GoPro Hero 10 Insert SD Card & Format: How-To Guide


GoPro Hero 10 Insert SD Card & Format: How-To Guide

In this GoPro Hero 10 insert SD card guide we’ll take a look at how to insert the correct type of GoPro compatible SD card followed by formating the card ready for recording both video and photos.

One of the first tasks for any new GoPro owner is to insert the SD card and charge the battery, followed by formatting the micro SD card using the GoPro menu setting.

Now let’s get straight into the guide so you’ll be up and recording content on your GoPro as soon as possible.

Locate The Battery Door

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The battery door is situated on the side of the GoPro

To locate what GoPro calls the battery door. Hold the GoPro Hero 10 with the lens facing you. On the far left of the camera body you’ll find the battery door which covers the location for the battery and the micro SD card slot.

Opening The Battery Door

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Pulling the door latch in a downwards motion to open the battery door

Turn the GoPro at approximately 90 degrees with the battery door now facing you. At the base of the door is a raised edge with a recess. Using your fingernails gently pull the door latch in a downwards motion. (See picture with arrows).

The battery door will now open. Swing the door upwards as far as necessary to access the micro SD card slot.

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Swinging the battery door fully open
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The battery door fully open revealing the micro SD card slot

Removing The Battery

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Pull the on the battery tab to remove the GoPro battery

If the battery is inside the camera you’ll need to remove the battery prior to inserting the SD card. To remove the battery pull the plastic tab on the top of the battery and gently remove the battery from the GoPro.

When you have successfully inserted the SD card I’d suggest putting the battery back into the camera housing and start charging the battery until fully charged.

Compatible SD Cards For The Hero 10 Black

I’m going to quickly touch on the subject of compatible micro SD cards for the Hero 10. I’d suggest using either a 64Gb / 128Gb micro SD card with a class 10 V30 rating. Read here for more information on compatible cards.

Inserting The SD Card

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Gently push down onto the SD card

The GoPro Hero 10 Black records onto what is called a micro SD card. The card must be inserted in a specific direction with the brass pins of the card first. The text or graphics on the SD card must be facing you.

Now gently apply pressure with your index finger onto the top of the SD card and push until you hear a low clicking sound. The SD card slot is spring loaded hence the click.

Removing The SD Card

The reason the micro SD card slot is spring loaded is to allow the card to be removed with ease. To remove the card just press down onto the card and the spring will pop the card out just enough to grab with your fingers.

Formatting The Micro SD Card

Formatting an SD card is essential to ensure data doesn’t become corrupted while recording footage. This applies to all cards including brand new SD cards that have never been used before.

Be aware that formatting of SD cards will delete all data on the card. Make sure you have backed up all your videos and photos prior to formatting any SD card.

Format SD Card Menu Setting

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The Format SD Card menu setting in the Hero 10 Black

With the SD card now installed in the Hero 10, plus the battery fully charged. It’s time to power up the GoPro and format the card using the camera’s menu.

Switch the GoPro ON by pressing the power button for several seconds. If this is the first time powering the camera up, follow the instructions on the LCD rear screen.

Using your index finger swipe down from the top of the LCD screen to reveal the Preferences menu. Followed by a single swipe to the right to reveal the Connections menu, plus the “Cog icon“.

Tap the Cog icon and scroll down as far as possible until you see the Reset Option. Select the Reset Option and you’ll find “Format SD Card” which you now go ahead and select.

Choose “Yes” to enter the final stage of the formatting process and the GoPro camera will take a moment to format the SD card.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found this guide useful. I remember when I owned my first GoPro many years ago. It’s easy for a new owner to become overwhelmed by even the smallest of tasks we take for granted when we’ve owned a GoPro for some years.

In regards to backing up data stored on your SD card I’d suggest taking a look at the official GoPro cloud storage solution. 

It offers great value when you include the discounts for both cameras and accessories made available to its subscribers.