If you want to download GoPro videos to your Mac, there are different methods you can use. However, all methods have the potential for data loss if: (1) you don’t do them properly, (2) there’s something wrong with your equipment, or (3) something causes data corruption (for ex. power outage).
This article is a step-by-step guide on how to download GoPro videos to your Mac using different methods, as well as how to recover deleted GoPro files if you find some or all of your data missing along the way.
Table of Contents
How to Transfer GoPro Videos to Mac
When you connect your GoPro camera via the USB port, MacOS will not allow you to access videos on Mac there and then. You will either need to upload GoPro videos to Mac via an app or use a card reader to transfer files directly from your memory card. We’ll show you how to do each method below.
Do not remove or eject your GoPro or MicroSD card during the import process. It may result in potential data loss.
Method #1: Connect SD card to Mac
If you have a card reader that fits into the ports of your Mac, the fastest way to transfer GoPro videos to Mac is to connect your SD card to your computer. You won’t even need to connect your GoPro camera directly.
Simply remove your memory card from your GoPro and connect your SD card to Mac via a card reader. Then, open Finder and select your SD card from the left sidebar. You’ll find your GoPro files in the DCIM folder where you can copy and paste them to a location on your computer.
Method #2: Import Your GoPro Videos Using the Image Capture App
Image Capture is a native macOS app that detects any connected device with a camera and allows the user to access and import its contents. To use Image Capture with your GoPro:
Step 1.Make sure your camera is on and connect it to your Mac.
Step 2.Launch Image Capture (Finder > Applications).
Step 3.Select your GoPro from the left sidebar under Devices. Then, select the images you want to transfer to your Mac and click Download.
Step 4.Choose a location on your Mac where you want to save your files and confirm the transfer.
By default, you can still find the downloaded items on your GoPro device. If you want to delete videos automatically after importing, click the Action button (three dots) > select Delete after import/deselect Keep Originals).
Image Capture works well with GoPro HERO7 Black or earlier versions but it may not perform as well with newer versions.
Method #3: Transfer Your GoPro Media With GoPro Quik
GoPro Quik for Desktop is a Go Pro importer and editor that you can use to edit and import GoPro videos to Mac. Its basic features are available for free on Windows and Mac. Note that GoPro Quik for desktop is no longer under development, but you can still use its legacy software. To use GoPro Quik:
Step 1. Download and install GoPro Quik for Mac.
Step 2. Make sure your GoPro is turned on and connect it to your Mac using a USB cable.
Step 3. Launch GoPro Quik (Finder > Applications). Note that you will need to create or log in to an account before you can use it.
Step 4. Select or change the folder where you’ll save a copy of the files by clicking Camera Import Location > Edit. Then, click Import files (highlighted in blue) to start importing GoPro videos to Mac.
Method #4: Upload Your GoPro Videos to iPhoto (or Photos)
iPhoto is an old Apple utility app for storing, viewing, and editing your photos. Although the Photos app has now succeeded it, those who use their much older Macs can still use it to import media. Here’s how:
Step 1. Turn on your GoPro camera and connect it to your Mac via the USB cable.
Step 2. Launch the iPhoto app (Finder > Applications).
Step 3. Select the videos you want to import and click Import Selected to start transferring your GoPro files to your Mac.
For newer Mac devices, you can use the Photos app to import your GoPro videos to Mac using the same steps above.
How to Recover Files Lost During Transfer
Unexpected issues can happen during the import process. Interrupted or incomplete transfers can make your files disappear, and so would corruption caused by viruses, power outages, and improper ejection. Users may also be at fault for accidental deletion or unintentional formatting.
First, stop using your memory card ASAP to avoid overwriting data. Then, you’ll need a tool called data recovery software to retrieve your files directly from the memory card’s file system. For this article, we’ll be using Disk Drill. Not only is it powerful and easy to use, but it’s an excellent tool to help you get GoPro videos on Mac because it supports all GoPro file types (including RAW). Here’s how to use it:
Disk Drill Basic for Mac does not offer free data recovery. Free software exist, but they all have their own limitations and not all of them support GoPro file types.
Step 1. Connect your memory card to your Mac via a card reader, then download and install Disk Drill.
Step 2. Launch Disk Drill (Finder > Applications).
Step 3. Select your SD card from the middle pane (it may be labeled as “Generic Storage Device” if using a card reader) and click Search for lost data.
