If you’ve been out filming and your GoPro starts beeping and displays an “Overheating” warning message, you’re in the right place. Your GoPro may overheat if it’s exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time or if it’s not getting enough airflow.
I’m a tech nerd who also loves nature and filming outdoors. I have 10+ years of experience using all types of action cameras, including the GoPro Hero 10 which I bought last year. Trust me, I understand how frustrating overheating issues can be, and am here to lend a helping hand today.
This guide will explain what causes your GoPro Hero 10 to overheat and what you can do to fix it. Continue reading to learn more!
Contents
Problem #1: Recording Too Long
Overheating can be attributed to owners treating the action camera like a full-blown video recorder, which it’s not.
The GoPro Hero 10 is not designed to shoot a 3-hour football game or a 2-hour timelapse. It’s intended to shoot action in well-lit, short sequences.
GoPro’s own research shows that 75% of videos recorded with a GoPro are under one minute and ten seconds.
How to Fix It:
You should record with your GoPro at intervals and avoid recording consistently for too long.
I also recommend that you use the “Extended Battery” performance mode if you plan on shooting for over 20 minutes. This mode will extend your battery life and prevent overheating.
Problem #2: Stationary Recording
GoPro cameras tend to overheat if you record in a stationary position. This means the camera is fixed and not on the move.
This prevents airflow, which naturally cools off the camera. Remember, GoPro cameras are meant to film action. You should be moving while you record to achieve the most cinematic shots.
How to Fix It:
Avoid indoor and stationary recording as much as possible. If you do need to record from a fixed position, use the “Tripod / Stationary Video” performance mode.
This mode turns off HyperSmooth and GPS, allowing for optimized stationary video recording.
Problem #3: Old Firmware
Older firmware editions were not optimized to prevent overheating. GoPro addressed this issue with a firmware update in late 2021.
How to Fix It:
If you haven’t updated your firmware, you can either use the GoPro app or manually update it. Here are instructions from GoPro on how to update your firmware.
Problem #4: Framerate Settings
GoPro overheats are more common when you record at high framerate settings. Your camera needs to work harder at higher framerates which causes your battery to increase quickly in temperature.
How to Fix It:
You must turn on the “Maximum Video Performance” mode when you’re shooting at high framerates. If your camera still overheats and stops working, I recommend lowering the framerate and getting as much airflow as possible to the camera while recording.
Problem #5: Bad Battery
When my GoPro 10 overheated, I was told to try swapping out the battery. As surprising as it may sound, my GoPro never had heating problems once I changed the battery and threw out the old one.
How to Fix It:
Test out a new fully charged battery and see if it solves your overheating GoPro.
Problem #6: Putting It on a Flat Surface
Putting the GoPro Hero 10 on a flat surface covers the heat-dissipation holes on the bottom of the camera.
You also reduce the amount of airflow that gets under the camera.
How to Fix It:
Don’t leave your GoPro Hero 10 on a flat surface while it’s recording. If you’re filming a stationary shot, get a tripod and turn the “Tripod / Stationary Video” performance mode on.
Problem #7: Incorrectly Enabling HyperSmooth
Your GoPro will overheat if you turn on HyperSmooth but use your camera indoors where there is no airflow.
HyperSmooth is meant to be used for outdoor action shots where there are plenty of airflows to cool the camera off.
How to Fix It:
You shouldn’t turn on HyperSmooth if you’re not doing an action task such as mountain biking or running around. There should be a lot of air moving around the GoPro if you plan on using HyperSmooth.
FAQs
Here are some related questions you might also be interested in, I’ll answer them briefly below.
Does GoPro Hero 10 overheat?
GoPro Hero 10 cameras can overheat for a few reasons. These include recording in high-resolution video modes for over 20 minutes, preventing airflow from naturally cooling the camera, and blocking the ventilation holes at the camera’s bottom.
Will GoPro fix overheating?
GoPro addressed the overheating issue with a firmware update in late 2021. There are now three performance modes which are Tripod / Stationary, Extended Battery, and Maximum Video Performance. GoPro also released the “Enduro” battery that offers better battery life in extreme conditions.
Why does my GoPro get hot when charging?
I’ve spoken with many GoPro Hero 10 users that suffer from extreme camera heat while it’s charging. The problem is usually caused by a faulty battery. I recommend you contact GoPro support and they will send you a replacement blue battery that doesn’t have charging issues.
What to do When GoPro overheats and does not turn on?
Unplug your GoPro if it’s connected to a charger and remove the SD card. Next, remove the battery, wait 5 seconds, and then reinsert the battery. Press the power button. If it still doesn’t turn on, hold the power button down for 8 to 10 seconds to reset it.
Closing Thoughts
There is nothing worse than our GoPros overheating and turning off while we’re filming an amazing shot. If you follow the tips in this guide, I’m positive you’ll face fewer overheating problems.
However, if your GoPro continues to overheat despite following all my recommended protocols, you may have a faulty camera.
Don’t be afraid to contact GoPro if your issue can’t be resolved. Your GoPro may still be under warranty. GoPro might also have a solution for your specific problem as well.
Were you able to solve your overheating problems with this guide? Are there any fixes I forgot to mention? Either way, let me know by dropping a quick comment below.
