Quick summary
There are a few common reasons why videos may get deleted from your GoPro camera:
- Not enough storage space – If the memory card is full, the camera will automatically delete old files to make room for new ones.
- Accidental deletion – Videos can be accidentally deleted by the user, either on the camera itself or when managing files on a computer or phone.
- Corrupt files – Sometimes video files can become corrupted, causing the camera to delete them.
- Camera malfunction – In rare cases a camera malfunction may cause videos to be deleted.
The good news is that with the right steps, deleted GoPro videos can often be recovered. The key is to act quickly and avoid recording new data over the deleted files. We’ll cover the common reasons for deleted videos in more detail below, along with tips for recovery.
Not Enough Storage Space
One of the most common reasons GoPro videos get automatically deleted is because the memory card is full. GoPro cameras don’t have a lot of internal storage, so they rely on external microSD memory cards for storing video.
Here’s what happens when the memory card fills up:
- The camera will stop recording new videos until space is cleared.
- As you keep shooting, the camera will automatically delete the oldest videos on the card in chronological order to make space for new recordings.
- No warning is given before files are deleted.
- Both videos and photos can be deleted in this manner.
This looping recording behavior is convenient as it allows you to keep filming without having to manually delete old files. But it also means you could lose valuable footage if you’re not proactive about offloading videos.
As a guideline, you should regularly transfer GoPro videos to another device to free up space on the memory card. Don’t wait until the card is completely full or close to capacity, as any new recordings could start overwriting old files.
Here are some tips for managing GoPro storage:
- Get a memory card with ample capacity – GoPro recommends at least 32GB cards, up to 256GB.
- Offload videos regularly – Transfer files to your phone, computer or external hard drive after each shooting session.
- Delete unwanted content – Only keep your best shots to save space.
- Monitor storage status – Check the card capacity often so it doesn’t fill up.
- Switch cards when full – Keep spare memory cards on hand to swap in when one gets full.
Following these tips will prevent the “not enough space” issue from deleting your videos in the first place. But if it does happen, don’t panic yet – we’ll cover how you may be able to get the videos back later in this article.
Accidental Deletion
Another common reason for GoPro videos getting deleted is accidental erasure by the user. This includes:
- Deleting on the camera: You can select videos/photos on the GoPro and delete them. It’s easy to accidentally delete the wrong files this way.
- Deleting during transfer: When connected to your phone/computer, you may inadvertently erase files you didn’t mean to.
- Reformatting the memory card: This erases all content for a fresh start, when you may not have transferred all the files off the card yet.
- Restoring camera defaults: Resetting the GoPro can wipe media if you don’t select the right reset option.
The key is being careful when managing GoPro content to avoid unintended file deletion:
- Use the camera’s touchscreen to preview before deleting shots.
- Avoid mass deleting files – only erase unusable content.
- Before reformatting, transfer everything to another device first.
- Know which reset option keeps your media vs. erases it.
- Manage/delete files on your phone/computer, not the camera.
Accidents still happen though. If you realize you mistakenly deleted valuable GoPro videos, stay calm. As long as you avoided recording new data over the deleted files, there’s a good chance you can recover them. We’ll explain more later.
Corrupted Video Files
Due to the demanding shooting conditions and compact design, GoPro cameras are prone to recording corrupted video files from time to time.
Corrupted files have errors that make them unreadable by video players, rendering the footage useless even though it still takes up space on your memory card.
Common causes of GoPro video corruption include:
- Camera overheating – from high resolution and FPS settings.
- Memory card issues – using a slow or defective card.
- Improper video shutdown – manually powering off mid-recording.
- File system errors – sudden camera disruptions.
- Exceeding 4GB file size – GoPro files split which can cause glitches.
When your GoPro detects a corrupted video file, it will automatically delete it from the memory card to free up space. You won’t get any prompts or warnings when this happens.
To avoid corrupted files:
- Use recommended memory cards – avoid cheap or slow cards.
- Allow camera to fully power off before removing battery.
- Make sure camera casing is closed before underwater use.
- Don’t force camera shutdown during recording.
- Keep camera housing cool in hot weather.
- Regularly update GoPro firmware.
If a damaged video gets deleted, try recovering it right away before recording new footage. We’ll explain more later.
Camera Malfunction
In very rare cases, a GoPro camera malfunction may also result in deleted videos.
This includes glitches like:
- Memory card slot failure – card not detected.
- Camera processor crash – causes reset.
- Power failure during firmware update.
- Operating system bugs – causes file errors.
Hardware and software defects happen with any electronic device, despite GoPro’s reputation for reliability in harsh conditions. Recovering deleted files may be possible if it was an isolated glitch.
To minimize problems:
- Keep GoPro firmware updated.
- Avoid interrupting updates.
- Only use recommended memory cards.
- Reset camera if card not detected.
- Contact GoPro if issue persists.
While full camera failure is unlikely, it’s still wise to regularly transfer your footage off the GoPro as an extra precaution.
How to Recover Deleted GoPro Videos
If you encounter deleted GoPro videos or photos due to any of the reasons covered above, all hope is not lost.
You often have a good chance of restoring deleted files with recovery software or services:
- File recovery apps: Programs for your computer that scan storage media and restore deleted data.
