If you’re a proud owner of both a GoPro camera and an Apple Watch, you might be wondering if there’s a way to connect the two devices. The good news is that it is possible to connect your GoPro to your Apple Watch, allowing you to control your camera right from your wrist.
This can come in handy if you’re using your GoPro to capture action shots or if you want to preview and adjust your footage without having to constantly take out your phone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to connect your GoPro to your Apple Watch. From checking compatibility and setting up your devices, to controlling your camera and troubleshooting common issues, we’ll cover all the steps you need to take to get started.
Whether you’re a seasoned GoPro user or just getting started, this guide will help you make the most of your camera and Apple Watch together. So let’s get started!
Step-by-Step: Controlling Your GoPro With Your Apple Watch
Step 1: Check Compatibility and Update Firmware
Before you get started, it’s important to check if your GoPro camera is compatible with the Apple Watch. Only certain models can be paired with the watch, so make sure you’re using a compatible one. Additionally, it’s recommended that you update your GoPro’s firmware to the latest version before pairing it with your Apple Watch.
Step 2: Enable Bluetooth on Both Devices
To pair your GoPro with your Apple Watch, you’ll need to make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. On your GoPro, navigate to the settings menu and turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. On your Apple Watch, swipe up from the watch face to access the Control Center, and tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it on.
Step 3: Pair Your GoPro with Your Apple Watch
With Bluetooth enabled on both devices, you’re now ready to pair your GoPro with your Apple Watch. Open the GoPro app on your watch, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect the two devices. You may need to enter a pairing code, which you can find on your GoPro’s screen.
Step 4: Install the GoPro App on Your Apple Watch
To control your GoPro from your Apple Watch, you’ll need to have the GoPro app installed on your watch. If you haven’t already done so, open the App Store on your watch and search for “GoPro.” Once you’ve found the app, tap “Get” to download and install it.
Step 5: Control Your GoPro from Your Apple Watch
With your GoPro and Apple Watch paired and the app installed, you can now start using your watch to control your camera. Open the GoPro app on your watch, and you’ll see options to start and stop recording, adjust camera settings, preview footage, and more. Simply tap the appropriate button or option to take control of your GoPro.
Step 6: Troubleshoot Connection Issues
If you’re having trouble connecting your GoPro to your Apple Watch, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure both devices are fully charged and that they’re close to each other. If that doesn’t work, try resetting both devices and then re-pairing them. You can also check for software updates on both devices, as new updates can sometimes improve connectivity.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to pair and control your GoPro with your Apple Watch in no time. Whether you’re capturing action shots or just want to be able to preview and adjust your footage on the go, this setup can be a game-changer for GoPro enthusiasts.
GoPro Features on the Apple Watch
Once you’ve successfully paired your GoPro with your Apple Watch, you can take advantage of several useful features right from your wrist. Here are some of the main features you can access through the GoPro app on your watch:
Preview Shots
One of the most useful features of the GoPro app on the Apple Watch is the ability to preview your shots. This allows you to see what your camera is seeing without having to take out your phone or camera. Simply open the app on your watch and tap “Preview” to see what your camera is capturing in real-time.
Pro-Tip: Use Force Touch to Zoom In and Out
When previewing your shots on your Apple Watch, you can use Force Touch to zoom in and out on the image. Simply press firmly on the screen and then swipe up or down to zoom in or out. This can be helpful for getting a closer look at details or checking focus.
Start/Stop Recording
Another key feature of the GoPro app on the Apple Watch is the ability to start and stop recordings. This means you can start filming with your GoPro without having to fumble for your phone or camera. Simply open the app on your watch and tap “Record” to start recording, and tap it again to stop.
Pro-Tip: Use Siri to Start and Stop Recording
If you have Siri enabled on your Apple Watch, you can use voice commands to start and stop recording with your GoPro. Simply say “Hey Siri, start recording with GoPro” to start recording, and “Hey Siri, stop recording with GoPro” to stop. This can be especially helpful if you’re in the middle of an action-packed activity and need to start or stop recording quickly.
Toggle Settings
With the GoPro app on your Apple Watch, you can also toggle various settings on your camera. This includes things like changing the mode (e.g. from video to photo), adjusting the resolution, and more. Simply tap the “Settings” option in the app to access these options.
