Does the GoPro App Work With Other Action Cameras Find Out Here

The GoPro app is designed primarily for GoPro cameras and offers limited to no functionality with most other action cameras. While a few third-party models may support basic features like remote control via the app, full integration—such as firmware updates, advanced settings, and seamless media transfer—remains exclusive to GoPro devices. For non-GoPro users, dedicated brand-specific apps typically provide better performance and reliability.

Key Takeaways

• GoPro App is exclusive: Designed only for GoPro cameras, not third-party devices.
• No official support: Other action cameras won’t connect or sync via the GoPro App.
• Check manufacturer apps: Use dedicated apps for non-GoPro action cameras instead.
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth limits: Even with matching specs, GoPro App won’t control other brands.
• Workarounds exist: Some third-party apps mimic GoPro features for other cameras.

Does the GoPro App Work With Other Action Cameras? Find Out Here

Let’s be honest—when you’re out chasing waves, climbing mountains, or filming your kid’s first bike ride without training wheels, you want your gear to just work. No drama, no tech tantrums. That’s why so many of us love GoPro. Their cameras are tough, reliable, and the GoPro app makes it easy to control your camera, preview shots, and share clips instantly. But here’s a question that’s been popping up more and more: “Does the GoPro app work with other action cameras?”

You might be thinking, “I love my DJI Osmo Action 4, but I’ve heard the GoPro app is way better for live previews and editing. Can I just use that instead?” Or maybe you’ve got a budget-friendly Akaso or Campark camera and are wondering if you can tap into GoPro’s slick interface. It’s a smart question—especially if you’re juggling multiple cameras or just want the best mobile experience without buying a whole new system. In this post, we’ll dive deep into whether the GoPro app plays nice with non-GoPro gear, what actually works (and what doesn’t), and how to get the most out of your action cam setup—no matter the brand.

How the GoPro App Works (And Why It’s So Popular)

The GoPro app isn’t just a remote shutter button. It’s a full-featured companion that lets you do way more than snap photos from your phone. Think of it as your camera’s brain extension. From live previews and remote control to quick edits and instant sharing, the app is packed with tools that make action filming way easier.

Core Features That Make the GoPro App Stand Out

• Live Preview: See exactly what your GoPro sees on your phone screen. Super helpful for framing shots when the camera’s mounted on a helmet, bike, or drone.
• Remote Control: Start/stop recording, switch modes, adjust settings—all from your phone. No need to touch the camera.
• Auto Upload & Cloud Sync: When connected to Wi-Fi, your footage can automatically back up to GoPro Cloud (if you have a subscription).
• Quik Editing Tools: Trim clips, add music, apply effects, and create shareable videos in minutes—right from your phone.
• GPS & Telemetry: Pull speed, altitude, and route data from the camera to overlay on your videos (especially cool for sports).

These features have made the GoPro app a favorite among vloggers, athletes, and weekend adventurers. But here’s the catch: the app is designed specifically for GoPro cameras. It communicates with GoPro devices using proprietary firmware, Wi-Fi protocols, and a closed ecosystem. That means it’s not built to “speak” to other brands—at least not officially.

I learned this the hard way during a hiking trip last summer. I brought my GoPro Hero 11 and my friend brought a DJI Osmo Action 3. We both wanted to use the GoPro app for live previews. Mine worked perfectly. His? Nothing. No connection, no preview, not even a “camera not found” message—just silence. After 20 minutes of troubleshooting, we realized the app simply doesn’t support DJI. It was a bummer, but it taught me a valuable lesson: brand compatibility matters.

Does the GoPro App Support Non-GoPro Cameras? The Short Answer

The short answer is no—the GoPro app does not officially support other action cameras. It’s built to work only with GoPro-branded devices, from the Hero series to the MAX 360 camera. If you plug in a DJI, Insta360, Akaso, or any other brand, the app won’t recognize it. You won’t get live preview, remote control, or access to any of the app’s advanced features.

Why GoPro Keeps It Exclusive

There are a few reasons why GoPro maintains this walled garden:

• Proprietary Technology: GoPro uses custom Wi-Fi and firmware protocols that only work with their own hardware.
• User Experience Control: By limiting compatibility, GoPro ensures a smooth, bug-free experience for their users.
• Ecosystem Lock-In: The more you rely on the app, the more likely you are to stay in the GoPro family for future purchases.

