GoPro HERO6 User Manual

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CONNECTING TO AN AUDIO ACCESSORY
An accessory microphone or other component can provide enhanced 
audio for your captured video.
1.  Connect the audio accessory to your camera’s USB-C port using 
GoPro’s Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter (sold separately).
2.  From the camera’s main screen, swipe down.
3.  Tap Preferences > Audio Input.
4.  Tap an option: 
Option Description
Standard Mic 
(d e f a u l t) Supports non-powered mics
Standard Mic+ Supports non-powered mics and provides 
 
20dB boost
Powered Mic Supports self-powered mics
Powered Mic+ Supports self-powered mics and provides 
 
20dB boost
Line In Supports line-level output from other audio 
equipment (mixing board, guitar preamplifier, 
karaoke machine, etc.)
Note: If you are not sure which option to select, refer to the information from your 
microphone manufacturer.
CUSTOMIZING YOUR GOPRO
From changing the beep volume to turning off the status lights, you can 
set up your camera to work the way that you want. 
CHANGING PREFERENCES 1.  Swipe down, then tap Preferences.
2.  Tap a setting, then tap a new option.
3.  To exit, swipe down.
DATE AND TIME
The date and time are automatically updated when you connect your 
camera to the GoPro app or the Quik desktop app. However, you can 
manually change these settings, if needed. 
Note: If the battery is removed from the camera for an extended period of time, you 
must reset the date and time (automatically or manually).
D AT E F O R M AT
The date format is automatically based on the camera language that you 
select. However, you can manually change this setting, if needed. The 
options are DD.MM.YY, MM.DD.YY, and YY.MM.DD. 
BEEP VOLUME
Sets the volume of your GoPro's alerts. The options are High (default), 
Med, Low, and Off.
LED
Sets which status lights blink. The options are All On (default), All Off, and 
Front Off.
PRO TIP:  Turn the front status light off if you are capturing in an area 
with windows or mirrors that might cause reflection in the shot. 
						

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CUSTOMIZING YOUR GOPRO
DEFAULT MODE
Sets the capture mode that your GoPro defaults to when powering up. 
The options are Video (default), Time Lapse Video, Looping, Photo, Night, 
Burst, Time Lapse Photo, and Night Lapse Photo.
Note: This setting does not affect QuikCapture.
AUTO OFF 
Powers off your GoPro after a period of inactivity to save battery life. The 
options are 5 minutes, 15 minutes (default), 30 minutes, and Never.
Note: Voice Control is not available when the camera is off unless the Wake On Voice 
setting is turned on. When using Voice Control, consider selecting a higher time period 
(or Never) for Auto Off.
SCREENSAVER 
Turns off the touch display after a period of inactivity to save battery life. 
The options are 1 minute (default), 2 minutes, 3 minutes, and Never.   
To turn on the touch display again, tap anywhere on the screen. When   
the touch display turns off, you can still use the camera buttons and   
Voice Control.
BRIGHTNESS
Adjusts the brightness level of the touch display. The options are 10% to 
1 0 0 %  (d e f a u l t) . A U TO - R OTAT I O N
This setting determines the orientation of your video or photos to help you 
prevent upside down footage. 
Setting Description
Auto (Auto Image Rotation) Camera automatically 
selects Up or Down, based on the orientation 
of the camera when recording begins. 
Ensures that your resulting image is always 
right-side up.
U p  (d e f a u l t) Camera is set to always capture in right-side 
up orientation.
Down Camera is set to always capture in upside 
down orientation.
  AUTO LOCK  
Locks the touch display to prevent accidental input. This setting is off by 
default.
•  To turn on Auto Lock, swipe down, then tap [ 
 ]. To temporarily 
unlock the screen, swipe down, then tap the touch display.
•  To turn off Auto Lock, swipe down, then tap [ 
 ].
CUSTOMIZING YOUR GOPRO 
						

