Gopro 6 Black: Charging And Camera Functionality

The GoPro Hero 6 Black can be charged with the battery inside or outside the camera. To charge the battery inside the camera, you will need a cable to connect the camera to a power source, such as a computer or a wall outlet. The type of USB cable required depends on the GoPro model. The GoPro Hero 6 Black is compatible with a USB-C cable.

To charge the battery outside the camera, you will need to remove it from the camera and insert it into a charging cradle, which can then be plugged into a wall adapter or a computer. The battery will take around two to four hours to charge fully.

Charging a GoPro 6 Black with a USB wall charger

First, power off your GoPro 6 Black camera. This is an important step as charging with the camera powered on will slow down the charging process since it will still be drawing power to run the camera.

Next, take the included USB charging cable and put one end into the GoPro's charging port and the other end into the USB wall charger. The standard for most GoPros is 5V/1A, but the GoPro HERO6 model can take up to 5V/3A for fast charging. If you don't have the original cable that came with your GoPro, you can use the one that came with your phone (e.g. iPhone charger) or purchase a new one.

Now, plug the charger into a wall outlet and switch it on. The GoPro 6 Black should start charging.

To know when your GoPro 6 Black is fully charged, wait for the red light to go out. This should take around 2 hours with a standard wall charger. The charging is fastest at the beginning, so you should have about 80% battery life after an hour of charging.

As an alternative to a wall charger, you can also use a USB port on your computer, an external USB power bank, or a multi-port AC USB hub to charge your GoPro 6 Black.

Charging a GoPro 6 Black with a computer

Firstly, make sure that your GoPro camera is powered off. It is recommended to turn off your GoPro before charging to ensure efficient charging and to avoid any potential issues.

Now, let's talk about the charging cable. The GoPro 6 Black uses a USB-C cable for charging. If you have purchased the camera new, it likely came with the appropriate charging cable in the box. Check the packaging or the included accessories to locate this cable. If you don't have the original cable, you can use any standard USB-C cable that you may have.

Once you have the cable, connect one end of the USB-C cable to your GoPro 6 Black's charging port. The charging port on the GoPro is usually located on the side or bottom of the camera, depending on the model.

With the other end of the cable, you will plug it into your computer. It is recommended to use one of the USB ports on the main computer unit rather than a peripheral USB hub, as the hubs may not provide the same charging throughput. If you are using a laptop, make sure it is connected to a power source (AC power) as laptops often throttle down the USB output when running on battery power.

Now that your GoPro is connected to your computer, the charging should begin automatically. The GoPro 6 Black's battery capacity is 1220mAh, and the charging time can vary depending on several factors. If your GoPro's battery is completely depleted, it may take up to 4 hours to fully charge via a computer's USB port. However, if the battery is not fully depleted, the charging time will be shorter.

While charging, you may see a red light on the GoPro indicating that it is charging. Once the battery is fully charged, this light should turn off or change colour, depending on your GoPro model. Some models may also have charging bars or a percentage indicator on the front screen to show the charging status.

It is important to note that charging your GoPro 6 Black with a computer may take longer than using a standard wall charger. If you are in a hurry, consider using a wall charger, which can fully charge your GoPro in about 2 hours. Additionally, the GoPro Supercharger is an optional accessory that can significantly reduce charging time.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully charge your GoPro 6 Black using your computer, keeping your action camera ready for your next adventure!

Charging a GoPro 6 Black with a power bank

If you're looking to charge your GoPro 6 Black with a power bank, you're in luck! It is possible to charge your GoPro with a power bank, and it's a great way to ensure your camera stays powered during your outdoor adventures. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you out:

Choosing a Power Bank:

First, you'll need to select a suitable power bank for your GoPro 6 Black. Look for power banks that have a 5V DC output and a 1A or 2A current. The GoPro 6 Black can take up to 5V/2A. The Anker 20,100mAh Portable Charger, for example, is a popular choice that meets these requirements and has received positive reviews from many GoPro users.

Connecting the Power Bank:

To connect your GoPro 6 Black to the power bank, you'll need to use a USB-C cable. You can either use a skeleton GoPro housing or create a hole in your standard GoPro housing for the cable to pass through. Make sure to get a long, high-output USB-C cable for a secure connection.

Charging and Recording:

With the power bank connected, you can simultaneously record and charge your GoPro 6 Black. The camera will operate normally when powered by the external source. However, if you're using a GoPro with an internal battery, it's recommended to use an external power source instead of the battery pack to reduce the amount of heat generated in the camera.

