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This article explains how to transfer data from a GoPro camera to a Mac computer using a variety of techniques. You can easily connect a GoPro to your Mac and export photos/videos from the GoPro to the Mac.

  • Before continuing with this article, there are a few terms you should be familiar with.
  • Memory card (SD): In Finder, the SD card will be mounted, and you can simply copy the files across.
  • Select GoPro from the Import To menu in the Image Capture app, then click Import All.
  • Utilize the GoPro Quik app: Select Import Files after logging up with your GoPro account.

Transferring GoPro Files to an SD Card

The simplest approach to transfer files from the GoPro to your Mac is to use an SD card. The only disadvantage to this method is that a micro SD card reader will be required. You'll need a micro SD card reader that connects through USB-C if your Mac only has USB-C ports.

connect GoPro to Mac

This strategy works like this:

To access the SD card, open the GoPro's bottom door.

Remove the SD card from the system.

In the reader's slot, place the SD card.

Connect the SD card reader to your Mac.

Open the Finder application.

Select Untitled from the left menu window. If the SD card's name isn't Untitled, click it.

connect GoPro to Mac

After that, double-click the DCIM folder, then the 101GOPRO folder.

To copy a file, double-tap it with two fingers (or right-click it with a mouse). To select several files, press and hold the Command key while selecting the files you want to copy.

Click Copy X Items after tapping one of the selected files twice. X is the number of files selected.

connect GoPro to Mac

In the Finder app, go to the location where you want to copy the files.

Using two fingers, choose Paste X Things (or right-click if using a mouse), where X is the number of items to paste. The documents are moved to the Mac.

Eject the SD card from the Mac before removing the reader.

GoPro files are sent via Image Capture

The GoPro may be accessed via Image Capture, a piece of software supplied with the Mac operating system. A USB-C connection is required to connect the GoPro to the Mac. Here's how to go about it:

Connect the USB-C cable to one of Mac's USB-C ports, then to the GoPro's USB-C connection.

Turn on the GoPro camera.

Select Image Capture from the Applications folder or from the Dock by choosing the Launchpad app, typing the image into the search field, and then selecting Image Capture.

In the left navigation box, click the name of your GoPro.

From the Import To drop-down option, select the location where the imported files will be stored, then click Import All.

Close Image Capture and disconnect the GoPro from the Mac after the import is finished.

Transfer GoPro Files With GoPro Quik

GoPro Quik is a tool for transferring GoPro files.

Quik is a GoPro-developed solution. The free program is installed in the same way that any other app on a Mac is—download the file and double-click to start the installation process.

connect GoPro to Mac

These instructions are for an earlier version of GoPro Quik, not the smartphone version launched in March 2021. Quik is still available for download from the GoPro community website.

Quik requires a free account to use, so create one before installing the app.

After you've installed it, follow these instructions to import the GoPro files:

Connect your GoPro camera to your Mac and turn it on.

On the Dock, select the Launchpad.

Enter quick and then select the GoPro Quik launcher.

Enter your GoPro account username and password to log in.

Wait for the import to finish before clicking Import Files.

When the import is finished, the files will be available for usage in the Movies folder. Quik should be closed, and the GoPro should be unplugged from the Mac.

It's Time to Work Your Magic

The data from the GoPro camera have now been transferred to your Mac. To produce video magic, open the files in your preferred video editor.

How can I pair my GoPro with my iPhone?

To connect your GoPro to your iPhone, download the Quik App. Tap Settings > Connect or Preferences > Connect > Pair or Pair Through the GoPro App on the GoPro. Then, within the Quik app, tap the camera icon.

How can I link my GoPro to my television?

You'll need to buy a media mod and attach it to your GoPro to connect it to your TV. After that, connect an HDMI-to-micro HDMI cable to the GoPro micro HDMI connector. Connect the other end of the wire to the HDMI input on your TV.

Now you know how to connect with GoPro to your Mac, it is time to practically start working.

How to recover lost data from GoPro on Mac?

If you lose important videos or images in a GoPro, just free download a data recovery application to help you get lost videos/images back.

Do Your Data Recovery for Mac is a powerful data recovery application, it supports to easily and completely recover lost data from your GoPro.

Do Your Data Recovery for Mac

Step 1. Connect the GoPro to your Mac. Then open Do Your Data Recovery for Mac, select the GoPro to start data recovery.

recover lost data from GoPro on Mac

Step 2. Click on Scan button, then scan the GoPro to find deleted or lost files.

recover lost data from GoPro on Mac

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, you can preview all recoverable files. Then select the wanted files and save them.

recover lost data from GoPro on Mac

Do Your Data Recovery for Mac offers advanced recovery to ensure finding every recoverable file in the GoPro. If you are going to sell or dispose of your old GoPro, you can use DoYourData Super Eraser for Mac to permanently erase all files from it to prevent potential data recovery.

DoYourData Author

Written & Updated by Justin Kenny

Justin Kenny is a writer & editor of DoYourData. He joined DoYourData in 2016 and focuses on writing articles about Windows data recovery, Mac data recovery, external device data recovery, hard drive clone, data erasure, Mac cleanup, computer issue fixes, etc. He is a super fan of Apple devices and is big on testing new digital device and system utility software.

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