Step 4. Once the scan is complete, click Review found items.
Step 5. Disk Drill may pull up a lot of old files from your memory card, so use the search bar and sidebar to filter the scan results and locate your GoPro data quickly. You can also preview your files by hovering your mouse pointer to the right of the file name and clicking the eye button that appears.
Step 6. Use the boxes in the leftmost column to select the files you want to restore. Then, click Recover.
Step 7. Select a location on your computer where you want to save your files. Then, click Okay to download your videos from GoPro to Mac.
Conclusion
90% of the time, it should be straightforward to import videos from GoPro to Mac. However, certain issues may arise that affect the camera, your Mac, or your memory card. Your data is never 100% safe unless you regularly create a backup. We highly suggest using Time Machine and/or investing in Disk Drill’s lifetime license to make sure you never have to face the consequences of data loss.
FAQ
There are several ways you can get GoPro footage onto Mac. The options available for you depend on what device you are using. On Windows, you can copy and paste videos when you connect either your GoPro camera or SD card to your computer. You can also use GoPro Quik for Windows.
On Mac, you can upload videos from GoPro using one of the following methods:
- Use a card reader to connect your microSD card directly to Mac.
- Use the Image Capture app.
- Use the GoPro Quick app.
- Use the iPhoto or Photos app.
There are two ways to connect a GoPro to a Mac: (1) connect your camera to your computer’s port using a USB cable to access GoPro from Mac directly or (2) remove your memory card from your GoPro and connect it to your Mac using a card reader.
There are two ways to view your GoPro data on Mac without downloading your video from GoPro:
- Remove your SD card from your GoPro and connect it to your Mac via card reader. Open your SD card in Finder (in the left sidebar) and open the DCIM folder to view your files.
- Connect your GoPro directly to your Mac via USB cable and use one of the following apps: Image Capture, GoPro Quik, macOS iPhoto, macOS Photos. You should be able to view your files within the app without downloading or importing anything.
To take out the SD card from your GoPro, follow the steps below:
- Pull down the latch on the right-side corner of your GoPro camera. Then lift it up to see the battery and microSD card. If you’re using Hero 7 or older, you will find the latch at the bottom of your GoPro. To access it, press the rectangular button, then slide the compartment door.
- Take out the battery. Then, gently press down on the microSD card. It should pop out when you release your hold. Gently pull it out.
No, GoPros don’t come with an SD card by default. But your local retailer may offer a GoPro camera and SD card bundle promotion.
FAQs
How do I transfer files from my GoPro to my Macbook? ›
Using the USB Cable Connector
Plug the cable into your GoPro and computer USB port, and make sure your GoPro is turned on! Open iPhoto on your Mac (or similar photo import software for PC). It should detect the GoPro as an external device, and launch the importing process.
All you have to do is install the GoPro app on your desktop and connect the camera via USB cable. The GoPro app will automatically detect the camera model and list all the videos that you can instantly import to your desktop. Speaking of USB, you can also transfer video from GoPro to PC directly via USB.
How do I transfer GoPro videos to my Mac using USB-C? ›- Connect your GoPro and Mac with a USB-C cable.
- Turn on your GoPro.
- Go to Applications ➙ Image Capture.
- Click on the name of your GoPro from the navigation window.
- Select the file destination folder from the Import To menu and click Import All.
Manually with File Explorer
Double-click on your camera. Double-click on GoPro MTP Client Disc Volume. Open DCIM to access your GoPro folder. You can copy/paste your videos onto your computer's hard drive from here.
Make sure the USB or USB-C cable is properly connected to your camera and the computer. If your computer has another USB port, try plugging the cable into it. Check your camera to make sure it's turned on and set to the correct mode for importing photos. See the instructions provided with your camera.
How do I import videos from my camera to my Mac? ›- Turn on your camera and connect it to your computer using a USB cable. ...
- Select the video you want to import, then click Import Selected.
- When your video has finished importing, a popup appears, asking whether you want to delete or keep the video on your camera.
Connect one end of the USB cable to GoPro and the other end to your Mac computer. Click Launchpad from the Dock at the bottom, go to the Other folder and click Image Capture. Click Import All from the bottom-right corner of the Image Capture window to import all the media files that your GoPro camera has in its memory.
Can I get GoPro quik on my Mac? ›At first, you can just connect your GoPro camera to your Mac and look for GoPro Quik from the Spotlight. You can also find it in Applications and launch it on your Mac.
