Quick Answers
Yes, it is often possible to recover deleted GoPro videos and photos. There are a few methods you can try:
- Use file recovery software to scan your GoPro’s memory card and find deleted media.
- Remove the memory card from the camera and use recovery software on a computer.
- If you formatted the card, recovery software may still be able to find your files.
- Don’t take more photos or videos after deleting files, as this can overwrite the deleted data.
- Recovering from the cloud requires a GoPro Plus subscription.
Can You Recover Deleted Files from a GoPro?
Yes, in many cases it is possible to recover deleted photos, videos, and other files from a GoPro camera.
When you delete files on your GoPro, the files are not initially erased from the memory card. Instead, the space they occupied is marked as available to be overwritten by new data. The files remain intact until they get overwritten.
Therefore, as long as you act quickly before anything new is saved, recovery software can scan the card and restore deleted GoPro files.
However, there are a few important caveats:
- The longer you wait, the higher the risk of permanent data loss. New data may overwrite the deleted files.
- Taking more videos or photos after deletion can overwrite the deleted data, so avoid using the camera.
- The memory card must stay in the camera. Ejecting it may allow the operating system to purge deleted files.
As long as you meet these conditions, there is a good chance of getting back erased GoPro videos, photos, and other content with file recovery software.
Recovering Deleted Files from Internal Memory
Some GoPro cameras like the HERO5 Black have internal storage in addition to a microSD card slot.
Can you recover deleted files from the internal memory?
Unfortunately, no. There are no known data recovery options for the internal memory of GoPro cameras.
Therefore, it is crucial to save all your important GoPro videos and photos to the removable microSD card, rather than solely relying on internal storage.
How to Recover Deleted GoPro Videos
Here is a step-by-step guide to recovering deleted GoPro videos from a memory card:
- Stop using the camera immediately. Taking more videos or photos could overwrite your deleted files.
- Remove the memory card from the GoPro. Use a card reader to connect it to a computer if needed.
- Download and install a file recovery program. Options like Recuva, Disk Drill and Stellar Data Recovery have free versions.
- Scan the memory card for recoverable video files. This may take some time.
- Preview and restore the deleted videos. Be sure to save them to another drive, not the GoPro card.
- Optionally, you can try a deep scan to find more deleted footage. Deep scanning takes longer but may find more.
The key is acting quickly before the deleted files get overwritten. If the videos are very important, you may want to use a professional recovery service.
Recovering from the Cloud with GoPro Plus
If you pay for a GoPro Plus subscription, your media is backed up to the cloud automatically. This gives you another recovery option.
To restore deleted files from your GoPro Plus cloud backup:
- Log into your account at plus.gopro.com.
- Navigate to the deletions section under “Backups”.
- Find the deleted files and select “Recover” to restore them.
One advantage over file recovery is that cloud backups are not at risk of being overwritten. However, they may not have every single file saved.
Can You Recover Video after Formatting the Memory Card?
Yes, there is still hope if you formatted your GoPro’s memory card after deleting some videos.
Formatting a storage device doesn’t actually erase the data. It resets the file system, removing the “roadmap” used to access the files. The video data itself still remains intact.
Therefore, recovery software looks at the raw data to reconstruct this map and make your deleted videos accessible again.
However, like with standard deleted files, there is a risk of overwriting after formatting. The sooner you attempt video recovery, the better.
GoPro File Recovery Software
You’ll need data recovery software designed to resurrect deleted media files from digital cameras. Some top options include:
Recuva
- Free version available
- Recovers files from hard drives, memory cards, USB sticks
- Supports GoPro MOV and MP4 video formats
- Runs on Windows only
Disk Drill
- Free and paid versions
- Scans memory cards and hard drives
- Recovers all major file types
- Works on Windows & Mac
Stellar Data Recovery
- Paid software with free trial
- Works with all file systems and storage media
- Has GoPro-specific recovery features
- Windows & Mac compatible
Look for recovery software that lists support for GoPro file types like .MP4 and .MOV, as well as camera memory cards like microSD.
GoPro Recovery Services
As an alternative to DIY software, you can enlist a dedicated GoPro recovery service to try getting back lost videos and photos.
Some things to look for when choosing a service:
- Lab-based recovery from experienced technicians
- “No data, no charge” guarantees if unsuccessful
- Free shipping both ways
- Secure chain of custody and data protection
- Urgent services for quick turnaround
- Clean room facilities for damaged media
Professional GoPro recovery has much higher success rates than consumer software. However, costs start around $500.
Can You Recover Deleted Photos from a GoPro?
Yes, the process of recovering deleted GoPro photos is essentially the same as recovering video:
- Avoid taking more photos after deleting, to prevent overwriting.
- Remove the microSD card and connect it to a computer.
- Scan the card with data recovery software.
- Preview found JPG and RAW photo files.
- Select the deleted photos to restore.
The best recovery software can find JPG, RAW, PNG and other image formats from a GoPro.
Also remember, if you have a GoPro Plus account, you may be able to restore deleted photos from automatic cloud backups.
Tips for Recovering GoPro Photos
Here are some tips when trying to get back deleted GoPro pictures:
- Act quickly, before overwriting can occur.
- Avoid formatting the memory card after deletion.
- Never save recovered files back to the same card.
- Try scanning overnight for deeper recovery.
- Use read-only recovery software to avoid corruption.
- Store the card safely in an ESD bag after removal.
Following proper file recovery best practices gives you the best chance of success.
