GoPro cameras rely on SD cards to store photos and videos. However, sometimes GoPro users encounter SD card errors that prevent the camera from properly reading or writing data to the card. Two of the most common GoPro SD card errors are the “NO SD” and “SD ERR” messages displayed on the camera’s LCD screen.
These errors indicate the camera is unable to communicate with the SD card. As a result, the SD card becomes unusable by the camera until the underlying issue is resolved. SD card errors not only prevent capturing new content, but can also cause data corruption or loss if important files have not been backed up.
SD card issues arise due to a variety of factors, ranging from unsupported cards, corrupted data, dirty contacts, firmware bugs, and faulty SD cards. Thankfully, there are troubleshooting steps GoPro users can take to isolate and fix SD card errors to resume using their camera.
Verify SD Card Compatibility
The first step is to check that your SD card is compatible with the GoPro Hero 9. GoPro recommends using microSD cards with a speed rating of at least Class 10 or UHS-1 for optimal performance.
Be sure to verify the card’s specifications match GoPro’s recommendations. The Hero 9 works best with cards that have a high read/write speed for recording high-resolution video. Look for cards rated for 4K or 6K video capture. Popular cards such as the SanDisk Extreme line are known to work well.
Also check that the SD card is properly formatted. The Hero 9 requires cards to be formatted as exFAT, FAT32, or NTFS. Cards formatted differently may not be recognized properly and can trigger errors. You can format cards directly in the GoPro through the settings menu.
Check Condition of SD Card
One of the most common causes of SD card errors on GoPro cameras is a damaged or corrupted SD card. Before troubleshooting software issues, it’s important to first inspect the physical condition of the SD card.
Look for any signs of physical damage on the SD card. Even small cracks, chips, or bent corners can prevent the camera from properly reading the card. Carefully examine both sides of the SD card to check for issues. A magnifying glass can help inspect tiny chips or cracks. If any physical damage is visible, the SD card is likely defective and should be replaced.
Corrupted data can also cause SD card errors without obvious physical damage. Open the SD card on a computer to check for corrupted files. Media may not properly load, files can’t be opened or copied, or error messages about corruption may appear. Reformatting the SD card does not fix corrupted data. The only solution is to replace cards showing signs of corrupted files.
Before buying a new SD card, try other known good cards in the GoPro to rule out camera issues. If multiple cards exhibit similar errors, the problem may be with camera contacts or firmware instead.
Update Camera Firmware
Keeping your GoPro HERO9 Black camera up to date with the latest firmware is important to fix bugs, improve performance, and enable new features. GoPro periodically releases firmware updates that you can easily install using the GoPro HERO9 Black update page.
The latest HERO9 Black firmware as of October 2022 is version 1.80. This update improves general system stability, addresses a reconnect issue when controlling the camera via the mobile app, and fixes bugs related to QR code scans.
To update your HERO9 Black firmware, first make sure your camera is charged to at least 30%. Then download the latest firmware .bin file from GoPro’s firmware page. Next, insert your camera’s SD card into your computer and copy the firmware file to the root directory. Finally, insert the SD card back into your camera and power it on. The camera will automatically detect the new firmware file and perform the update.
It’s a good idea to update your HERO9 Black’s firmware regularly as new versions are released to ensure you have the latest features and optimal performance. Just visit GoPro’s firmware page periodically to check for and install new updates.
Format the SD Card
Formatting the SD card using the camera is the best way to ensure maximum compatibility and performance. Go into your GoPro’s settings menu and find the “Format” option, then select it to erase all data on the card and restore it to a blank state.
You can also format the SD card using a computer. On Windows, insert the card into your computer’s SD slot or a connected external reader. Open File Explorer, right click on the SD card, and select “Format”. On Mac, insert the card and open Disk Utility. Select the SD card listed on the left side, click “Erase” at the top, and confirm the formatting process.
According to this source, formatting on the camera helps optimize the card for capturing images and video. Formatting on a computer first can also help resolve SD card errors.
Clean the SD Card Contacts
One potential cause of the SD card error is lint or debris buildup on the contacts of the SD card or in the camera’s card slot. This can prevent the camera from properly reading the card. According to research, lint, dust, oil, and other particles can interfere with the electrical connection between the SD card’s gold contacts and the camera’s card reader (Source 1).
