Battery Life for GoPro Hero 5 Session: Essential Tips

Quick Summary
Maximize your GoPro Hero 5 Session’s battery life with these easy tips: keep batteries warm, manage recording settings, use external power sources, and store them properly. Simple adjustments can significantly extend your shooting time.

Ever been out on an epic adventure, ready to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments with your GoPro Hero 5 Session, only to have the dreaded red light blink, signaling a dead battery? It’s a frustrating feeling, right? You’ve scouted the perfect location, waited for the right light, and then… nothing. Don’t let a drained battery cut your Gopro adventures short.

This guide is here to help. We’ll walk through simple, practical ways to get more out of every GoPro Hero 5 Session battery. You’ll learn easy tricks that don’t require fancy gadgets, just a bit of know-how.

Ready to keep rolling and capture more footage? Let’s dive into how to boost your GoPro Hero 5 Session’s battery life.

Understanding Your GoPro Hero 5 Session Battery

The GoPro Hero 5 Session uses a compact, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. While these tiny powerhouses are great for their size, they have limits. Understanding how they work and what affects their performance is the first step to making them last longer.

Lithium-ion batteries, like the one in your Hero 5 Session, are sensitive to temperature. Extreme heat or cold can cause them to drain faster or even reduce their overall capacity over time. Also, how you use your GoPro plays a huge role. High-resolution video, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and using the camera in very cold or hot conditions all consume more power.

Think of your battery like any other tool. If you use it hard, it’ll need more frequent recharging. But with smart usage, we can make each charge count for much longer.

Essential Tips to Extend GoPro Hero 5 Session Battery Life

Getting the most out of your GoPro Hero 5 Session battery is all about smart habits and knowing how to tweak settings. Here are some essential tips, broken down into easy-to-follow categories.

1. Battery Temperature Matters (Keep it Cozy!)

This is one of the biggest, yet often overlooked, factors. Cold weather is a battery killer! Just like your phone acts sluggish in the cold, your GoPro’s battery will too. The chemical reactions inside the battery slow down when it’s cold, reducing its ability to deliver power.

• Keep Batteries Warm: Before and during use in cold environments (like skiing, snowboarding, or hiking in winter), keep spare batteries in an inside pocket, close to your body heat. Even the battery inside the camera will last longer if it’s not exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods before you turn it on.
• Warm Up Before Use: If your battery has been in a cold car or a cool bag, let it warm up to room temperature before inserting it into your GoPro.
• Avoid Extreme Heat: While cold is worse for performance, extreme heat can also degrade batteries over time. Don’t leave your GoPro or spare batteries sitting in direct sunlight for long periods, especially inside a car. If it’s very hot, take breaks and let the camera cool down.

2. Optimize Your GoPro Settings

Your GoPro Hero 5 Session is packed with features, but some of them are real battery drains. By adjusting a few settings, you can make a significant difference.

• Lower Video Resolution and Frame Rate: Recording in 4K at 60fps looks amazing, but it uses a lot more power than recording in 1080p at 30fps. If you don’t need the absolute highest quality or super-slow-motion, consider a lower setting.
• 4K/30 vs. 1080p/30: 4K data is four times larger than 1080p, requiring more processing and thus more battery.
• 60fps vs. 30fps: Higher frame rates mean more data captured per second, leading to higher power consumption.
• Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth When Not Needed: These wireless connections constantly search for devices and consume a significant amount of power. Only turn them on when you need to transfer files or control your GoPro remotely with the GoPro app.
• Disable Voice Control (if not actively using): While convenient, the microphones are always listening for the wake word, which uses battery. If you’re not using voice commands, turn this feature off.
• Reduce Screen Brightness: The LCD screen is a power hog. Lowering the brightness slightly can help save battery. Go to your GoPro’s settings and find the display options to adjust this.
• Set Shorter Auto-off Timers: Your GoPro can be set to turn off automatically after a period of inactivity. A shorter auto-off time means less wasted battery when you’re not actively recording. Even 1-5 minutes can help.

3. Smart Recording Strategies

How you approach your recording sessions can also impact battery life.

• Record Shorter Clips: Instead of one long, continuous recording, try to break it up into shorter clips. This gives the camera and battery a brief moment of rest between takes, and it also makes managing your footage easier later on.
• Prioritize Recording: Turn on your GoPro only when you’re ready to capture footage. Turning it on and off for just a few seconds of filming each time can drain the battery faster than keeping it on for a more extended period of active recording.
• Avoid Frequent Reviewing on the Camera: Playback uses battery power. If you want to check your shots, it’s more efficient to do it later when you can transfer the footage to your phone or computer.

4. External Power Sources are Your Friend

When you need to record for extended periods, external power is your best bet. Your GoPro Hero 5 Session can be powered externally, which is a game-changer for long shoots.

• Power Banks (Portable Chargers): A small, portable power bank can significantly extend your recording time. Make sure to use a quality power bank and a reliable USB-C cable. Look for power banks that offer at least 5V/2A output for optimal charging.

For a reliable power bank, check out Anker’s PowerCore series. They are well-regarded for their durability and charging speed. For more technical specifications on USB-C charging, the USB Implementers Forum provides in-depth details on power delivery standards.

How to Connect: Simply plug a USB-C cable from the power bank into the USB-C port on your GoPro Hero 5 Session. You can often record while it’s connected and charging. This is perfect for time-lapses or long documentary-style filming.