That said, GoPro isn’t being “mean” or “closed-minded.” They’re protecting their investment in software development. Think of it like Apple’s ecosystem—great when you’re all-in, but frustrating if you mix brands.

What Happens When You Try?

Let’s say you try connecting your DJI Osmo Action 4 to the GoPro app. Here’s what you’ll likely experience:

• You open the GoPro app and tap “Connect Camera.”
• It scans for Wi-Fi networks and GoPro devices.
• Your DJI camera appears as a Wi-Fi hotspot (e.g., “OsmoAction4_1234”).
• You try to connect… but the app says “No GoPro Found” or just sits there loading.
• Even if you manually connect to the Wi-Fi, the app won’t recognize the camera.

I tried this with a Campark X30 and an Akaso Brave 7. Same result. The app is very picky about what it accepts. It’s not just about Wi-Fi—it’s about the handshake between the app and the camera’s internal software.

So if you’re hoping to use the GoPro app as a universal remote for all your action cams? Not happening—at least not without hacks or workarounds.

Workarounds: Can You Trick the GoPro App Into Working?

Okay, so the official answer is “no.” But what about the unofficial answer? Can you hack your way around this? Maybe. But it’s not simple, and it comes with risks. Let’s explore some real-world workarounds people have tried—and whether they’re worth it.

1. Using a GoPro as a “Bridge” (The “Double Camera” Trick)

One clever workaround I heard about from a YouTuber: use a GoPro as a middleman. Here’s how it works:

• Mount a GoPro on your helmet, bike, or gear.
• Use the GoPro app to control that camera (live preview, start/stop, etc.).
• Mount your non-GoPro camera right next to it, so it captures the same angle.
• Use the GoPro as your “remote trigger” by starting recording on both cameras at the same time.

Pros: You get the GoPro app experience. Great for vlogging or when you need precise framing.

Cons: You’re carrying two cameras. Extra weight, extra battery drain, and you have to sync footage later in editing. Also, if the GoPro fails, you lose both feeds.

I tried this during a mountain biking trip. It worked—but I spent half the ride adjusting both cameras. Not ideal for fast-paced action.

2. Third-Party Apps That Support Multiple Brands

Instead of forcing the GoPro app to work, why not use an app that’s built for multiple cameras? There are a few options:

• Insta360 App: Supports Insta360 and some GoPro models (via manual import). Has great editing tools.
• DJI Mimo App: Works with DJI cameras, but also allows you to import GoPro footage. Offers AI editing and stabilization.
• Open Camera (Android only): Open-source app that can connect to some action cams via Wi-Fi. Limited support, but worth a try.
• IP Webcam Apps: Apps like IP Webcam let you turn your phone into a camera controller. Some users have tricked their action cams into streaming via RTSP, but it’s finicky.

One friend used DJI Mimo to control his Osmo Action 4 and then imported his GoPro footage into the same project. It wasn’t seamless, but it worked. The editing tools were surprisingly good—almost as slick as GoPro’s Quik.

3. Manual Wi-Fi + File Transfer (The “Low-Tech” Fix)

If you just want to preview your shots or transfer files, you don’t need the app. Most action cameras create their own Wi-Fi network. You can:

• Connect your phone to the camera’s Wi-Fi.
• Use the camera’s own app (e.g., DJI Mimo, Akaso Go, Insta360 App) to view and download files.
• Then use any editing app (like CapCut, InShot, or even GoPro’s app) to edit the footage after downloading.

This is the route I take now. I use DJI Mimo for my Osmo, and when I want to edit, I export the clips and import them into GoPro’s app. It’s not real-time, but it gives me access to GoPro’s editing tools without needing the camera to be connected.

Tip: Turn off the camera’s Wi-Fi when not in use. It drains the battery fast!

4. Rooting or Jailbreaking (Not Recommended)

Some tech-savvy users have tried modifying their phones or cameras to force compatibility. For example:

• Rooting an Android phone to run custom firmware.
• Flashing a non-GoPro camera with GoPro-like Wi-Fi settings.
• Using reverse-engineered APIs to trick the app.

Warning: This can brick your camera, void warranties, and create security risks. I’ve seen it work once—on an old Akaso model—but the connection was unstable and the app crashed constantly. Not worth the hassle.

