GoPro Hero 11 F21 Error Code Fix

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What This Error Means

F21 on a GoPro Hero 11 is a generic internal fault / firmware error code, usually tied to startup or recording failure. In plain terms, the camera hits a software or hardware hiccup and refuses to boot or record safely.

  • Shows F21 and freezes or powers off.
  • Boots, then throws F21 as soon as you hit record.
  • Random reboots, often right after F21 appears.

Most of the time it is one of three things: corrupted firmware, a bad or slow microSD card, or flaky power from the battery.

Official Fix

GoPro does not publish a specific F21 procedure, but this is their standard, by-the-book play for this kind of internal error.

  • 1. Power-cycle the right way.
    • Turn the camera off.
    • Pull the battery and the microSD card.
    • Wait 30 seconds, then reinstall the battery only.
    • Power on and see if F21 still shows before adding the card back.
  • 2. Rule out a bad microSD card.
    • Use a U3 / V30 microSD from a decent brand, 32-512 GB.
    • Try a known-good card if you have one.
    • Once it boots, go to Preferences > Reset > Format SD Card and format in-camera.
  • 3. Update firmware through GoPro Quik.
    • Install the GoPro Quik app on your phone or computer.
    • Connect the Hero 11 and let Quik check and install the latest firmware.
    • Restart the camera when it finishes and test recording.
  • 4. Factory reset the camera.
    • Menu path: Preferences > Reset > Factory Reset.
    • Set it up fresh, then test with a known-good microSD card.
  • 5. If F21 is still there, go official support.
    • At this point GoPro’s answer is warranty/RMA or a paid swap body.

The Technician’s Trick

Here is what people on the bench actually do when a Hero 11 keeps throwing F21.

  • 1. Deep discharge reset.
    • Remove battery and microSD card.
    • Hold the Mode/Power button for 15-20 seconds to drain leftover charge.
    • Leave it sitting with no battery for 5 minutes.
    • Reinstall the battery only and power on.
    • If it now stays on without F21, the core board is probably fine; focus on the card next.
  • 2. Boot clean, then add the card.
    • Start the camera with no microSD installed.
    • If it boots clean, insert the microSD while it is on and then format it in-camera.
    • If F21 comes back as soon as the card goes in or when you hit record, the card is the problem. Replace it.
  • 3. Manual firmware reload from SD.
    • On a computer, fully format a good microSD card (FAT32 for 32 GB and under, exFAT for bigger).
    • Download the latest Hero 11 firmware zip from GoPro’s site and extract it.
    • Copy the entire UPDATE folder to the empty card.
    • Put the card in the camera while it is off, then power on and leave it alone until all updating/blinking stops.
    • Power-cycle once more, then test recording.
  • 4. Stress test at lower settings.
    • Set the camera to something easy, like 4K30, no high-bitrate modes.
    • Record for 5-10 minutes.
    • If it only throws F21 at 5.3K or high-bitrate modes, your card is borderline. Get a faster U3/V30 or V60 card.

If you still get F21 with a fresh firmware load and a brand-name card, the main board or power section is likely damaged. That is pro-repair or replacement territory.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Camera is in warranty, or the issue disappears with a new microSD card or battery.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Out of warranty but GoPro offers a discounted replacement, and you only use it occasionally.
  • ❌ Replace: F21 survives all resets and card swaps, and any repair quote is more than half the price of a new Hero 11 or 12.

Parts You Might Need

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See also

Looking for appliance F21 codes instead of the GoPro one? These cover Whirlpool washer errors: