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How to Use the GoPro Wifi Remote with the HERO7 Black and HERO6 Black

If you want to use the older GoPro WiFi Remote with your HERO7 Black or HERO6 Black, you can. But there is a trick to look out for. So here's a quick guide.

GoPro WiFi Remote with HERO7 Black and HERO6 Black

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 10 months ago // Categories: Remote Control
Tags: GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro Wifi Remote

Save $220 on GoPro HERO9 Bundle

GoPro is running a deal on the new HERO9 Black, their newest and best camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a free extra battery, and a 64GB SD card. It's all for $349.98.

If you’re trying to control your GoPro with a remote control, there are newer, better options than using the old, discontinued GoPro WiFi Remote. The newer GoPro Smart Remote is a good place to start, as is the GoPro mobile app.

But if you want to use the GoPro WiFi Remote with your HERO7 Black or HERO6 Black, you can. It’s mostly straightforward, but there is one trick to look out for. So here’s a quick guide.

NB: I haven’t yet tried this with the HERO8 Black, but hope to update soon. It should work in the same way.

Put the GoPro WiFi Remote in Pairing Mode

With the remote powered off, hold down the shutter button (red circle). Briefly touch the power/mode button.

The remote will power up, and you should see the pairing animation, which consists of a camera icon and two arrows moving toward each other. Like this:

GoPro WiFi Remote Pairing Mode

Change the GoPro’s WiFi Band to 2.4GHz

To the extent there’s a trick to making this work, this is it. The GoPro WiFi Remote uses what used to be the standard wifi band: 2.4GHz. The newer GoPros come set to 5GHz by default. So you need to get them speaking on the same wavelength (pun intended). The good news is that on the HERO7 Black and HERO6 Black, you have the option of choosing either 5GHz or 2.4GHz.

To do it, go into the camera’s Connections options and change the WiFi band from the default 5GHz to 2.4GHz. Here’s the specific place you find that setting on each model:

  • HERO7 Black: Preferences > Connections > Wi-Fi Band
  • HERO6 Black: Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Band

Put the GoPro in Pairing Mode

Make sure that you’ve got the camera’s wireless functions are enabled:

  • HERO7 Black: Preferences > Connections > Wireless Connections > ON
  • HERO6 Black: Settings > Connections > Wireless Connections > Icon to White

Then move onto the pairing mode. You won’t see the option specifically for the WiFi Remote on the newer cameras; use the Smart Remote option instead.

  • HERO7 Black: Preferences > Connections > Connect Device > Smart Remote
  • HERO6 Black: Settings > Connections >Connect New Device > Smart Remote

They should start talking to each other within 10 seconds or so. Sometimes it can take a bit longer, so give it some extra time. If it doesn’t connect, the camera’s pairing mode function will eventually time out after a few minutes and display a message saying that the pairing has failed.

Things Worth Knowing

Once connected, you can use all the usual functionality of the Wifi Remote. That includes being able to control multiple cameras and switch shooting mode.

The HERO5 Black should also work with the wifi remote without any extra effort. That’s because it uses dual band 5GHz and 2.4GHz b/g/n wifi frequency—in other words, both at once—and should automatically detect and use the appropriate one. But in practice, I’ve had more trouble getting it to pair with the wifi remote than I have had with the HERO6 Black and HERO7 Black.

Not all GoPros are compatible with GoPro remote controls, even if they have some wireless functionality and work with the GoPro mobile app. Examples are the HERO7 Silver and HERO7 White. Both work with the mobile app, but you can’t connect a remote to them.

When you’re controlling multiple cameras, you can mix and match camera models—they don’t all have to be the same model.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • How to Connect GoPro Remote to HERO7 Black
    How to Connect a Remote to the GoPro HERO7 Black
  • Running a GoPro HERO6 Black Without Internal Battery
    Can You Run a GoPro HERO9, HERO8, HERO7, or HERO6 with External Power but Without an Internal Battery?
  • 01 300x200 - How to Connect a GoPro Smart Remote or Remo to a HERO6 Black
    How to Connect a GoPro Smart Remote or Remo to a HERO6 Black
  • Svalbard with a GoPro HERO5 Black
    JPG vs RAW on the GoPro HERO9, HERO8, HERO7, HERO6, & HERO5 Black
  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization 300x200 - GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization Compared
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black Stabilization Compared
  • 20160529120504266 300x200 - Do GoPro Touchscreens Work Underwater?
    Do GoPro Touchscreens Work Underwater?
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on April 8, 2020

Categories: Remote Control
Tags: GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro Wifi Remote

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

Comments

  1. Greg Walker says

    December 19, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    So.. sadly this trick does not seem to work for the Hero 9.. Time to upgrade my remote.

    Reply
    • David says

      December 19, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Yeah, the HERO9 has different requirements with the remote. It will only work with the brand-new The Remote launched a couple of days ago. Along with the latest firmware for the HERO9, which adds the compatibility.

      Reply
  2. Stuart Ryan says

    November 25, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Does the smart remote work with the Max and Hero 8 models?

