How to power a dead smart remote

[keenana776]

My fairly new Smart Remote which I have used just once in Fiji for snorkelling, now doesn't light up or charge. It was charging and working normally, although the battery did not last very long (about an hour - is this normal?) I also had difficulties at times getting the remote to connect to my Hero 4 Black, which I confirmed in the manual and on the post:
https://community.gopro.com/t5/Mounts-Accessories/Can-GoPro-remote-take-underwater-photos/td-p/4413

Had I known this, I wouldn't have wasted my money, as it was the only reason I bought it.

So, I've now spent a good 1 hour try to find a solution and have found just 2 troubleshooting techniques for a dead Smart Remote:

1. Clean the gold charging contacts - I did this and it didn't make a difference.
2. Reset the device - The manual doesn't have reset instructions which I find very strange. And even stranger, that there is apparently two different methods. One suggested by holding 2 buttons for 20secs here and another by holding the power/mode button for 10secs - well which one is it GoPro?? Oh that's right, it's neither! As per the manual...
3. Charging via computer vs different wall adaptors - Nothing - makes me wonder why GoPro doesn't include one??
   
   Finally, the one that worked for me:
4. Hacky Youtube technique - Using tiny pieces of aluminum foil on top of each battery connector. See original post here:
   https://community.gopro.com/t5/Mounts-Accessories/smart-remote-not-powering-on/m-p/54925#/M2855

Now, I feel a mixture of emotions. On one hand I am absolutely appauled that GoPro has the audacity to release such a terrible product to market. "Oh it's definitely waterproof. Up to 10m. Perfect for snorkelling. However, you just can't actually USE it under water."

Come on guys, what do you take us for? It's very concerning that so many people have experienced the same issues even from very little use (in same cases out of the box?!). And the only solution that worked, came from an equally frustrated customer.

Shame on you GoPro. I will not be recommending your product to a friend or family member.

[jefft · Accepted solution]

@keenana776 - Sorry to hear about your issues. Instructions on how to reset the Smart Remote can be found at https://gopro.com/help/articles/how_to/How-to-Reset-the-Smart-Remote. There, it say to "Press and hold the Power/Mode button on the remote for about 8 to 10 seconds. The remote will power off and can then be powered back on if that's what you want to do."

If that doesn't work, if you reach out to our Support team at https://gopro.com/help/PKBContactus, our reps will be glad to try and help you with your Smart Remote.

Jeff

[jefft · Accepted solution]

@keenana776 - Sorry to hear about your issues. Instructions on how to reset the Smart Remote can be found at https://gopro.com/help/articles/how_to/How-to-Reset-the-Smart-Remote. There, it say to "Press and hold the Power/Mode button on the remote for about 8 to 10 seconds. The remote will power off and can then be powered back on if that's what you want to do."

If that doesn't work, if you reach out to our Support team at https://gopro.com/help/PKBContactus, our reps will be glad to try and help you with your Smart Remote.

Jeff

[keenana776]

Sorry @jefft, but it appears you haven't really understood my issue at all, or even read my post.

The issue was that my Smart Remote wouldn't turn on, hence the title of this post "How to power a dead smart remote". As I outlined in detail, resetting did not work.

Thanks for suggesting a solution that I have already tried!

[jefft]

I read your post. You asked how to turn on a dead Smart Remote. Resetting the Smart Remote is the process for turning on a non-responsive Smart Remote. Since you wrote that you found two versions of how to do the reset and were confused about which to use, I suggested the one to try.

I also suggested that you contact our Support team if that option did not work. When you called them, were they able to help you out?

[loyalridge3655]

Today I just had the same problem, no power, no response. I did the Power & Mode buttons for 10 seconds, got no response. I then plugged in the power adapter to a power charger and it came on and is in charging mode at present. Hopefully, it will work tomorrow when needed. Note, just before this problem, the remote was working perfectly and even lasted throughout a 6-hour time frame. A very strange event I must say.

[aragon1006]

Hi @loyalridge3655

Should you experience the same power issues, please let our Support Team assist you further. You may reach them via phone or chat. https://gopro.com/help/ContactUs

Thanks!
Ej

[tmgokids]

Wow @jefft, I found myself here after experiencing the same issue, where my Smart Remote wouldn't turn on or charge after two years of having no issues.  I followed your instruction to reset it, and it worked just fine and is now charging.  The comments you received from the original poster were completely rude and inappropriate, especially to someone who tried to help.  What a **bleep**.

For the record, my Smart Remote has been pretty flawless, and I've used it extensively, often controlling two, three, and as many as four cameras at a time, and YES, in the water.  However, as far as the complaint about it not working underwater.......do they really expect RF and/or wifi waves to travel through water????  Seems like someone doesn't really understand the technology and should maybe avoid advanced technology.

Just wanted to thank you, Jeff, for the helpful suggestion........sorry you have to deal with clueless morons who don't understand technology and just say, "it doesn't work" and "they wasted their money".  Perhaps technology isn't for you......LOL.

[greenbluff88525]

Just had the same issue charged the watch all night after 2 months no use. Was not responsive when i held power or anything... then i just said what the heck and pressed the power and settings button together with the intentions of holding it down for a long time... ot turned on and started working after 2 secs.. i guess if you dont use it often or adventure often shall i say, you might want to to try what i did.. worked for me now its on and working..