- Mobile apps: Recovery apps for Android/iPhone that rescue erased files.
- Data recovery services: Professionals with specialized tools to retrieve lost data.
The key requirements for successful GoPro video recovery are:
- Avoid recording new data over the deleted files. This overwrites the old data, making recovery impossible.
- Recover promptly, before the deleted footage gets overwritten.
- Only scan and restore files with the recovery app, don’t save anything new yet.
- Have backups as a last resort if footage can’t be recovered.
As long as you meet these requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting your videos back after accidental deletion, corruption or other data loss.
Let’s take a detailed look at recovery options…
Recovering Deleted Files on the Camera
If you just realized you accidentally deleted GoPro videos or photos on the camera itself, check if they’re still in the “Trash” bin:
- On the GoPro, swipe down to open the Dashboard.
- Tap Preferences > Delete.
- This shows deleted but not yet overwritten files.
- Tap files to restore them to the memory card.
However, the Trash only includes files from the past hour. If you deleted videos longer ago, they won’t be there.
Next, you can try removing and re-inserting your memory card. Sometimes this prompts the GoPro to scan and restore recently deleted files.
Beyond that, move onto professional recovery software for the best results. Avoid recording new videos or photos until you’ve attempted restoration.
GoPro App File Recovery
If you manage your GoPro wirelessly via the mobile app, it also includes basic file recovery:
- In the app, check the “Recently Deleted” folder.
- Tap any videos/photos to restore them to the camera.
- This only shows files deleted in the past day.
You may also be able to restore files deleted from the app itself recently. But overall, the app’s recovery features are limited compared to recovery software.
Computer File Recovery Software
For the best results recovering deleted GoPro videos, use file recovery software on your Windows/Mac computer. This scans the memory card and restores recoverable files.
Popular recovery apps include:
- Disk Drill – easy to use interface with free recovery up to 500 MB.
- Recuva – free basic recovery features.
- PhotoRec – open source Windows/Mac/Linux recovery app.
- Stellar Phoenix – advanced options for severe data loss.
Look for software with GoPro-optimized features:
- Scans memory cards: Directly read SD cards from your camera.
- Recover all file types: Restore videos, photos, audio from GoPros.
- Repair video files: Fix corrupt footage from damaged memory cards.
- Preview before restoring: Select exactly which files you want back.
Using computer recovery software provides the most control and best chances of getting back deleted GoPro content.
Mobile File Recovery Apps
Mobile apps can also help recover deleted files from your GoPro memory card when you don’t have access to a computer.
For example:
- DigiDoctor iOS App – Scans iPhone/iPad storage and SD cards. Recovers photos, video, documents.
- DiskDigger Android app – Saves lost files from internal storage or SD cards.
- Remo Recover Android – Retrieves accidentally deleted photos, videos, audio files.
Look for user-friendly mobile recovery apps with features like:
- SD card scanning capability.
- Fast video and photo restoration.
- Filters to find GoPro file types.
- Recovers data from damaged/corrupted cards.
While computer software is recommended for recovering files, mobile recovery apps can rescue deleted GoPro media in a pinch when you’re on the go without your laptop.
GoPro Data Recovery Services
For severe cases where DIY recovery efforts fail to restore your lost GoPro videos, you may need advanced data recovery services.
These are professionals with specialized tools and clean room facilities to reconstruct lost data. Options include:
- GoPro File Recovery – Official GoPro recovery partner. High success rates.
- DriveSavers – Well known US-based, fast turnaround.
- Kroll Ontrack – International service, clean room labs.
- Fields – Recommended Australian data recovery experts.
Consider a pro service if you have:
- Mechanical failures or water damage to the camera.
- Accidentally recorded over deleted files.
- Tried DIY recovery without success.
- Critical footage that absolutely must be recovered.
Data recovery services can be expensive but provide the best chance if software can’t rescue the files. Send your SD card or camera in for evaluation.
Many services offer free estimates or a “no data/no charge” guarantee. Price depends on the complexity of the recovery.
How to Avoid Losing Files in the Future
Going through GoPro video recovery is never fun. Here are some final tips to avoid deleted footage in the future:
- Offload videos after each shooting session.
- Use the camera’s wireless transfer to auto-backup to your phone.
- Invest in multiple high quality memory cards.
- Know when the camera begins overwriting old files.
- Check video integrity after important shoots.
- Enable auto-upload to cloud storage for another backup.
Following fail-safe practices will minimize the risk of losing your GoPro videos due to deletion, corruption or crashes. But data loss can still occur with any camera. Just remember to avoid recording over deleted files and you’ll have a good shot at recovery.
Conclusion
Accidental deletion is the main cause of missing GoPro videos. Due to the camera’s looping recording behavior, files get automatically erased to free up card space for new content.
Other common file loss scenarios include user deletion, corrupted footage, camera malfunctions and using counterfeit memory cards.
In most cases, the deleted videos remain recoverable with data recovery software or mobile apps – if you act quickly before they get overwritten.
Avoid saving new content after accidental deletion. Promptly scan your storage device with recovery tools. This provides the best chance of restoring your lost GoPro videos and photos.
Just be sure to take preventative measures like regular file backups and proper memory card hygiene to minimize the risk of deletion in the first place.