Owners of the Hero 4 series action cameras often encounter a situation where the default wireless network access code is lost or forgotten. This can happen after a long period of inactivity or after accidentally changing settings in the app. GoPro Hero 4 does not have a built-in screen for displaying current network parameters; restoring access requires performing a number of specific actions.
There are two main solutions: using the factory settings, which are unique to each device, or completely resetting the wireless module. It's important to understand that, unlike modern models, the Series 4 camera doesn't allow you to simply "view" the current password in the menu if it's been changed by the user.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available connection restoration methods. You'll learn where to find the unique identifiers on the device's case, how to properly perform a hard reset, and what nuances this mode has. ApModeFollowing the instructions will help you stream the image to your smartphone or computer again.
Search for factory data on the case and packaging
The first and easiest step is to find the default credentials assigned to the device at the factory. Each GoPro camera has a unique network ID and connection code printed on a special sticker. This information is primary and remains valid until the user manually changes the settings in the camera's menu.
Find it on your body GoPro Hero 4 A barcode sticker. It's usually located on the bottom of the device, near the battery compartment, or on the side. You're looking for two lines: SSID (network name) and Password (password). The network name is often a combination of letters and numbers, such as GOPRO45B2, and the password is a set of 9 or 10 digits.
If the sticker on the camera body is worn or damaged, check the original packaging. This information is also printed on the side of the cardboard box. Enter the specified information in your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings. If the camera hasn't been previously reconfigured, the connection will be immediate.
However, if you or someone else has previously changed the network name or passcode through the camera menu or app, the factory settings will no longer work. In this case, the security system will reject the connection, and a reset will be required.
The procedure for a complete reset of Wi-Fi settings
If the factory settings are no longer correct, the only way to find the current password (by resetting it to factory settings) is to reset the wireless module. This restores the network settings to their default state. You don't need to access the menu to perform this procedure, as the camera may be locked.
First, make sure the camera is turned off. Then, press and hold both buttons simultaneously: the shutter button (on the front) and the mode button (on the side). While holding them, briefly press the power button. The camera should turn on and you'll hear a distinctive beep.
⚠️ Note: During the reset, the camera's screen may flicker and the device may make sounds. This is a normal system response to the wireless interface factory reset command.
After turning the camera on in reset mode, the Wi-Fi settings will be reset. You can now use the data from the sticker on the camera again. Please note that this method only resets the network settings and does not affect any photos or videos on the memory card.
After a successful reset, try connecting to the network using the default password. If the connection is established, you can change the network name and access code to something more convenient in the camera settings menu.
Using ApMode for Direct Connection
In the firmware of the Hero 4 camera there is a special mode called ApMode (Access Point Mode). This allows you to force the wireless module to turn on for configuration, even if standard methods fail. This mode is often used for initial setup or to restore connection when the camera is "invisible" to the smartphone.
To activate this mode, you need to perform a series of button actions. First, turn off the camera. Then, press the menu button (on the front) five times in a row. After the fifth press, press and hold the power button until the camera turns on. The screen should display "ApMode" or "Wireless On."
In this state, the camera creates an open network or a network with a factory password, ignoring previous user settings. This allows you to connect to the device and reconfigure the connection settings using the GoPro app (or Quik). In the app, you can set a new, easy-to-remember password.
☑️ Steps to perform a factory reset
Using ApMode is especially effective if the camera is stuck in a connection error state and does not respond to normal Wi-Fi enable commands through the menu.
Table of standard passwords and network names
Understanding the structure of network names and passwords helps you navigate the list of available connections more quickly. Below is a table showing typical values for various Series 4 models. Remember that the unique identifier is always taken from the sticker on your device.
| Camera model | SSID Prefix (Network Name) | Password format | Password length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero 4 Black | GOPRO | Numbers (10 characters) | 10 characters |
| Hero 4 Silver | GOPRO | Numbers (10 characters) | 10 characters |
| Hero 4 Session | GPRO | Numbers (9 characters) | 9 characters |
| Hero 4 (After reset) | GOPRO + ID | Numbers (from sticker) | 9-10 characters |
As you can see from the table, the Session model has some differences in the network prefix. If you see a network with a name starting with GPRO, but without the number 4, it's most likely a Session. The Black and Silver versions are characterized by the prefix GOPRO.
