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Revolutionize Your GoPro Hero 4: How to Connect GoPro Hero 4 with Bluetooth for Ultimate Control

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • While the GoPro Hero 4 doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can still achieve wireless control through the GoPro App and a compatible remote.
  • This guide will walk you through the steps of connecting your GoPro Hero 4 to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, empowering you to unleash the full potential of your action camera.
  • Whether you’re skiing down a mountain, surfing a wave, or simply exploring your surroundings, the ability to control your camera remotely enhances your creative possibilities and allows you to focus on the action.

Are you looking to control your GoPro Hero 4 remotely? Bluetooth connectivity offers a convenient way to manage your camera settings, start and stop recordings, and even capture photos from a distance. While the GoPro Hero 4 doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can still achieve wireless control through the GoPro App and a compatible remote. This guide will walk you through the steps of connecting your GoPro Hero 4 to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, empowering you to unleash the full potential of your action camera.

Essential Requirements

Before we dive into the connection process, let’s make sure you have everything you need:

  • GoPro Hero 4: Ensure you have a GoPro Hero 4 Black or Silver edition.
  • GoPro App: Download and install the latest version of the GoPro App on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android).
  • Compatible Bluetooth Remote: The GoPro Smart Remote is the official Bluetooth remote for GoPro Hero 4. Alternatively, you can use third-party Bluetooth remotes that are compatible with GoPro cameras.

Connecting Your GoPro Hero 4 to the GoPro App

The GoPro App is your key to unlocking Bluetooth connectivity with your GoPro Hero 4. Here’s how to establish the connection:
1. Power On Your GoPro: Turn on your GoPro Hero 4 camera.
2. Open the GoPro App: Launch the GoPro App on your smartphone or tablet.
3. Select Your GoPro: The app will scan for nearby GoPro cameras. Tap on the icon representing your GoPro Hero 4.
4. Connect to Wi-Fi: The app will prompt you to connect to your GoPro’s Wi-Fi network. This network is usually named “GoPro” followed by a series of numbers.
5. Enable Bluetooth: Once connected to the Wi-Fi network, the GoPro App will automatically enable Bluetooth on your device. This is essential for remote control functionality.

Using the GoPro Smart Remote

The GoPro Smart Remote provides a dedicated Bluetooth connection for controlling your GoPro Hero 4. Here’s how to pair and use it:
1. Pair the Remote:

  • On your GoPro Hero 4, navigate to the “Settings” menu and select “Wireless Connections.”
  • Choose “Bluetooth” and then “Pair Remote.”
  • Press the power button on the GoPro Smart Remote to put it into pairing mode.
  • The GoPro Hero 4 will automatically detect and pair with the remote.

2. Control Your GoPro: Once paired, you can use the GoPro Smart Remote to:

  • Start and stop recording
  • Capture photos
  • Cycle through camera modes
  • Adjust settings like resolution and frame rate

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

While connecting your GoPro Hero 4 via Bluetooth is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

  • Bluetooth Not Enabled: Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone or tablet.
  • GoPro Not in Pairing Mode: The GoPro Hero 4 needs to be in pairing mode for the remote to connect. Check the camera’s settings menu.
  • Remote Battery Low: Make sure the batteries in your GoPro Smart Remote are charged.
  • Out of Range: Bluetooth has a limited range. Make sure your remote and camera are within close proximity.
  • App Not Updated: Update the GoPro App to the latest version for optimal compatibility.
  • Interference: Electronic devices like microwaves or wireless routers can interfere with Bluetooth signals. Try moving away from these sources.

Tips for Enhancing Your Bluetooth Experience

  • Keep Your GoPro App Updated: Regularly update the GoPro App to ensure compatibility and access to new features.
  • Maintain a Strong Wi-Fi Connection: A strong Wi-Fi connection between your GoPro and your smartphone is crucial for smooth Bluetooth operation.
  • Experiment with Different Remote Options: If you’re not satisfied with the GoPro Smart Remote, explore compatible third-party Bluetooth remotes.
  • Utilize the GoPro App’s Features: Take advantage of the GoPro App’s remote control capabilities, including recording previews, photo playback, and camera settings adjustments.

The Final Word: Unleashing Remote Control Power

Connecting your GoPro Hero 4 with Bluetooth empowers you to capture stunning footage with unparalleled freedom. Whether you’re skiing down a mountain, surfing a wave, or simply exploring your surroundings, the ability to control your camera remotely enhances your creative possibilities and allows you to focus on the action. Remember to keep your GoPro App and remote updated, troubleshoot any connection issues promptly, and explore the full range of features available through Bluetooth connectivity.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I connect my GoPro Hero 4 to another device besides my smartphone or tablet?
A: Yes, you can connect your GoPro Hero 4 to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a smartwatch or a laptop, as long as they are compatible with the GoPro App.
Q: Can I use Bluetooth to transfer files from my GoPro to my device?
A: Currently, Bluetooth is not used for file transfers. You’ll need to use the GoPro App‘s Wi-Fi connection to download videos and photos from your GoPro to your device.
Q: What are the benefits of using a Bluetooth remote over the GoPro’s built-in Wi-Fi connection?
A: Bluetooth remotes offer a more reliable and responsive connection for controlling your GoPro, especially in environments with Wi-Fi interference. They also consume less battery power than Wi-Fi, extending your recording time.
Q: Can I use a Bluetooth remote with a different GoPro model?
A: The GoPro Smart Remote is compatible with a range of GoPro cameras, including the Hero 4, Hero 5, Hero 6, and Hero 7. Check the GoPro website or the remote’s documentation for specific compatibility information.
Q: What should I do if my GoPro Hero 4 is not showing up in the GoPro App?
A: Make sure your GoPro is powered on, your smartphone or tablet’s Bluetooth is enabled, and the GoPro App is updated to the latest version. If the issue persists, try restarting both your GoPro and your device.

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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