Can you access GoPro files via USB? ›Here's how this method works: Connect your GoPro camera to your PC using a USB cable. You will see a pop-up on the left side of the screen. When it appears, choose the Open device to view files option.
How do I download video from USB to Mac? ›To select all the files, press Cmd + A. Position the mouse cursor over one of the highlighted files, then click and hold the mouse button. The cursor will change to show the number of files selected. Still holding down the mouse button, drag the files from the external USB drive to your Mac's Documents folder.
Can you connect a GoPro to a Mac? ›
Mac comes with a built-in app, Image Capture, that automatically recognizes the connected GoPro camera when launched. After the Image Capture recognizes your camera, you can easily access the files on that camera.
How do I transfer photos from GoPro to Mac USB? ›- Connect: Plug USB-C cable into GoPro and Mac > turn GoPro on.
- Open Launchpad on Mac > search "image" > select Image Capture > GoPro will appear in left sidebar.
- Next: Choose images to import > select destination from Import to drop-down > select Import.
You can download them directly from GoPro.com. Sign in to your account and once on the media library, select the files that you would like to download and you should be able to download them in original quality or compressed version.
When I plug my GoPro into my computer nothing happens? ›- Power on the camera before plugging it in. ...
- Unplug the cable and plug it back in.
- Try a different USB cable.
- Try a different USB port.
- Disconnect the camera, restart the computer, and reconnect the camera.
- Try a different device using the same cable and USB ports.
- Try a different computer.
Solution 1: Check the Connection Between the GoPro and the Computer. Solution 2: Restart Computer and GoPro Again. Solution 3: Run Troubleshooters to Check the Problem. Solution 4: Reinstall the Drivers for USB Controllers.
Why can't I see my GoPro videos on my computer? ›To fix this, the easiest solution is to take VideoProc Converter to convert the GoPro video to MP4 (H. 264), which is one of the most compatible formats.
How do I transfer video from SD card to Mac? ›- Insert the card into your computer's SD card slot, or connect a card reader to your computer and insert the card into the card reader.
- In Photos, choose File > Import, then select the photos or videos you want and click Review for Import.
- Unlock your phone.
- With a USB cable, connect your phone to your computer.
- On your phone, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification.
- Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer.
- A file transfer window will open on your computer.
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Privacy & Security in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) ...
- Click Camera. If you don't see Camera, upgrade to macOS Mojave or later.
- Turn access to the camera on or off for each app in the list.
- To import clips, connect the GoPro to the Mac, open Quik, choose your GoPro camera, and select Import Files.
- To create a video, select Media > Create, select the start and end points, and repeat for each clip you want to add.
What program opens GoPro videos? ›
To view, manage and edit your GoPro videos on a home computer, you can use our free software GoPro Quik for Desktop. GoPro cameras create MP4 and HEVC files.
How do I import GoPro videos to iMovie on Mac? ›In iMovie, go to the File menu, choose Import > Movies, and then navigate to the folder that your output GoPro MP4 files (AIC encoded MOV) are saved. Select the files and click "Import".
How do I transfer files from my GoPro to my computer via WIFI? ›- Switch your GoPro camera on, then set it to Wireless Mode.
- Now, go to your laptop and click the Wi-Fi icon on your taskbar.
- Select your GoPro's Wi-Fi network, then click Connect. If the network is password-protected, submit the appropriate information.
- Go to gopro.com/login and log in to your account.
- If you're already logged in, it'll bring you directly to [My Media].
- To upload your media, select [Add Media] in the top right corner.
- You'll see a pop-up window that will let you drag and drop any photos or videos that you want to upload.
3. Drag files and folders from your computer to your portable drive's disk window. Alternatively, right-click the file or folder you want to transfer to your portable drive and click "Copy." Right-click any part of your portable drive's disk window and click "Paste" to transfer the files to your drive.
How do I convert my GoPro videos to MP4? ›- Step 1 Load GoPro videos to the software interface. Run Wondershare UniConverter and click the. ...
- Step 2 Choose the target format for GoPro videos. After the file is added, expand the options at the Output Format: tab on the top-right corner. ...
- Step 3 Convert GoPro videos to MP4.
- Import photos and videos from your phone, GoPro or any other camera.¹
- Unlimited cloud backup saves your favorite memories at 100% quality.²
- Automatic highlight videos—in seconds.¹
- Use your phone as a remote control for your GoPro. Plus, transfer shots wirelessly to your phone for easy sharing.
