When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
GoPro Remotes: Which One Do You Have?
GoPro has released several remotes over the years, and knowing which one you’re working with matters for compatibility and pairing. The two main options are the Smart Remote and the Remo (Waterproof Voice-Activated Remote). There’s also The Remote, GoPro’s current offering designed for newer cameras like the Hero 9 through Hero 12.
Smart Remote: A small handheld device with a monochrome LCD screen, multiple buttons, and a wrist strap. It controls camera power, recording, mode changes, and settings from up to 600 feet (180 meters) in open-air conditions. It works with the Hero 3, Hero 3+, Hero 4, Hero 5, Hero 6, Hero 7, and Hero Session models.
Remo: A voice-activated waterproof remote that picks up voice commands from up to 10 feet away, even in noisy environments like water sports. It acts as an external microphone for your voice commands rather than a button-based controller. It works with the Hero 5 Black, Hero 5 Session, Hero 6, and Hero Session.
The Remote: GoPro’s current remote with a small screen, five buttons, and a range of about 200 feet (60 meters). It pairs with the Hero 9, Hero 10, Hero 11, Hero 12, and MAX.
Pairing the Smart Remote
Step 1: Put the Remote in Pairing Mode
Turn on the Smart Remote by pressing the Power/Mode button. Press and hold the Info/Wireless button until the remote’s screen shows a pairing icon (a series of arrows or a wireless symbol). The remote is now broadcasting its pairing signal.
Step 2: Set the Camera to Pair
On your GoPro, go to Preferences (or Settings), then Connections, then Connect New Device, and select GoPro Remote. The camera will search for the remote. When it finds the Smart Remote, confirm the pairing on the camera screen.
Step 3: Confirm the Connection
Once paired, the remote’s screen should show the camera’s current mode and settings. The wireless icon on the camera will indicate an active connection. From this point, the remote remembers the camera and reconnects automatically when both are powered on.
Pairing The Remote (Hero 9 and Later)
Turn on The Remote by pressing the Power button. Turn on your GoPro. On the camera, go to Preferences, then Connections, then Connect Device, and select The Remote. Both devices search for each other. When the camera appears on the remote’s screen, confirm the connection. Pairing is saved, so future connections happen automatically.
Setting Up the Remo
The Remo doesn’t pair the same way. Since it’s a voice-activated accessory, it works by extending the range and accuracy of voice commands. Turn on your GoPro, make sure voice control is enabled in settings, then turn on the Remo. The Remo doesn’t need a manual pairing process. It amplifies your voice commands and transmits them to the camera over the same wireless frequency. If the camera isn’t picking up commands through the Remo, check that both devices are on the same wireless network through the GoPro app.
Button Functions on the Smart Remote
The Smart Remote has four main buttons. The top Shutter button starts and stops recording in video mode, or takes a photo in photo mode. The side Power/Mode button turns the remote (and the connected camera) on and off, and cycles through shooting modes. The side Settings/Tag button opens the settings menu on the remote’s screen and also adds a HiLight Tag to your footage during recording. The Info/Wireless button enters pairing mode and cycles through information screens.
Using the remote’s small LCD, you can change resolution, frame rate, field of view, and other settings without touching the camera. For details on how these settings affect your final footage, see our guide on GoPro Video Quality.
Controlling Multiple Cameras
The Smart Remote can control up to 50 GoPro cameras simultaneously. This is popular for multi-angle setups where you need all cameras to start and stop at the same time. Pair each camera to the remote one at a time following the steps above. Once they’re all paired, pressing the shutter button on the remote triggers every connected camera at once.
Keep in mind that the mode and settings on each camera are independent. If you want all cameras shooting at the same resolution and frame rate, you need to configure each one individually before the shoot.
Range and Signal
The Smart Remote’s stated range is 600 feet (180 meters), but real-world performance varies. Walls, water, dense trees, and interference from other wireless devices can reduce the effective range significantly. In open outdoor settings with clear line of sight, you’ll get close to the advertised distance. Indoors or in crowded urban areas, expect 100 to 200 feet.
The Remote (for Hero 9+) has a shorter range of about 200 feet (60 meters). It uses Bluetooth for pairing and a proprietary wireless protocol for control, which is more power-efficient but trades off some distance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Remote won’t pair: Make sure both devices have enough battery charge. Reset the camera’s connections by going to Preferences, then Connections, then Reset Connections. Then try the pairing process again from the start.
Connection drops frequently: Move closer to the camera. Check for sources of wireless interference like routers, other Bluetooth devices, or microwaves. Update both the camera and remote firmware to the latest version through the GoPro App.
Remote controls one camera but not others: Each camera needs to be paired individually. Re-pair the camera that isn’t responding.
Screen is blank or unresponsive: Charge the remote. If charging doesn’t help, try a reset by holding the Power button for 8 to 10 seconds.
Best Uses for a GoPro Remote
A remote is most useful in situations where the camera is out of easy reach. Helmet mounts, roof racks, underwater housings, and drone-style rigs all benefit from remote start/stop control. Group photos and selfies are easier when you can trigger the shutter from a distance. Time-lapse shoots where you don’t want to bump the camera are another perfect scenario.
For professional multi-camera setups at events, stunts, or film shoots, the ability to sync all cameras with a single button press saves time and makes sure you never miss a moment across angles.
