GoPro Hero 11 F40 Error Code Fix Guide

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What This Error Means

F40 on a GoPro Hero 11 means: internal system fault during boot or when starting recording (undocumented service code).
The camera firmware hits a hardware or power error, so it locks up instead of starting normally.
  • Common symptoms: F40 pops up, camera freezes, reboots, or refuses to start recording.
  • Often tied to a weak/bad battery, unstable power, corrupt firmware, or a failing main board.
  • Sometimes triggered by a dodgy microSD card that crashes the camera when it’s accessed.

Official Fix

GoPro doesn’t publish F40 in the user manual, but support runs you through this script:
  • 1. Hard power reset.
    • Pull the battery and microSD card out.
    • Hold the Shutter (top) button for 15–20 seconds to drain any stuck charge.
    • Reinsert the battery only and try powering on.
  • 2. Eliminate a bad battery.
    • Use a genuine GoPro Enduro battery if you have one.
    • If the battery is swollen, cracked, or loose in the bay, stop using it.
    • Try another known-good battery and see if F40 disappears.
  • 3. Rule out the microSD card.
    • Boot the camera with no card installed.
    • If it boots, insert a U3/V30 microSD card recommended for GoPro.
    • Format the card in the camera: Preferences > Reset > Format SD Card.
    • If F40 comes back only with one specific card, that card is the problem.
  • 4. Update or reinstall firmware.
    • Connect to GoPro Quik on your phone or computer.
    • Install any available firmware update and let it finish with the camera on a stable power source.
    • If the camera is unstable, do an offline firmware update via SD card using GoPro’s firmware download package.
  • 5. Factory reset.
    • On the camera: Preferences > Reset > Factory Reset.
    • This wipes settings, not the videos already on the card, but back up anything important first.
    • After reset, record a short clip and power-cycle the camera a few times to see if F40 is gone.
  • 6. Official next step: warranty service.
    • If F40 still shows after a good battery, good card, and fresh firmware, GoPro treats it as internal hardware failure.
    • At that point they move you to RMA/repair or a discounted replacement if you are in warranty.

The Technician’s Trick

  • 1. Run it on wall power only.
    • Pull the battery out completely.
    • Plug the Hero 11 into a 20W or higher USB-C wall charger, not a laptop port.
    • Power it on. If it behaves fine on wall power but throws F40 on battery, the battery or battery bay is the issue, not the main board.
  • 2. Deep-clean the power contacts.
    • Power off. Battery out, no USB cable plugged in.
    • Use 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab or soft brush on:
      • The three battery contacts inside the bay.
      • The USB-C port.
    • Let it dry completely for at least 10–15 minutes before powering up.
    • Light corrosion or grime can cause voltage drops that trigger F40 when the camera draws current.
  • 3. Isolate a bad SD slot.
    • Boot the camera with no card, then gently insert the card while the camera is already on and idle.
    • If F40 appears the moment you push the card fully in, the SD slot or its solder joints are suspect.
    • Shine a light into the slot. Bent or burnt pins means the body needs board-level repair or replacement, not more resets.
  • 4. Know when to stop chasing it.
    • If the camera had water inside, heavy impact, or visible corrosion, F40 usually means a dying main board.
    • Pros don’t waste hours: they swap in a known-good Hero 11 main board or call the camera dead and move on.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Under 2 years old, no water damage, and F40 clears with a new battery, card, or firmware reload.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Out of warranty but physically clean; a main board swap costs under half the price of a new Hero 11.
  • ❌ Replace: Heavy corrosion, impact damage, or any repair quote close to the price of a new or refurbished Hero 11.

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See also

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