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GPS 
Captures the location where your video and photos were taken. To see 
this information, view the video or photos on a compatible desktop or 
mobile application. For details, visit gopro.com/help . 
LANGUAGE
Sets the language that appears on the camera. 
VIDEO FORMAT
Sets the regional frame rates that your camera uses for recording and 
playing back video on a TV/HDTV. Selecting the appropriate option for   
your region helps prevent flicker when capturing video indoors.
Setting Description
NTSC Select this option to play back your 
 
video on an NTSC TV (most televisions   
in North America)
PAL Select this option to play back your video 
 
on a PAL TV (most televisions outside of   
North America)
CUSTOMIZING YOUR GOPRO
TEMPERATURE ICON
The Temperature icon appears on the camera status screen 
when the camera becomes too hot and needs to cool 
down. Simply let it sit and cool before attempting to use it 
again. Your camera was designed to identify conditions of 
overheating and shuts down when needed.
FILE REPAIR ICON
If recording stopped abruptly and the video file was not 
properly saved, the file might become corrupted. If this 
happens, the camera displays the File Repair icon while 
it tries to repair the file. When this process is finished, 
you receive a message stating whether the repair was 
successful or failed. Press any button to continue using the 
camera.
MICROSD CARD MESSAGES
NO SD No card present. The camera requires a 
microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC card (sold 
separately) to capture videos and photos.
FULL The card is full. Delete some files or insert a 
different card.
SD ERR The camera is unable to read the card 
formatting. Reformat the card in the camera.
IMPORTANT MESSAGES 
						

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RESETTING YOUR CAMERA
RESTARTING YOUR GOPRO
If your camera is not responding, press and hold the Mode  button [  ] 
for 8 seconds to shut down the camera and then restart it. All settings   
are retained.
RESETTING ALL SETTINGS TO THE DEFAULTS
This option resets all of your camera settings to the defaults, except Date, 
Time, camera name and password, Language, and Video Format.
1.  From the main screen, swipe down.  
2.  Tap Preferences > Camera Defaults, and then tap Reset. 
RESETTING THE CONNECTIONS
This option clears your connections list and resets the camera’s password. 
If you reset the connections, you must reconnect your devices to your 
GoPro.
1.  From the main screen, swipe down. 
2.  Tap Connections > Reset Connections, and then tap Reset.
RESTORING FACTORY SETTINGS
Follow the steps below to reset all settings, clear your connections, and 
deregister the camera from your GoPro Plus account. This option is useful 
if you are reselling your camera and want to reset it to its original state. 
Note: This option does not change your camera’s software version.1.  From the main screen, swipe down. 
2.  Tap Preferences > Factory Reset, and then tap Reset. 
Restoring factory settings does not erase all content from your microSD 
card. To clear your microSD card, see  Reformatting Your microSD Card 
(page 9).   THE FRAME 
The Frame (for HERO6 Black/HERO5 Black ) provides additional 
protection for your camera if you drop it, so you might want to keep it in 
The Frame during certain activities, even if the camera is not mounted. 
HERO6 Black  is waterproof to 33’ (10m) with the doors closed—no 
additional housing is needed when using the camera in or around water. 
NOTICE : The Frame does not provide additional waterproof protection.
PRO TIP:  During water activities, use a camera tether for added security 
and use a Floaty to keep your camera afloat (both sold separately). For more 
information, visit gopro.com. 
MOUNTING
1.  The Frame
2.  Mounting Buckle   3. 
Thumb Screw
4.  Curved + Flat Adhesive Mounts
4
12
3 
						

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ATTACHING YOUR CAMERA TO MOUNTS
To attach your camera to a mount, you need The Frame (for HERO6 
Black/HERO5 Black ) and a mounting buckle and/or thumb screw, 
depending on the mount you are using. 
1.  Secure the camera in The Frame:
a.    Open the latch.
b.  Slide the camera into the frame. The bottom front of The Frame 
has a raised edge. Be sure the front of the camera sits flush 
against it.
c.  Close the door.
d.  Lock the latch.
2. Attach The Frame to the mounting buckle.
MOUNTING
3. Follow the Mounting Guidelines  (page 89) to attach an adhesive 
mount to a surface.
4.  Attach the mounting buckle to the mount:
a.  Flip up the mounting buckle plug.
b.  Slide the buckle into the mount until it clicks into place.
c.  Press down on the plug so that it sits flush with the buckle.
PRO TIP: If you mount your HERO6 Black upside down, the camera 
automatically changes the orientation of your image to be right-side up. For 
more information, see Auto-Rotation (page 83) . 
MOUNTING GUIDELINES
Follow these guidelines when attaching adhesive mounts to curved and 
flat surfaces of helmets, vehicles, and gear:
•  Attach the adhesive mounts at least 24 hours before use.
•  Adhesive mounts must be mounted only on smooth surfaces. Porous   
or textured surfaces do not enable a proper bond. When applying   
the mount, firmly press it into place and ensure full contact over the 
entire surface.
MOUNTING 
						

