How to Transfer GoPro Videos to Mac

Benefits of editing GoPro video on Mac

When you upload GoPro videos to your Mac, you get access to multiple benefits. For example, you can edit your content using numerous pre-designed templates—allowing you to save time. Moreover, you’ll have access to software that loads and renders your content incredibly fast.

Preparing your GoPro and Mac for transfer

Before you successfully import GoPro videos to your Mac, you need to prepare both devices:

1. Take the SD card out of your GoPro and find your microSD card reader.
2. Connect your SD card reader with your Mac and go to Finder.
3. Your SD card should appear in the left-hand pane under Locations; select this.
4. Click on your GoPro’s DCIM folder(s) or drag and drop them to your computer.

1. Check and adjust your GoPro settings before transfer

Checking your settings before making your transfer will ensure that you successfully get GoPro footage onto your Mac. You need to turn on Wi-Fi if you don’t want to use an SD card:

1. Go to Preferences on your GoPro and select Wireless Connection.
2. Switch on your GoPro’s Wi-Fi.
3. Connect to your GoPro on your Mac and transfer the files.

2. Make sure your Mac has enough storage for GoPro videos

Like when downloading YouTube videos to your Mac and other forms of media, you need to ensure that you have enough space to perform your desired actions. Follow these steps to check your storage space and remove apps, files, and folders:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings.
2. Navigate to General > Storage.
3. Select the information icon for each section and remove anything you don’t want.

A note from our experts: 

 

In addition to using the settings and tools already on your Mac, you can use third-party software to clear out your Mac—such as MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup tool. Doing so is more efficient, and you’ll also ensure that you effectively delete caches and junk files.

 

Follow these instructions to remove redundant files from your Mac with Safe Cleanup:

1. Download MacKeeper.
2. Select Cleaning > Safe Cleanup.
3. Choose Start Scan at the bottom of the screen.
4. When the scan has been completed, tick on the categories you want to clear.
5. Select Clean Junk Files.

How to import GoPro videos to Mac

You can download GoPro videos to your Mac via the GoPro app, your microSD card, or using Image Capture on your computer. To use Image Capture:

1. Connect your GoPro to your computer via its USB cable.
2. Go to Spotlight and open Image Capture by searching for it.
3. Import the videos that you want to use on your Mac.

A hint from our team: 

 

If your videos aren’t playing on your Mac, it could be due to several factors. You might not have chosen the right file format, and in some cases, the file could be corrupted.

1. Transfer videos using Image Capture (Mac's built-in app)

Image Capture has several advantages for downloading your videos. Instead of needing to buy an external microSD adapter, you can use the USB cable that you got when you bought your camera. Moreover, it’s very easy to set up your devices.

Here are the steps you need to follow to transfer videos via Image Capture:

1. Connect your GoPro to your Mac via the USB cable.
2. Navigate to Spotlight on your computer.
3. Search for Image Capture and click on the result when it appears.
4. You should see your GoPro in the left-hand toolbar. Click on it.
5. Choose the videos you want to upload and select Import All.

Don’t worry if your videos are in the wrong format. You can easily convert MOV to MP4 on your Mac.

2. Via microSD card reader

If you have several devices with microSD cards, you might want to use an adapter instead. You’ll need to buy a third-party option; these can be quite expensive, but they’re worthwhile if you don’t want to use the USB cable with your GoPro. A microSD card reader is also ideal if you want to import and edit videos on the move, as it’s more portable.

Here’s how to use a microSD card reader with your Mac:

1. Remove the microSD card from your GoPro and connect the adapter to your Mac.
2. Open Finder and select the microSD card from your list of options.
3. Drag and drop the videos you want to import on your Mac. You can put them on your desktop or in a new folder.

3. Import GoPro videos via the GoPro app

If you don’t need to do much editing and want to automatically reduce the video size on your Mac, you can use the GoPro app to import your videos. Doing so is often more efficient than the alternative options available.

1. Connect your GoPro to your computer via the USB cable.
2. Download the GoPro Quik app from the Mac App Store.
3. Import the images from your GoPro and edit them as needed.

Simple processes to import GoPro videos on your Mac

Whether you want to use wires or transfer everything without needing them, you have numerous ways to import GoPro videos to your Mac. Each one has pros and cons, such as whether you have access to editing features. You can always try each one and see which best fits your needs.

Before uploading videos, you may need to clear storage space. By doing so, you can use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup tool. You’ll remove all junk files with just a few clicks and can ensure that you only remove what’s necessary. Moreover, you have the option to choose just a few categories.