Can you guess how many different ways there are to turn on a GoPro? The answer is… it depends on what model you have. On a Hero7 Black, there are four ways to turn it on. Read on to learn how to turn on GoPro cameras, depending on which model you have.

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Before Turning Your GoPro On

Let’s start with a couple of GoPro tips for beginners. These are some standard things you need to check before turning your GoPro on, and they apply to all GoPro models. 

  1. Make sure the battery is fully charged.
  2. Make sure there’s a micro SD card installed, preferably with at least 8GB of empty space on it.

How to Turn on GoPro Hero7 Black

Using the Mode Button

Ok so now we’re good to go. We’ve got a fully charged battery and an SDmicro memory card installed. Now to turn the GoPro on, press the mode button on the side. Ok, so there are a few GoPro buttons… which one is the Mode Button? 

The mode button is on the right hand side, if the rear screen is facing you. 

You Know Your GoPro is On When…

The rear touch screen should illuminate once you turn on the GoPro. The status screen on the front should also start showing some information.

Relevant To GoPro Models:

  • GoPro Hero7 Black
  • Hero7 Grey
  • Hero7 White
  • GoPro Hero6 Black
  • Hero5 Black
  • Hero 2018

Using the Shutter Button

GoPro Cameras have a feature called QuikCapture. This is the fastest and easiest way to turn on your GoPro, and the best way to preserve your battery. That’s a bonus if your out shooting travel videos.

When you camera is turned off, simply press the shutter button for about 3 seconds and the camera will turn on and start recording. It will record in whatever mode the camera was in last time you turned it off (video, photo or time lapse). 

QuikCapture is on by default, or you can turn it off if you want from the dashboard. I can’t think of any reasons why you would want to turn it off, so I recommend you just leave QuickCapture on.

Because QuikCapture turns the camera off as soon as you stop recording, it’s an excellent way to preserve your battery life as long as possible.

How to Turn On GoPro Using Voice Command

Your GoPro can even turn on if you tell it. Just say ‘GoPro Turn On”, and it will turn on. True Story. No need to memorize the GoPro buttons with this feature! That is 100% hands-free.

The catch is, you must have previously activated the “Wake on Voice” feature. This only works on GoPro Hero7 Black and GoPro Hero6 Black.

Activating Wake on Voice Feature

After you have turned your GoPro on, follow this sequence.

  1. Access the GoPro dashboard by swiping down from the top of the rear screen.
  2. Tap the icon of a man’s head to turn on Voice Control.
  3. Once the Voice Control menu appears, tap Preferences >Voice Control >Wake on Voice.

A couple of things to note. 

  1. Wake on Voice only works for 8 hours after your GoPro is turned off.
  2. Voice Control is affected by your distance from the camera. Best to be nice and close.
  3. Voice Control is affected by external noises like wind or waves. You might have to get a bit closer and louder if there is background noise.
  4. You can turn GoPro off just as easily by saying “GoPro Turn Off”.

Which GoPro Models Have Wake on Voice Feature?

Wake on Voice is not on every GoPro. Here are the models which have this feature.

  • GoPro Hero7 Black
  • GoPro Hero6 Black

Any other GoPro and you will need to use the old fashioned method of turning on the camera.

How to Turn On Using Remo

Remo is a voice-activated remote control for GoPro, which you can strap to yourself for easy usage. The great things about Remo are that it enhances your voice control in a noisy environment, like wind or waves. You can also use it to turn on your GoPro Camera.

Which GoPro Models Use Remo to Turn On

Here are the models which can turn on using the Remo device.

  • HERO7 Black
  • HERO6 Black
  • Fusion
  • HERO5 Black
  • HERO5 Session

How to Turn On GoPro Session

GoPro Sessions are those tiny cubes with no touch screen. They are not very intuitive, and you will need some GoPro Session instructions to figure out these cute little cameras.

To turn on GoPro Session simply press the shutter button to begin capturing either video or photos. After you finish, press the shutter button again and the GoPro Session will power off.

You Know Your GoPro Session is On When…

Camera beeps several times, and camera status light blinks whilst the camera is recording.

Relevant to GoPro Models:

  • GoPro Hero Session
  • Hero5 Session
  • Hero4 Session

How to Turn On GoPro Hero4

Press the Power/Mode button once. This GoPro button is located on the front, just below the lens.

You Know Your GoPro is Hero4 On When…

The camera status lights will then flash 3 times, and 3 beeps will sound. The camera status screen will start displaying information.

Relevant to GoPro Models:

  • GoPro Hero4 Black
  • Hero4 Silver
  • HeroPlus
  • HeroPlus LCD
  • Hero3+ Black
  • Hero3 Black
  • Hero3+ Silver
  • Hero3 Silver
  • Hero3 White
  • Hero 2014.

How To Be Versatile

GoPro cameras have mastered the art of versatility. Imagine having 3 different ways to turn on your camera! My favorite way is using the QuikCapture method. What’s your favorite way to turn on your GoPro?

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