It's important to note that after a factory reset, the camera always reverts to the format specified in the factory settings. If you see a network named "MyCamera," it means the reset wasn't performed and the settings were previously changed.
Setting up a connection via a mobile app
Official app GoPro App (or its newer version, Quik) is the camera's primary control tool. It's the easiest way to change security settings. After you've reset your camera and connected to the network using the factory password, launch the app.
The app will automatically detect the camera and prompt you to update its settings. In "Camera Settings" -> "Wi-Fi," you can change the network name (SSID) and create a new password. It's recommended to use complex passwords in crowded areas to prevent unauthorized access to your camera.
⚠️ Note: Changing the password through the app will reset the camera's wireless module. You'll need to reconnect in your phone's settings using the new credentials.
You can also disable automatic connection in the app to prevent the camera from draining the battery while in your bag. This is a useful power-saving feature that users often forget.
Solving common connection problems
Even after entering the password correctly, connection errors may occur. Often, the problem lies in the smartphone "remembering" an old network configuration with the same parameters but different security settings. In this case, you need to delete the network from the list of saved networks on your phone.
Go to your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings, find your GoPro's network, and select "Forget this network" or "Delete." Then, try connecting again, entering the password manually. Make sure the camera's Wi-Fi indicator is blue and not flashing, which may indicate the pairing process.
Another possible cause is a low battery. When the battery is low, the camera may limit the wireless module's functionality. Make sure the battery is at least 20-30% charged before attempting setup.
What to do if the camera does not turn on?
If the camera doesn't respond to buttons, try connecting it to the charger for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes, a deep discharge can take time for the power controller to activate. After this, repeat the reset procedure.
If all else fails, a firmware update may be necessary. To do this, download the latest firmware version from the official website, transfer the files to the memory card, and turn on the camera. This update may fix software errors in the Wi-Fi module.
Safety precautions and expert advice
Using default passwords is unsafe if you're filming in public places. Knowing the GoPro password structure, an attacker could theoretically attempt to brute-force access if the factory settings haven't been changed. Therefore, change password After purchase - this is a mandatory step.
Write down new passwords in a safe place. Since the camera's screen is small, remembering a complex code after six months can be difficult. Some users take a photo of the sticker with the factory data and save it to the cloud so they can revert to it in the event of a reset.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use simple number sequences (e.g., 123456789) when changing your password. This makes your camera vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
Please note that the GoPro 4 has a limited Wi-Fi range. For stable video transmission to your smartphone, be within 10-15 meters of a clear line of sight. Walls and metal structures can significantly weaken the signal.
Where exactly is the password sticker located on the GoPro 4 Black?
On the Black Edition model, the sticker is usually located on the bottom edge of the case, under the battery compartment. To see it, you need to open the battery compartment door. The SSID and password will be listed there.
Is it possible to recover my password if I changed it and forgot it, but don’t want to reset it?
Unfortunately, the GoPro Hero 4's technical architecture doesn't allow you to view the current password in the camera's menu. If you've changed it and forgotten it, the only way is to reset the Wi-Fi settings to factory defaults using a button combination.
Why does my phone see the GoPro network but say "Unable to connect"?
This often happens if a network profile with a different password is saved on your phone. Remove the GoPro network from the list of saved networks on your phone ("Forget Network") and try entering the password again. Also, check if "Random MAC Address" mode is enabled on your phone, which can block older camera protocols.
Does Wi-Fi work on GoPro 4 if the memory card is full?
Yes, the wireless module should work, but the camera may behave erratically. If the memory card is full, the camera may not record video, but it will transmit a signal for control and viewing the camera's gallery. However, to ensure stable operation, it is recommended to free up some space.