Image: A GoPro Hero 5 Session connected to a portable power bank for extended recording.

5. Battery Care and Storage

How you treat your batteries when you’re not using them also affects their lifespan and performance.

• Charge Them Properly: Use the recommended GoPro charger or a reputable third-party charger. Avoid fully depleting the battery every single time. Lithium-ion batteries don’t have a “memory effect” like older battery types.
• Store Batteries in a Cool, Dry Place: For long-term storage, batteries are best kept at around 40-50% charge. Storing them at 100% or 0% for extended periods can degrade their capacity.
• Avoid Physical Damage: If your GoPro battery looks swollen, damaged, or has leaked, do not use it or try to charge it. Dispose of it safely at a designated battery recycling center.
• Use the Best Battery First: If you have multiple batteries, especially if some are older than others, try to use the oldest ones first to ensure they get used before their capacity degrades too much.

6. Consider a Dual Battery Charger

If you find yourself constantly swapping batteries and waiting for them to charge, a dual battery charger can be a lifesaver. These allow you to charge two batteries simultaneously.

• Speed Up Charging: You can have one battery in your GoPro and another charging, so you swap it out as soon as the first one dies.
• Convenience: Many dual chargers are compact and can be powered via USB, making them easy to use on the go with a power bank or car adapter.

GoPro Hero 5 Session Battery Comparisons

Understanding how different usage scenarios impact battery life can help you plan better. Here’s a general idea of what to expect so you can manage your adventures accordingly.

Keep in mind these are rough estimates for a fully charged battery under ideal conditions (around 20°C / 68°F). Your actual results will vary based on settings, temperature, and battery age.

The key takeaway is that higher resolutions, higher frame rates, and active wireless connections are the biggest drains. If you need longer recording times, you’ll need to make compromises on these settings or rely on external power.

Troubleshooting Common Battery Issues

Even with the best care, you might run into battery problems. Here are some common issues and how to solve them.

• Battery Drains Quickly Even When Off:

  Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned off. Also, check if any modes like “Voice Control” are active which can keep the device partially powered. Make sure the camera is fully shutting down, not just going into standby.

• Battery Won’t Charge:

  Try a different USB-C cable and a different power source (like a wall charger instead of a computer USB port). Make sure the charging port on the GoPro is clean and free of debris. If using a third-party charger, ensure it’s compatible and of good quality. A faulty battery might also be the cause.

• Camera Shows Full Battery, Then Dies Suddenly:

  This often indicates a degraded battery. The battery meter might be inaccurate, or the battery simply can’t hold a charge anymore. Try a new, genuine GoPro battery.

• Battery Overheats While Charging or Recording:

  While some warmth is normal, excessive heat is not. If it’s very hot, stop using it and let it cool down. Ensure you’re using the correct charger and that ventilation isn’t blocked, especially during prolonged recording. If it continues to overheat, the battery may be damaged and should not be used.

FAQ: Your GoPro Hero 5 Session Battery Questions Answered

Q1: Can I leave my GoPro Hero 5 Session battery plugged in all the time?

A1: It’s generally not recommended to leave any lithium-ion battery plugged in constantly after it’s fully charged. While modern chargers have overcharge protection, prolonged 100% charge can stress the battery and reduce its lifespan over time. It’s better to unplug it once it’s full.

Q2: How often should I replace my GoPro Hero 5 Session battery?

A2: Lithium-ion batteries degrade naturally over time and with use. You might notice a significant drop in capacity after 2-3 years of regular use, or after a few hundred charge cycles. If your battery no longer holds enough charge for your needs, it’s time for a replacement.

Q3: Is it worth buying extra GoPro Hero 5 Session batteries?

A3: Absolutely! If you plan on doing extended shoots, time-lapses that run for hours, or activities like skiing where removing the battery to charge is difficult, having multiple spare batteries is essential. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to expand your filming time.

Q4: What is the best way to store spare GoPro Hero 5 Session batteries?

A4: Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. For long-term storage (more than a few weeks), aim for a charge level of around 40-50%. Avoid storing them fully charged or completely empty.

Q5: Does fast charging hurt my GoPro Hero 5 Session battery?

A5: The GoPro Hero 5 Session uses USB-C charging. If you use a charger that supports fast charging (like USB Power Delivery or Qualcomm Quick Charge), and your GoPro itself can negotiate a faster charging rate, it’s designed to handle it safely. However, using a standard 5V/1A or 5V/2A charger is usually perfectly fine and can sometimes be gentler on the battery for longevity.

Q6: My GoPro Hero 5 Session is always cold. How can I keep the battery charged in extreme cold?

A6: In very cold weather, keep spare batteries in an inside pocket where your body heat can keep them warm. Take them out and put them in the camera just before you plan to film. If the camera gets too cold, bring it inside a warm environment for a while to let the battery recover. For continuous operation in the cold, an external power bank kept warm in an inner pocket and connected via a long cable can be a lifesaver.

Conclusion

Keeping your GoPro Hero 5 Session powered up for those crucial moments doesn’t have to be a challenge. By implementing these practical tips—from managing battery temperature and optimizing your camera’s settings to utilizing external power and caring for your batteries—you can significantly extend your recording time.

Remember, a little attention to detail goes a long way. Smart usage and proper care mean more footage, more memories, and more adventures captured. So, go out there, explore, and keep those batteries ready to roll!