    Reply
    • David says

      November 27, 2019 at 9:53 am

      I can confirm from personal experience that it does work with the HERO8 Black. GoPro says it doesn’t work with the Max (but I know it does work with the Fusion). I’m not sure what the plan–or if there is one–for a remote for the Max.

      Reply
  3. gary thompson says

    October 25, 2019 at 2:52 pm

    how do i set up several gopro/2 /hero 7 blacks and 2 hero 3+ can this be done

    Reply
    • David says

      October 25, 2019 at 3:39 pm

      Both the Smart Remote and the Wifi Remote support connecting up to 50 GoPros. More info here.

      Reply
  4. Chris Sansevere says

    August 22, 2019 at 9:20 pm

    do you have to switch back to 5GHz to use the iphone app again?

    Reply
    • David says

      August 23, 2019 at 10:35 am

      I was about to write no, but then I thought I’d try it to confirm. It does connect, but I’m getting some odd behavior such as it hanging for a long time, delayed response, and only partial image previews. I don’t know if that’s a built-in limitation, a bug in the software, or some either glitch specific to the combination (H7 Black with firmware v.01.80.00, GoPro App v.6.0 (3144), and IOS 12.4 on an iPhone 7). I don’t see those issues when I switch the camera back to 5GHz.

      Reply
  5. David says

    July 9, 2019 at 9:52 am

    By battery saving mode, do you mean auto off or just turning the back touchscreen off (they’re two different settings on the HERO7 Black). If it’s only the back screen, that shouldn’t affect the wireless connection.

    From your description, it sounds like the wifi is turning off on the camera. And because the remote uses a wifi-only signal, there’s no way to wake the camera with it. You can, however, wake it with a smartphone, because that also uses Bluetooth. When the camera turns off wifi, it keeps low-consumption Bluetooth running, and that can be used from your smartphone to wake the camera up and restore the wifi connection–it serves as a kind of handshake protocol, with the actual control signals going over wifi.

    So long as the camera is not turning off, the wifi connection should be maintained even if the back screen turns off. And if you’re using the GoPro Smart Remote, when you have it connected, it should disable the auto-off feature so that you don’t run into this issue. If you’re using an aftermarket remote, it’s possible that the auto-off feature stays enabled (but I haven’t tried that specifically with an aftermarket remote).

    So if you’re using an aftermarket remote, something worth trying might be to set the auto-off setting to Never (Preferences > General > Auto Power Off). That should prevent the wifi turning off (but will drain your battery more quickly). Or use the GoPro app on a smartphone to wake it, although that’s probably not very convenient while you’re riding.

    Another option might be the GoPro Remo voice remote. It does use Bluetooth (only), but it has other issues that make me hesitant to recommend it.

    Reply
  6. Antonio Antunes says

    July 8, 2019 at 8:10 pm

    I have a GoPro Hero 7 Black and sometimes I put it on my bike with a suction cup.
    To start and stop shooting, I use a remote control (indicated for Hero 7) on my wrist (because I can not access the camera) and I’m having the following problem: if I let the camera go into battery saving mode … I can no longer activate the camera to do more shooting and normally the camera is blocked … just by removing the battery I can work with it again.
    Is it a product problem or is there some trick that will solve this situation? I’ll appreciate your answers.

    Reply
  7. Stephen Emery says

    June 15, 2019 at 10:38 pm

    Based on what I have read, once I pair a camera with the remote, if the camera is inactive (not recording?, off?) for a period of time (3-5 minutes?) the camera will revert to bluetooth and wait for a bluetooth ping from the remote to “wake-up” the camera, at which point the camera will use its stronger wi-fi signal to maintain the connection. My understanding is that this design is intended to save the camera battery since Bluetooth is more energy efficient versus wi-fi.

    Assuming all of this is accurate – and please let me know where I’m not – If I move the remote more than 600 feet away from a camera, for say 30 minutes, and then bring the remote to 400 feet away from the camera, will the remote find the camera? Or will I need to re-pair?

    Thanks for any help!

    Reply
  8. Malcolm Parker says

    May 8, 2019 at 9:43 am

    Can I use a remote from a Go pro 3 with a new Go pro 7 black
    If so is it a simple set up ?

    Reply
    • David says

      May 8, 2019 at 8:33 pm

      Assuming you mean the Wifi Remote, which was the standard remote when the HERO3 models were available, then yes. Instructions above. It’s much the same as usual–just make sure to change the wifi band on the HERO7 Black.

      Reply
      • Parker Malcolm says

        May 8, 2019 at 11:46 pm

        David
        Many thanks for very prompt reply!
        Will hopefully try it today
        Malc

        Reply
  9. edward bunich says

    May 6, 2019 at 2:16 pm

    thanks a lot for let me know about change the Camera’s WiFi Band to 2.4GHz.You are only one who give this recomendation.now everything works

    Reply
    • David says

      May 6, 2019 at 3:20 pm

      Gald it’s useful!

      Reply

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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