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• Apply adhesive mounts only to clean, dry surfaces. Wax, oil, dirt or 
other debris reduce adhesion, which can result in a weak bond and 
risk of losing the camera should the connection fail.
•  Attach adhesive mounts in room temperature conditions. Adhesives 
do not bond properly if applied in cold or damp environments to cold 
or damp surfaces.
•  Check state and local regulations and laws to ensure that attaching 
a camera to equipment (such as hunting equipment) is permitted. 
Always comply with regulations that restrict the use of consumer 
electronics or cameras.
•  During water activities, use a camera tether and Floaty (both sold 
separately) for added security to keep your camera afloat.
WARNING:  To avoid injury, do not use a tether when mounting 
the camera on a helmet. Do not mount the camera directly on 
skis or snowboards.
For more information about mounts, visit gopro.com .
WARNING: If using your camera with a GoPro mount or strap 
intended for use with a helmet, always select a helmet that 
meets the applicable safety standard. 
Choose the right helmet for your particular sport or activity 
and make sure that it is the right fit and size for you. Inspect 
your helmet to ensure that it is in good condition, and follow 
the helmet manufacturer’s instructions on safe helmet use. 
Any helmet that has sustained a major impact should   
be replaced. No helmet can protect against injury in   
every accident.
MOUNTING
In some situations, such as charging the camera within The Frame, 
connecting to audio or HDMI accessories, or connecting to a GoPro 
drone, you must remove the side door to access the ports. 
WARNING: Remove the side door only when you are using the 
camera in a dry, dust-free environment. When the door is open 
or removed, the camera is not waterproof. Never operate the 
camera with the battery door open.
REMOVING THE SIDE DOOR
1.  Hold down the Latch Release button and slide the door open.
2.  Pull the door off of the camera.
REMOVING THE SIDE DOOR 
						

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REMOVING THE SIDE DOOR
REATTACHING THE SIDE DOOR
1.  Hold down the Latch Release button and extend the tab on the door.
2. Press the tab onto the small silver bar.
Follow these guidelines to get the best performance from your camera:
•  The camera is waterproof to 33’ (10m)—no housing needed. Ensure 
that the doors are closed before using the camera in or around water, 
dirt, or sand. 
•  Before closing the doors, be sure the seals are free of debris. If 
needed, clean with a cloth.
•  Before opening the doors, be sure the camera is free of water or 
debris. If needed, rinse the camera with fresh water and dry it with   
a cloth.
•  If sand or debris hardens around the doors, soak the camera in warm 
tap water for 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly to remove the 
debris before opening the doors.
•  In wet environments, dry the touch display with a soft cloth so that it 
registers your touch. 
•  For best audio performance, shake the camera or blow on the 
mic to remove water and debris from the microphone holes. To 
prevent damage to the internal waterproof membranes, do not use 
compressed air to blow into the mic holes.
•  After every use in salt water, rinse the camera with fresh water, and 
dry with a soft cloth.
•  To clean the lens or the lens cover, wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth. If 
debris becomes lodged between the lens and the trim ring, flush it out 
with water or air. Do not insert foreign objects around the lens.
MAINTENANCE 
						

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BATTERY INFORMATION
MAxIMIZING BATTERY LIFE
A message appears on the touch display if the battery drops below 10%. 
If the battery reaches 0% while recording, the camera saves the file and 
powers off.
To maximize battery life, follow these guidelines when possible:
•  Turn off Wireless Connections
•  Turn off GPS
•  Capture video at lower frame rates and resolutions
•  Turn off Protune
•  Use these settings:
•  QuikCapture  (page 28)
•  Screensaver  (page 82)
•  Auto Off  (page 82)
•  Brightness  (page 82)
RECORDING WHILE CHARGING
Using the USB-C cable that came with your camera, you can capture 
video and photos while the camera is plugged in to a USB charging 
adapter, the GoPro Supercharger, another GoPro charger, or the GoPro 
Portable Power Pack. Although the battery does not charge during 
recording, you can use one of the above methods to power the camera 
and obtain extended recording time. When you stop recording, charging 
resumes. (You cannot record while charging the camera through a 
computer.)
Note: Because the side door is open, the camera is not waterproof during charging.
BATTERY INFORMATION
WARNING: Using a wall charger other than a GoPro charging 
device can damage the GoPro camera battery and could 
result in fire or leakage. With the exception of the GoPro 
Supercharger (sold separately), only use chargers marked: 
Output 5V 1A. If you do not know the voltage and current 
of your charger, use the included USB cable to charge the 
camera from your computer. 
BATTERY STORAGE AND HANDLING
The camera contains sensitive components, including the battery. Avoid 
exposing your camera to very cold or very hot temperatures. Low or high 
temperature conditions may temporarily shorten the battery life or cause 
the camera to temporarily stop working properly. Avoid dramatic changes 
in temperature or humidity when using the camera, as condensation may 
form on or within the camera.
Do not dry the camera or battery with an external heat source such as a 
microwave oven or hair dryer. Damage to the camera or battery caused by 
contact with liquid inside the camera is not covered under the warranty.
Do not store your battery with metal objects, such as coins, keys or 
necklaces. If the battery terminals come in contact with metal objects, 
this may cause a fire.
Do not make any unauthorized alterations to the camera. Doing so may 
compromise safety, regulatory compliance, performance, and may void   
the warranty. 
						

