How to Retrieve Missing Videos from GoPro

Losing videos from your GoPro can be frustrating, especially when you've captured memories you don’t want to lose. Whether your footage has disappeared after a crash, accidental deletion, or corruption, there are several ways to try and retrieve your missing GoPro videos. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your footage back.

Check the SD Card for Corruption

GoPro videos are stored on an SD card, and if the card becomes corrupted, your files may not show up correctly. To check if the SD card is causing the issue:

Re-insert the SD card into your GoPro or a different device.
Try reading the card on a computer using a card reader. If the computer doesn't detect the card or reports errors, the card may be corrupted.
If this is the case, don’t write new data to the SD card, as it can overwrite lost files.

Use a File Recovery Tool

If the files are deleted or the SD card is corrupted, recovery software can help retrieve the lost videos. You can look at the detailed tutorial on this page.

Steps for recovering missing videos using ReclaiMe recovery software:

Insert the SD card into your computer using a card reader.
Download and install the recovery software on your computer.
Open the recovery tool and select the SD card as the target drive.
Run a scan to search for deleted or corrupted videos.
Preview and select the videos you want to recover.
Save the recovered videos to a safe location on your computer or external drive.

Check the GoPro’s File System

GoPro cameras use a specific file structure for saving videos. Sometimes, your videos might still be on the SD card but hidden in subfolders or file directories. Here’s how you can check:

Connect the SD card to your computer.
Open the DCIM folder, where GoPro videos are usually stored.
Look through the folders for any video files that might be misplaced or hidden.
If you find them, move them to another location on your computer for safekeeping.

Recover Videos from GoPro Cloud Storage

If you have set up GoPro Plus cloud storage, your videos might be automatically backed up. Check your GoPro Plus account by logging into the GoPro website or the GoPro mobile app.

Log in to your GoPro Plus account.
Navigate to the Cloud section and look for your missing videos in your uploaded files.
If you find your footage, you can easily download it to your computer.

Check the GoPro App or Phone Storage

If you’ve connected your GoPro to the GoPro app or your phone, there’s a chance the videos may have been transferred there. Open the GoPro app and check the Media section to see if the missing videos are saved on your device.

If the videos were previously synced to your phone, they may be in your phone's gallery or video player.

Try a Professional Data Recovery Service

If none of the above methods work, your SD card may be physically damaged, or the data might be corrupted beyond recovery with software. In this case, a professional data recovery service can help retrieve your lost footage. These services use advanced techniques to recover files from damaged or faulty SD cards, but they tend to be costly.

How to Prevent Future Video Loss

Always back up your GoPro footage to a cloud service like GoPro Plus, Google Drive, or Dropbox after every trip.
Format your SD card regularly after backing up your footage, ensuring it’s fresh and free of errors.
Use high-quality SD cards with a reliable read/write speed to prevent corruption.
Avoid using the same SD card across multiple devices without formatting, as this can lead to compatibility issues.

By acting quickly and using the right recovery methods, you can often retrieve lost videos from your GoPro and keep your memories intact. 🌄📹