Can You Recover Deleted GoPro Files after Recording Over Them?
If you have taken additional videos or photos after deleting files on your GoPro, you run the risk of overwritten data. New data can permanently replace deleted files on the memory card.
However, all hope is not necessarily lost. File recovery software sometimes can resurrect partially overwritten data.
This is known as a “partial recovery.” While you likely won’t get the entire deleted file back intact, you may get back usable portions of the data.
Recovery success depends on:
- How much new data was written after deletion
- The types of new data recorded
- Whether the deleted data spanned contiguous blocks
For best results, your deleted GoPro files need to occupy focused areas of uninterrupted blocks. New data must only partially intrude on that space.
Under ideal conditions, recovery software can reconstruct portions of corrupted or overwritten files. But there are no guarantees.
Recovering Deleted Files from a Corrupted Memory Card
If your GoPro memory card becomes corrupted or damaged, the data is still recoverable in many scenarios.
Symptoms of a corrupted card include:
- Error messages when inserted in a device
- Card not recognized or showing up
- Inability to access or modify data
- Digital artifacts or glitches in files
Memory card damage can be caused by:
- Improper ejection from a computer/camera
- Power loss during a write operation
- Dropping or physical damage
- Moisture or static exposure
- Removal during data transfer
Data recovery is still possible regardless of the cause. Begin by avoiding any further use of the card to prevent overwriting.
Next, use recovery software designed for corrupted media. Look for options that perform low-level scans and advanced reconstruction of damaged files.
If DIY recovery is unsuccessful, work with a professional recovery lab. They use specialized tools to repair and restore data from corrupted cards.
How Long Are Deleted Files Recoverable from a GoPro?
When you delete GoPro videos or photos, how much time do you have before that data is lost forever?
It depends on three key factors:
1. Used Capacity
If your memory card was close to full when shooting, deleted files have less protection from overwriting. New data is more likely to rapidly occupy the newly freed space.
On the other hand, a nearly empty card provides more of a buffer before deletion.
2. Write Activity
The more photos and videos you take after deletion, the higher the risk of overwriting deleted files. Even small new files can record over parts of larger deleted data.
Avoiding any new writes extends your window for recovery.
3. Deleted File Size
Larger deleted files, like long 4K video clips, are more prone to partial overwriting than smaller files like photos. Portions may become irrecoverable even if some data survives.
Therefore, prioritize recovering larger files sooner rather than later.
As a general guideline, aim to recover deleted GoPro data within a week for the best chances. Formatting or filling the card makes data irrecoverable faster.
Can You Recover Deleted GoPro Videos without Software?
There are a couple alternative methods to recover deleted GoPro videos without using data recovery software:
Via GoPro Plus Cloud Backups
If you pay for a GoPro Plus subscription, all your media is backed up automatically to the cloud. You can log into your account online to restore deleted files.
With a Device File Manager
Some operating systems have built-in file recovery tools you can try, like the Recycle Bin in Windows. However, these are not designed specifically for GoPro files.
With Disk Analysis Tools
Advanced users may attempt manual file carving with disk editors like HxD or forensic tools such as Autopsy. But this is complex and risks making things worse.
In general, dedicated recovery software offers the best automated results for undeleting GoPro videos. But alternative options like cloud backups do exist in certain scenarios.
Can You Recover Deleted GoPro Videos from the Cloud?
If you subscribe to GoPro Plus, it can provide an alternative way to recover deleted GoPro videos through cloud backups.
Here is how GoPro Plus cloud recovery works:
- When connected to WiFi, new content automatically uploads to the cloud
- Deleted files remain available in the cloud for up to 30 days
- You can restore deleted files via the Backups section online
- Restored videos download back to your camera or phone
Advantages of cloud recovery:
- No risk of local overwriting
- Quick and easy to restore remotely
- Edit and share restored videos immediately
Limitations:
- Need an active GoPro Plus subscription
- Only backups videos shot after subscribing
- Files expire from the cloud after 30 days
In general, cloud recovery provides a handy supplemental option to local file recovery from a memory card. A dual recovery approach gives you maximum ability to get back lost GoPro videos and photos.
Preventing Deleted GoPro Files in the First Place
Recovering deleted files from your GoPro can be a hassle. Here are some tips to avoid needing to do it in the first place:
Enable Auto-Upload to the Cloud
GoPro Plus will automatically back up your newest videos and photos to the cloud whenever connected to WiFi. This protects your files from accidental local deletion or card formatting.
Use Multiple Memory Cards
Swap between multiple SD cards throughout a shoot. Keep cards stored safely after full until you’ve transferred the files elsewhere.
Avoid Mass Deletion
Only delete unwanted files selectively after reviewing. Never mass delete everything from a shoot in one swoop.
Transfer Files Promptly
Copy videos off the memory card to other devices right after filming, such as a computer hard drive and external SSD.
Lock Important Videos
Use your camera’s settings to lock individual videos you want protected from deletion.
Add Redundancy
Keep an external drive or virtual backup of all your GoPro media so nothing is ever truly lost.
In Summary
Here are some key takeaways on recovering deleted GoPro videos and photos:
- Stop recording immediately after deleting files
- Use recovery software quickly before overwriting
- Avoid formatting the memory card
- Restore files to another drive, not the GoPro card
- Cloud backups via GoPro Plus offer an alternative
- Prevention via redundancies is ideal
Act fast after accidental deletion, and leverage both local and cloud recovery for maximum restoration of erased GoPro footage.