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BATTERY INFORMATION
WARNING: Do not drop, disassemble, open, crush, bend,  
deform, puncture, shred, microwave, incinerate or paint the 
camera or battery. Do not insert foreign objects into the 
battery opening on the camera. Do not use the camera or 
the battery if it has been damaged—for example, if cracked, 
punctured or harmed by water. Disassembling or puncturing 
the battery can cause an explosion or fire.
BATTERY DISPOSAL
Most rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are classified as non-hazardous 
waste and are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream. 
Many localities have laws in place requiring battery recycling. Check your 
local laws to make sure that you can dispose of rechargeable batteries 
in your regular trash. To safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries, protect 
terminals from exposure to other metal with packing, masking or electrical 
tape so they do not cause a fire while being transported.
Lithium-ion batteries, however, do contain recyclable materials and 
are accepted for recycling by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling 
Corporation’s (RBRC) Battery Recycling Program. We encourage you 
to visit Call2Recycle at call2recycle.org or call 1-800-BATTERY in North 
America to find a convenient recycling location.
Never dispose of a battery in a fire because it may explode.
WARNING: Only use manufacturer-recommended 
replacement batteries for your camera.
TROUBLESHOOTING
I’M NOT SURE WHICH SETTINGS TO USE
See  Settings for Your Activities  (page 26).
MY GOPRO WON'T POWER ON
Make sure your GoPro is charged. To charge your camera, use the 
included USB-C cable and a computer. You can also use GoPro's 
Supercharger or USB-compatible Wall Charger or Auto Charger (all 
sold separately) or any charging device marked with output 5V 1A. 
(Supercharger’s output is   
5 V  2 A .)
MY GOPRO WON'T RESPOND WHEN I PRESS A BUTTON
See  Restarting Your GoPro  (page 86).
PL AYBACK ON MY COMPUTER IS CHOPPY
Choppy playback is typically not a problem with the file. If your footage 
skips, one of these situations is likely the cause: •  Using an incompatible video player. Not all video players support the 
H.265/HEVC and H.264 codecs. For best results, download the latest 
version of the Quik desktop app for free at gopro.com/apps .
•  The computer does not meet the minimum requirements for HD 
playback. The higher the resolution and frame rate of your video, the 
harder the computer has to work to play it back. Make sure that your 
computer meets the minimum requirements for the playback software.
  If your computer does not meet the minimum requirements, record 
at 1080p60 with Protune off, and make sure that all other programs 
on your computer are closed. If that resolution does not improve the 
playback, try 720p60. 
						

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TROUBLESHOOTING
I FORGOT MY CAMERA’S USERNAME OR PASSWORD
Swipe down, then tap Connections > Name & Password. 
I DON’T KNOW WHAT SOFTWARE VERSION I HAVE
From the main screen, swipe down. Then tap Preferences > About This 
GoPro. The Version Number displays the software version that you   
are running.
I CAN’T FIND MY CAMERA’S SERIAL NUMBER
The camera’s serial number is listed in several places: •  In Preferences > About This GoPro
•  On the inside of the battery bay (remove the battery to see it)
•  On your camera’s microSD card (in the version.txt file in the   
MSC folder) 
For more answers to commonly asked questions, see gopro.com/help .
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
TRADEMARKS
GoPro, HERO, Session, Karma and their respective logos are trademarks 
or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other 
countries. © 2017 GoPro, Inc. All rights reserved. Made in China. Hecho 
en China. For patent information, visit gopro.com/patents. GoPro, Inc., 
3000 Clearview Way, San Mateo CA 94402 | GoPro GmbH, Floessergasse 
2, 81369 Munich, Germany
GoPro is dedicated to providing the best possible service. To reach GoPro 
Customer Support, visit gopro.com/help
.