Pro-Tip: Customize the Settings Menu
By default, the settings menu in the GoPro app on your Apple Watch will display a limited number of options. However, you can customize the settings menu to include your most frequently used options. To do this, open the GoPro app on your phone and go to “Settings > Apple Watch Settings.” From there, you can choose which settings you want to appear on your watch. This can save you time and make it easier to access the settings you need.
Add HiLight Tag
Finally, you can use your Apple Watch to add HiLight tags to your footage. HiLight tags are markers you can add to your video footage to indicate a particularly exciting moment. With the GoPro app on your watch, you can easily add these tags by tapping the “Add HiLight” button.
By taking advantage of these features, you can make the most of your GoPro camera and Apple Watch combo. Whether you’re capturing footage of extreme sports or just taking some family photos, the ability to control your camera from your wrist can be a game-changer.
Pro-Tip: Customize Your HiLight Tags
The GoPro app on your Apple Watch comes with a default set of HiLight tags that you can use to mark important moments in your footage. However, you can also customize these tags to make them more specific to your needs. To do this, go to the GoPro app on your phone and navigate to “Settings > Apple Watch Settings > HiLight Tags.” From there, you can add your own custom tags and even rearrange the order they appear in on your watch. This can help you quickly mark the moments that matter most to you while you’re recording.
FAQs
What happened to the GoPro Watch App?
As of September 2021, the GoPro Watch App has been discontinued and is no longer available for download on the Apple Watch. The app allowed users to control their GoPro cameras from their watch and access features like recording, previewing, and adjusting camera settings.
However, GoPro has now replaced the Watch App with a new feature called “Apple Watch Connectivity” that allows users to control their GoPro cameras directly from the native Camera app on their Apple Watch. This means that you no longer need to download a separate app to control your GoPro from your watch. Instead, you can simply use the Camera app and select your GoPro as the camera source.
To use Apple Watch Connectivity, you’ll need a GoPro camera that supports the feature, as well as an Apple Watch running watchOS 8 or later. Once you’ve updated your devices, you should be able to access the feature by opening the Camera app on your watch and selecting the GoPro as your camera source. From there, you can start and stop recordings, adjust camera settings, and more.
Does GoPro work with bluetooth?
Yes, GoPro cameras support Bluetooth connectivity. Bluetooth is used for a variety of functions on GoPro cameras, such as pairing the camera with a smartphone or tablet, pairing the camera with a remote control, or even pairing the camera with an Apple Watch for control directly from the watch.
For example, you can use Bluetooth to connect your GoPro camera with the GoPro mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to remotely control your camera, preview and transfer footage, and adjust settings like resolution and frame rate. Bluetooth can also be used to connect your GoPro with other accessories like the Smart Remote or the Remo Voice Activated Remote.
Overall, Bluetooth is a crucial component of the GoPro camera ecosystem and plays an important role in allowing users to control their cameras and capture amazing footage.
How far away can my Apple Watch be from my GoPro and still maintain a connection?
The range at which your Apple Watch can maintain a connection with your GoPro camera may vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of your GoPro camera, the version of your Apple Watch, and any obstacles or interference in the surrounding environment. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should be able to maintain a stable connection between your GoPro and your Apple Watch as long as they are within close proximity of each other.
According to GoPro’s website, the Bluetooth range of most GoPro cameras is up to 200 ft. This means that if your Apple Watch is within this range of your GoPro, you should be able to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection and control your camera directly from your watch.
It’s worth noting that other factors, such as the Wi-Fi signal strength or interference from other devices, can also affect the range at which your GoPro and Apple Watch can communicate with each other. In general, it’s a good idea to keep your Apple Watch and GoPro within a few feet of each other to ensure the best possible connection.
Conclusion
Connecting your GoPro camera to your Apple Watch can be a useful way to control your camera and access its features directly from your wrist. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily pair your devices and start using your watch to control your camera, preview shots, and adjust settings.
While there are some limitations to what you can do with your GoPro and Apple Watch together, the ability to control your camera remotely can be a real game-changer for those who enjoy capturing action-packed footage. So if you’re a GoPro user with an Apple Watch, give this setup a try and see how it can enhance your photography and videography experience.