- Enable pairing on your touchscreen GoPro by going to Preferences > Wireless Connections > Connect Device.
- Otherwise, enable pairing by pressing MODE until you get to Settings. Then go to Wireless > GoPro App.
- Use Quik to download videos by going to Camera > Connect a GoPro > Connect.
Learn the benefits of using GoPro Quik
The basic version of GoPro Quik is free, and the fully-featured version is $1.99/month or $9.99/year.
iMovie. iMovie is another top free app similar to GoPro Quik Desktop. It is a video editing software application produced by Apple Inc. for Mac computer and iOS iPhone iPad iPod Touch.
Is Quik free with GoPro? ›
The free version lets users take advantage of most features; however, a subscription is necessary to unlock the full potential of GoPro Quik. All features are included when you Subscribe to GoPro, or you can Subscribe to GoPro Quik individually for $1.99/month or $9.99/year.
Why can't I move files to my USB on Mac? ›If you can't move or copy a file or folder, you might need to change its permissions settings. You might also need to change permissions settings for the disk, server, or folder where you want to move the item. On your Mac, select the item, then choose File > Get Info, or press Command-I.
How do I save a video to my Mac? ›In the QuickTime Player app on your Mac, choose File > Save. Enter a name in the Export As field, add a tag (optional), then choose where you want to save the recording file.
How do I connect my GoPro to my Mac camera? ›- Download and install the GoPro Webcam beta utility on your Mac (opens in new tab). ...
- Turn on the GoPro, and connect it to your Mac via USB. ...
- If the connection is successful, you should see a small green dot on top of the GoPro icon in the status bar.
- Launch GoPro Quik on your Mac. ...
- Click Media in the main interface and click to select all the clips you need in the editing and open in Create mode in the top bar.
- Choose your favorite moments in each clip in Media and click to add them to the timeline.
GoPro Player + ReelSteady on the Mac App Store.
Can you edit GoPro videos on a Mac? ›Since the H. 264 file format used in camera is not designed for editing, you should convert your files into the GoPro/CineForm file format. This format was specifically designed for editing and is compatible with most popular non-linear editing applications (iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, AVID, Vegas, etc.).
How do I import GoPro files? ›- Plug your GoPro into the computer using the USB cable it came with.
- Turn your camera on. The Quik for desktop app will detect your camera, and display its details in the device window.
- Underneath your SD Card Capacity, scroll down until you see the [CAMERA IMPORT LOCATION]. This is where your media will be stored.
To view, manage and edit your GoPro videos on a home computer, you can use our free software GoPro Quik for Desktop. GoPro cameras create MP4 and HEVC files. MP4 is a format that is supported by many video editing programs while HEVC will need a more robust graphics card to play smoothly.
How do I transfer Photos from GoPro to Mac USB? ›- Connect: Plug USB-C cable into GoPro and Mac > turn GoPro on.
- Open Launchpad on Mac > search "image" > select Image Capture > GoPro will appear in left sidebar.
- Next: Choose images to import > select destination from Import to drop-down > select Import.
How do I connect my GoPro to my computer directly? ›
On many models, the port is a mini USB port on one of the sides of the GoPro. Connect the GoPro to your computer. Use the cable that came with your GoPro. Attach the end with the USB mini-jack to your camera, and plug the USB jack into a vacant port on your computer.
How do I connect my GoPro to my computer? ›- Power on your camera and connect it to your computer via USB cable. Using a USB 3.0 port on your computer provides the best results to ensure battery life.
- In the status bar, the GoPro icon will display a blue dot to indicate a successful connection and your camera will be in USB Mode.
To download all videos at once, download through GoPro Quik app on your phone/tablet. Go to Media-Cloud and than select everything that you want to download, then press share button on the upper right corner and press save to photos.
Can you import GoPro videos into iMovie? ›Directly from the GoPro
If you connect your GoPro to your Mac, iMovie will pop up an import dialog box, where you'll be able to select the clips you want to import. Once you've selected the clips you want, click the Import Selected button.
Format GoPro SD Card on Mac
Here are some simple steps to format the GoPro SD card on Mac. Step 1: Go to the "disk utility" and click on it to open. Step 2: Now select your SD card from the left panel, under the option "External". Step 3: Now choose the format.