Advantages of Using a Power Bank:

Using a power bank offers several benefits. It increases your recording time, allowing you to capture longer videos and photos without worrying about battery life. Additionally, a power bank can serve multiple purposes, charging not only your GoPro but also your phone and other mobile devices simultaneously.

Disadvantages of Using a Power Bank:

While using a power bank with your GoPro has its advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One downside is the loss of portability, especially if you choose a heavy power bank. Additionally, using an external power source will make your GoPro non-waterproof as the USB port needs to remain accessible.

By following these instructions and keeping the tips in mind, you'll be able to effectively charge your GoPro 6 Black with a power bank and capture all your adventures without the worry of a dying battery!

Charging a GoPro 6 Black with a car charger

Method 1: Using a Car's USB Port

The GoPro HERO6 Black uses a standard USB connection for charging. You can simply plug your GoPro into the USB port in your car. Most modern cars have built-in USB ports that you can use for charging devices. This method is convenient if you're looking to charge your GoPro on the go.

Method 2: Using a Cigarette Lighter Adapter

If your car doesn't have a USB port, you can use an old-fashioned car charger, also known as a cigarette lighter adapter. You can plug this adapter into the cigarette lighter socket in your car, and then connect your GoPro's USB cable to the adapter. This method provides a reliable way to charge your GoPro while driving.

Tips for Efficient Charging:

• Ensure you use the correct USB cable: The GoPro HERO6 Black uses a USB-C connection. Using the original cable that came with your GoPro is recommended.
• Power Off: For faster charging, it's best to turn off your GoPro while charging. This ensures that the battery's power is solely used for charging, and not for running the camera.
• Disconnect Accessories: Any external accessories connected to your GoPro, such as the BacPac or Mod accessories, should be disconnected during charging. This simplifies the process and ensures efficient charging.
• Turn Off Wi-Fi: Even when the camera is powered off, the Wi-Fi function can drain battery power. Turning off Wi-Fi ensures that your GoPro charges optimally.

Other Charging Options:

While charging your GoPro 6 Black in a car is convenient, there are several other charging options available:

• USB Wall Charger: You can use a standard USB wall charger, similar to the one you use for your phone or tablet. The standard for most GoPros is 5V/1A, and the HERO6 model can also take up to 5V/2A for faster charging.
• Connect to a Computer: You can plug your GoPro into the USB port of your computer or laptop. If using a laptop, ensure it's connected to a power source to provide a consistent charge.
• GoPro Supercharger: The GoPro Supercharger is a 27.5-watt charger that can provide up to 70% faster charging than a standard USB wall charger. It has both USB-A and USB-C ports, making it versatile for charging multiple devices.
• Battery Pack: You can use a portable battery pack or power bank to charge your GoPro on the go. This is especially useful if you're away from a power source for an extended period.
• Solar Powered Charger: For off-the-grid adventures, a solar-powered charger can be a great option. This is ideal for hikers, campers, and wildlife photographers.

Standard Procedure for Charging GoPro Batteries:

When charging your GoPro, it's important to follow these steps to ensure optimal charging:

• Turn Off Connections: Disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and auto-upload settings to conserve battery power during charging.
• Disconnect Accessories: Detach any external accessories connected to your GoPro, as they may draw power and slow down the charging process.
• Power Off the GoPro: Turning off the camera ensures that the battery power is solely used for charging.

By following these methods and tips, you'll be able to efficiently charge your GoPro 6 Black using a car charger or any of the alternative charging options available.

Charging a GoPro 6 Black with a solar charger

The GoPro Hero 6 Black can be charged with a solar charger. Here is a guide on how to charge it:

Method 1: Charging the GoPro with the Battery Inside

This method reliably charges GoPro Hero models 3, 4, and 5, but it should work with the Hero 6 as well.

• Charge the solar charger's battery: You can do this by leaving it out in the sun, plugging it into an AC outlet, or using a car charger socket.
• Connect the GoPro to the battery: Use the cable that came with your GoPro or your favorite USB cable to connect your camera to the solar charger's battery. You may need to press the Power Button on the battery to activate the USB Output.

Method 2: Charging the GoPro's Battery in a DC Camera Cradle

This method will only charge GoPro Hero models 3 and 4.

• Remove the battery from your GoPro: Carefully take out the battery from your GoPro Hero 6 Black.
• Charge the battery in the DC Camera cradle: Use one of the products that can charge DSLR camera batteries, like the ones offered by Voltaic, to charge your GoPro battery.

Frequently asked questions