Recover Deleted GoPro Videos & Photos from SD Card
Updated: May 2026 · 5 min read
Bottom line: GoPro MP4 videos and photos can be recovered from your microSD card after deletion or formatting. Free scan with PhotoRec engine, pay $1.99 per recovered file.
⚠️ Stop Recording Immediately
Do NOT record new video. GoPro writes directly to the microSD card — every new clip overwrites deleted data. Remove the card from your GoPro right now.
Common Causes of GoPro Data Loss
- Accidentally tapped "Delete All" in GoPro menu
- Formatted the card via GoPro app or settings
- Battery died during recording (corrupted file)
- Removed SD card while GoPro was still writing
- Loop recording mode automatically deleted old files
Understanding GoPro File Structure
GoPro creates multiple files for each recording:
- .MP4 — Main video (high quality)
- .LRV — Low-resolution preview video
- .THM — Thumbnail image
- .JPG — Photo mode captures
- .GPR — RAW format (HERO5+, when enabled)
PhotoRec engine recognizes and recovers all of these file types.
Recovery Steps
- Remove microSD from GoPro
Use a microSD-to-SD adapter or microSD card reader to connect to your computer.
- Scan with PhotoRescue (Free)
All GoPro file formats (MP4/JPG/GPR) are detected automatically. 128GB card takes 20–40 minutes.
- Preview & recover what you need
See found videos and photos. Choose which to recover. $1.99 per file.
Important Notes for GoPro Video Recovery
4K Video File Sizes
GoPro HERO12/13 4K60fps video uses ~500MB per minute. A 64GB card fills up in under 2 hours. This means overwrite risk is high — scan as soon as possible after data loss.
Battery Death During Recording
If the battery died mid-recording, the last MP4 file may be corrupted. PhotoRec attempts to reconstruct files from headers, so partial recovery is often possible.
Loop Recording Mode
If you use GoPro's loop recording, old files are automatically deleted and overwritten. Recovery is only possible for recently deleted clips that haven't been overwritten yet.
Maximize Recovery Success
- Stop recording immediately (most important)
- Don't format the card even if GoPro asks
- Use a fast card reader (UHS-II or USB 3.0+) for quicker scanning
- Recover to your PC's internal drive — never write back to the same SD card
Recover Your GoPro Adventures
$1.99 per file
Free scan / MP4, JPG, GPR supported / Mac & Windows
Try Free Scan
Summary
GoPro videos and photos are recoverable after deletion or formatting — as long as you haven't recorded new footage over them.
- Remove the microSD from your GoPro immediately
- Free scan to check what's recoverable
- $1.99 per file, pay only for what you keep
PhotoRescue Home | Blog