To clean the SD card contacts, use a soft pencil eraser or a Q-tip lightly moistened with 90% isopropyl alcohol to gently rub the contacts (Source 2). Do not use excessive force. Allow any residual alcohol to fully evaporate before reinserting the card. You can also use compressed air to blow away any loose debris in the camera’s card slot.
Cleaning the contacts removes any interfering substances and allows for proper electrical connectivity between the card and camera. This simple cleaning can often resolve SD card errors.
Try a Different SD Card
If you are still getting the SD card error after trying the other troubleshooting steps, the next thing to test is using a different SD card. GoPro recommends using SanDisk Extreme or Lexar Professional cards for optimal performance.
Swap out the potentially problematic SD card with a new, high-quality card from a recommended brand. If the error goes away with the new card, then you can narrow down the issue to a problem with the original SD card, rather than a problem with the camera itself.
If the SD card error persists even after trying a known good, compatible SD card, then the issue is likely with the camera rather than the SD card. At that point, you’ll want to try steps like resetting the camera or contacting GoPro support to further troubleshoot.
Testing with a different SD card is a quick way to isolate whether the problem lies with the storage card or the camera itself. This can help you determine if the original SD card is corrupted or faulty, or if there is an underlying issue with camera that needs to be addressed.
Reset the Camera
If your GoPro Hero 9 is experiencing issues like freezing, not responding, or SD card errors, resetting the camera may help resolve these problems. There are two options for resetting your GoPro – a soft reset and a hard factory reset.
A soft reset is the easiest option to try first. To soft reset your Hero 9, press and hold the Mode button on the side of the camera for 8-12 seconds. Your camera will power off and then reboot. This clears any temporary software glitches without deleting your settings or media files (1).
If a soft reset doesn’t solve your issues, try a hard factory reset next. This will reset your GoPro to its original out-of-the-box state and settings. Any custom presets, settings, and media will be deleted. To hard reset the Hero 9, remove the SD card and battery. Then press and hold the Shutter button while re-inserting the battery. Keep holding the Shutter button for another 5-10 seconds until your camera powers on. You will see a “Resetting” message which indicates the reset worked (2).
After resetting your GoPro, re-insert your SD card and test if the issues are resolved. A factory reset often fixes problems like SD card errors, freezes, or unresponsiveness. However, if problems persist, your SD card itself may be damaged and need replacing.
Contact GoPro Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps listed above and are still experiencing the SD card error, it’s time to reach out to GoPro Support for further assistance. GoPro has a dedicated customer support team that can provide personalized troubleshooting and determine if your camera requires warranty service or replacement.
You can contact GoPro Support through their website at https://gopro.com/help/ContactUs. This will allow you to initiate a support case online. Be prepared to provide your camera’s serial number, receipt/proof of purchase, and details on the SD card error you are experiencing.
GoPro also offers phone support at 1 (888) 577-1400. Support agents are available Monday – Friday from 5am – 5pm PST. Calling allows you to explain the issue in real-time and get immediate troubleshooting help. Keep your GoPro handy during the call so you can walk through steps with the agent.
If your camera is still under warranty, the support team can start the process for a warranty replacement or repair if needed. Out of warranty cameras can be replaced at a discounted rate through GoPro’s flat rate replacement program. GoPro aims to provide helpful customer service to get your camera working again.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several potential solutions for fixing the GoPro Hero 9 SD card error:
- Verify the SD card is compatible and meets the speed requirements for the camera model
- Inspect the SD card for any physical damage or corruption
- Update the camera firmware to the latest available version
- Format the SD card in the camera using the “Format SD Card” option
- Clean the metal contacts on the SD card gently with isopropyl alcohol
- Test the camera with a different SD card that is known to be good
- Reset the camera settings to factory default
- Contact GoPro support for further troubleshooting help
To prevent future SD card errors, it’s recommended to:
- Only use name-brand SD cards designed for HD video recording
- Frequently format the SD card in the camera
- Keep the camera firmware updated
- Avoid removing the battery or SD card while the camera is powered on
- Store SD cards properly in a cool, dry place when not in use
Following this advice for maintenance and proper use of SD cards will help minimize errors and keep your GoPro capturing spectacular footage.