GoPro HERO12 or HERO11 Black overheating and shutting down: how to keep it cool

A HERO12 or HERO11 Black that shows a temperature warning and switches off is protecting itself from heat. Lighter settings, shade, a bit of moving air and the right battery usually buy you much longer recordings, even in an Indian summer.

When the camera says it is too hot, it saves your clip and turns off. Let it cool with the battery taken out, then keep it out of direct sun, give it some airflow and drop the resolution or frame rate one step. For long static shots, run it on external power with the battery removed and keep the camera software up to date.

• 1. Let it cool with the battery out: When the temperature icon appears, the camera stops, saves your recording and powers off. Your footage is safe. Open the battery door and take the battery out (careful, it may be hot) so fresh air reaches inside. GoPro says this helps the camera cool down much faster. Wait until it feels normal to touch before switching on again.
• 2. Move it out of direct sun: GoPro rates HERO12 Black for use between -10 °C and 35 °C, and many Indian afternoons go past that, especially on a dashboard or rooftop. Even a little shade from a cap, umbrella or bag makes a real difference. Avoid leaving the camera sitting in a parked car or bike mount between shots.
• 3. Give it some airflow: These cameras cool best when air is moving over them. A camera on a moving bike or helmet stays cooler than one on a desk in a still room. Indoors, place it near a fan, an AC vent or an open window. Use the built-in mounting fingers or a mount to lift it off tables and floors so air can reach every side.
• 4. Drop the resolution or frame rate: Filming at the highest resolution and frame rate makes the processor work hardest, so the camera heats up faster in hot weather. Step down one level, for example a lower frame rate at the same resolution, for long clips. Keep the top settings for short action bursts where you really need them.
• 5. Turn off features you are not using: Lower the HyperSmooth stabilisation level for static shots on a tripod, where heavy stabilisation is not needed. Switch off GPS and Voice Control if you do not need them for this shoot. Each one you turn off gives the camera a little less work and a little less heat.
• 6. Dim the screens: Set the rear screen to sleep after one minute: swipe down on the rear screen, swipe left, then tap Preferences > Displays > Screen Saver Rear > 1 Min. To switch the front screen off fully, swipe down on the rear screen, tap the front display icon, tap the X icon and confirm with the check mark.
• 7. Use the Enduro battery and a fast card: GoPro asks HERO12 Black owners to use the Enduro battery, and warns that older GoPro batteries or other brands can greatly limit performance. A slow or ageing microSD card also makes the camera work harder, so use a fast, recent card from a trusted brand.
• 8. Film long clips on external power: For time-lapses, talks or long static recordings, GoPro suggests taking the battery out and running the camera from a power source of at least 5.1 V and 2 A. The battery does not charge while you record anyway, and charging is only meant for 0 to 35 °C. Remember the camera is not waterproof with the door open.
• 9. Update the camera software: The GoPro Quik app checks for new camera software each time it connects and tells you how to install it. You can also update manually from GoPro's update page by choosing your camera. Keep the battery and card in place until the update finishes, as removing them midway can damage the camera.