camera feels hot, that means the heat dissipation system is working.
8 Ways to stop your GoPro from overheating
Warning: Don’t try to cool a hot camera in a fridge, freezer or ice bath. GoPro’s manuals say to avoid dramatic temperature or humidity changes, because condensation can form on or inside the camera.
If you are using your GoPro for action sports (skiing, cycling, mounting on a car), the airflow moving over the camera is usually enough to keep it cool.
The overheating issues almost always happen when the camera is stationary (e.g., vlogging on a tripod, recording a soccer game, or using it as a webcam).
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Here is how to fix it.
1. The external power trick (best for static shots)
For long recordings from a fixed spot, plug the camera into external power.
If you are setting up the camera for a long stationary recording (like a podcast, a timelapse, or a concert) and have access to a power bank or wall outlet:
- Plug the camera into a USB-C power source, like a power bank, a wall charger, or the GoPro Volta.
- Start recording. GoPro’s manuals say recording while plugged in is perfect for long videos and time lapses.
Two catches. The battery door is open, so the camera isn’t waterproof; GoPro’s USB Pass-Through Door (or the Contacto Magnetic Door kit on the HERO13) keeps it weather resistant. And the battery won’t charge while you’re recording.
2. Use a lower-power video mode (HERO10 and HERO11)
The HERO10 Black got a setting called Video Performance Mode in a firmware update. It has three options: Maximum Video Performance, Extended Battery, and Tripod/Stationary Video. Tripod/Stationary Video is the one aimed at long recordings from a fixed position (more on it below).
The HERO11 Black has a simpler version called Video Modes, with two choices: Highest Quality (the default) and Extended Battery. To switch, swipe down on the rear screen to open the Dashboard, swipe left, and tap the mode icon. Extended Battery uses lower resolutions and frame rates; for example, 5.3K tops out at 30fps. GoPro’s HERO12 and HERO13 manuals don’t list either setting, so on those cameras lower the resolution and frame rate yourself (step 3).
The HERO10 Black was a special case, and its problem with heat became a turning point with lasting changes.
When it was launched, the HERO10 Black suffered from an overheating problem that caused quite a lot of controversy.
In response, GoPro used a firmware update to add some new Video Performance Modes to the camera, some of which are explicitly designed to avoid overheating. You can find more information about that here.
3. Lower the frame rate and resolution
At 60fps the camera captures twice as many frames every second as it does at 30fps.
Unless you plan to slow the footage down later, switch to 30fps or 24fps. And if you don’t need 5.3K, drop to 4K. GoPro’s own advice for a camera that’s getting too hot is to switch to a lower resolution and frame rate.
4. Turn off HyperSmooth (if on a tripod)
HyperSmooth stabilization is incredible, but it is computationally expensive. If your camera is mounted on a tripod or sitting on a desk, you don’t need stabilization. Turn HyperSmooth OFF. This saves battery and reduces processor strain.
5. Reduce display brightness
The rear touchscreen generates heat. If you are recording a long clip, set the Screen Saver (in Preferences) to turn the screen off after 1 minute. The camera will keep recording, but the screen will go dark, saving power and heat.
6. Use Enduro batteries
On a HERO11 or HERO12 Black, use GoPro’s Enduro battery. GoPro’s manuals say an older GoPro battery or a non-GoPro battery could greatly limit the camera’s performance.
The HERO13 Black has its own version, sold as Enduro for HERO13 Black, and its manual gives the same warning about older batteries.
7. Shoot on the move
Airflow (or water flow) over the camera helps dissipate heat significantly. If the camera is sitting still, without air flowing over the heat sink, it is far more likely to overheat.
Remember: These are action cameras. GoPro designed them for shooting on the move — hurtling down a snowy mountain or attached to a surfboard. They initially seemed to underestimate how many people would use GoPros in static situations (like vlogging or webcams), which is why the HERO10’s Tripod/Stationary Video mode was added later.
So if you can get air moving over the camera, it will shed heat faster. Just don’t cool an already hot camera suddenly (see the warning above).
8. Remove the camera from housing or sleeves
If you are shooting a static shot where the camera isn’t in danger, take it out of its case. If you have the camera inside a Protective Housing or are using a silicone Sleeve + Lanyard, you are effectively wrapping the camera in insulation.
These accessories trap heat against the body and prevent airflow from reaching the metal heat sink fingers. Removing them allows the heat to dissipate much faster.
What the manual says
GoPro is very transparent about this limitation. The instruction manuals for recent models explicitly state that airflow is required for high-performance modes.
From the HERO13 Black manual:
Shooting high-resolution or high-fps video when it’s warm out can cause your camera to heat up and use more power.
Lack of airflow and connecting to the GoPro Quik app can cause your camera to warm up even more, use even more power, and shorten recording time.
If heat’s a problem, try recording shorter videos. Also limit use of features that take a lot of power, such as the GoPro Quik app.
Is it safe?
Yes. GoPro says the camera is designed to recognize when it’s at risk of overheating and to shut down when needed. If the Temperature icon appears and the camera shuts down, it did what it was designed to do. Let it sit and cool before you turn it back on.
GoPro’s rated operating range (the air temperature around the camera):
HERO9, HERO10, HERO11 and HERO12 Black: 14°F to 95°F (-10°C to 35°C)
HERO13 Black: 14°F to 104°F (-10°C to 40°C)
For the HERO11, 12 and 13, GoPro rates charging at 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C).
Hot memory cards: Is this normal?
You may also notice that when you pull your microSD card out after a long recording session, it feels surprisingly hot to the touch. This is normal.
Recording at high bit rates keeps the card writing hard, up to 120Mbps at 5.3K on a HERO11, 12 or 13 with Bit Rate set to High. The card also sits behind the same door as the battery.
However, there are two things to watch out for:
- The “SD ERR” Warning: GoPros do not have a specific “SD Card Too Hot” warning, as some cameras do. Instead, if a card overheats to the point of failure, the camera will usually display a generic “SD ERR” message or simply stop recording.
- Counterfeit or Low-Quality Cards: While all cards get warm, cheap or counterfeit cards often lack proper internal thermal management. If your card is getting scorching hot instantly or causing errors even during short clips, it might be defective or a fake. Stick to reputable cards like the SanDisk Extreme or Lexar Professional series.
