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Stuck with a Frozen GoPro Hero 7? Learn How to Reset it Here!

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

  • A frozen GoPro Hero 7 can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re in the middle of capturing an epic adventure.
  • Whether it’s unresponsive to button presses, stuck on a loading screen, or simply frozen in place, knowing how to reset your GoPro Hero 7 is crucial to get back to recording your memories.
  • Release the power button and wait for the camera to power on.

A frozen GoPro Hero 7 can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re in the middle of capturing an epic adventure. Whether it’s unresponsive to button presses, stuck on a loading screen, or simply frozen in place, knowing how to reset your GoPro Hero 7 is crucial to get back to recording your memories. This guide will walk you through several methods to troubleshoot and fix a frozen GoPro Hero 7, helping you get back to capturing life’s adventures.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why your GoPro Hero 7 might be frozen. Here are some common reasons:

  • Software Glitch: A temporary software bug can cause the camera to freeze.
  • Overheating: Extended use in hot environments can lead to overheating and freezing.
  • Corrupted SD Card: A faulty or corrupted SD card can prevent the camera from functioning properly.
  • Low Battery: A low battery can sometimes lead to the camera freezing.
  • Physical Damage: A physical impact or water damage can cause internal issues that result in freezing.

Method 1: Force Restart

The simplest and often most effective solution is a force restart. This method essentially resets the camera’s software, clearing any temporary glitches.
1. Locate the Power Button: Identify the power button on the side of your GoPro Hero 7.
2. Press and Hold: Press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds.
3. Release and Wait: Release the power button and wait for the camera to power on.
If the camera powers on normally, the force restart has resolved the issue. If not, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Remove and Reinsert the Battery

Removing and re-inserting the battery can sometimes help reset the camera’s power cycle and fix the freezing problem.
1. Turn Off the Camera: If possible, turn off the camera using the power button.
2. Remove the Battery: Locate the battery compartment and carefully remove the battery.
3. Wait a Few Seconds: Wait for a few seconds to allow the camera to completely discharge.
4. Reinsert the Battery: Reinsert the battery into the compartment.
5. Power On: Turn the camera back on and see if it functions properly.

Method 3: Format the SD Card

A corrupted SD card can cause a variety of issues, including camera freezing. Formatting the SD card can resolve this problem by erasing all data and creating a fresh file system.
1. Remove the SD Card: Safely eject the SD card from your GoPro Hero 7.
2. Insert into Computer: Insert the SD card into your computer.
3. Format the Card: Use your computer’s file system to format the SD card. Choose a compatible file system, such as FAT32 or exFAT.
4. Reinsert into GoPro: Reinsert the formatted SD card into your GoPro Hero 7.
5. Power On: Turn the camera on and see if the issue is resolved.

Method 4: Update the Firmware

Outdated firmware can sometimes cause compatibility issues or bugs. Updating your GoPro Hero 7’s firmware to the latest version can address these problems.
1. Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect your GoPro to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the GoPro App: Open the GoPro app on your smartphone or tablet.
3. Check for Updates: Within the app, navigate to the settings or camera information section and check for firmware updates.
4. Download and Install: If an update is available, download and install it according to the app’s instructions.

Method 5: Reset to Factory Settings

If none of the previous methods have worked, resetting your GoPro Hero 7 to factory settings can resolve persistent issues. This will erase all data and settings, returning the camera to its default state.
1. Go to Settings: Turn on the camera and navigate to the settings menu.
2. Find Reset Option: Look for a “Reset” or “Factory Reset” option within the settings.
3. Confirm Reset: Confirm that you want to reset the camera to factory settings.
4. Wait for Reset: The camera will take a few minutes to complete the reset process.

Time to Get Back to Filming!

After trying these methods, your GoPro Hero 7 should be back in working order. Remember to always keep your GoPro’s firmware updated, use a high-quality SD card, and avoid overheating the camera to prevent future freezing issues.

What People Want to Know

Q: What if my GoPro Hero 7 is still frozen after trying all these methods?
A: If the camera remains frozen despite trying all the troubleshooting steps, it might be a hardware issue. Consider contacting GoPro support or taking it to a qualified repair shop for further diagnosis.
Q: Can I lose my footage if I reset my GoPro Hero 7?
A: Resetting your GoPro to factory settings will erase all data, including your footage. Before resetting, make sure to back up any important footage on your computer or cloud storage.
Q: How often should I format my SD card?
A: It’s a good practice to format your SD card every few months or after a large amount of data has been recorded to maintain its health and prevent corruption.
Q: What should I do if my GoPro Hero 7 is physically damaged?
A: If your camera has sustained physical damage, it’s best to contact GoPro support or a qualified repair shop to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
Q: Is there a way to prevent my GoPro Hero 7 from freezing in the future?
A: You can minimize the risk of freezing by keeping the firmware updated, using a high-quality SD card, avoiding overheating, and handling the camera carefully.

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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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