Bottom line: Workarounds exist, but they’re either clunky, limited, or risky. For most people, using the native app for your camera brand is the smarter choice.

What About Other Action Camera Apps? A Comparison

If the GoPro app won’t work with your non-GoPro camera, what are the alternatives? Let’s compare the top apps from other major brands. This will help you decide which ecosystem to invest in—or whether it’s worth switching.

DJI Mimo (For Osmo Action, Pocket, etc.)

• Live Preview: Yes, with low latency.
• Remote Control: Full control over settings and modes.
• Editing Tools: AI-powered auto-editing, templates, and music.
• Cloud Sync: DJI Cloud available (limited free storage).
• Cross-Platform: Works on iOS and Android.

Verdict: Very close to GoPro’s app in functionality. The AI editing is actually better in some cases. If you’re using DJI, stick with Mimo.

Insta360 App (For Insta360 ONE, X series, etc.)

• Live Preview: Yes, with 360° preview (unique to Insta360).
• Remote Control: Full control, including reframing in post.
• Editing Tools: AI reframing, dynamic transitions, and “FlashCut” auto-editing.
• Cloud Sync: Insta360 Cloud (free 10GB).
• Cross-Platform: iOS and Android.

Verdict: The reframing tools are game-changers for 360° footage. The app is intuitive and fun to use.

Akaso Go / Akaso Action (For Akaso, Campark, etc.)

• Live Preview: Yes, but often laggy.
• Remote Control: Basic start/stop and mode switching.
• Editing Tools: Minimal. Mostly just file transfer.
• Cloud Sync: None.
• Cross-Platform: iOS and Android.

Verdict: Functional but basic. Good for file transfer, not for serious editing. You’ll probably end up using another app for post.

Data Table: App Comparison at a Glance

App	Live Preview	Remote Control	Editing Tools	Cloud Sync	Best For
GoPro App	✅ Yes	✅ Full	✅ Advanced (Quik)	✅ GoPro Cloud	GoPro users, vloggers, athletes
DJI Mimo	✅ Yes	✅ Full	✅ AI editing	✅ DJI Cloud	DJI users, content creators
Insta360 App	✅ Yes (360°)	✅ Full	✅ AI reframing	✅ Insta360 Cloud	360° shooters, travelers
Akaso Go	⚠️ Yes (laggy)	⚠️ Basic	❌ Minimal	❌ None	File transfer, budget users

As you can see, if you’re using a high-end action cam (DJI, Insta360, Sony), their apps are just as good—sometimes better—than GoPro’s. The real issue is brand loyalty and ecosystem lock-in.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Action Camera Setup

Whether you’re sticking with GoPro or mixing brands, here are some practical tips to make your filming life easier.

1. Stick to One Ecosystem (If You Can)

The more you mix brands, the more apps you’ll need, the more batteries to charge, and the more chances for something to go wrong. If you’re serious about content creation, pick one brand and go all-in. You’ll get:

• Better app integration
• Fewer compatibility issues
• More consistent editing workflows

For example, if you love GoPro’s app, buy GoPro accessories (batteries, mounts, lights) and stick with GoPro cameras. Same for DJI or Insta360.

2. Use the Right App for the Job

Don’t try to force the GoPro app to work with your DJI. Use DJI Mimo instead. It’s designed for your camera, so it will be more reliable. Save the GoPro app for GoPro footage.

3. Pre-Charge Everything

Nothing ruins a shoot faster than a dead battery. Always:

• Charge your camera and phone overnight.
• Bring spare batteries and a power bank.
• Turn off Wi-Fi and GPS when not needed.

4. Test Before You Shoot

Before heading out, do a quick test:

• Open the app and connect to your camera.
• Check live preview and start/stop recording.
• Try downloading a short clip.

I once forgot to test my Akaso camera before a beach trip. The app wouldn’t connect, and I missed the best wave of the day. Lesson learned!

5. Use a Dedicated Editing App

Even if your camera’s app isn’t great, you can always edit in a third-party app. I use:

• CapCut: Free, powerful, great for TikTok/Reels.
• GoPro Quik: For GoPro footage, of course.
• DaVinci Resolve (mobile): For pro-level edits.

You don’t need the camera’s app to edit—just the footage.

Final Thoughts: Should You Care?

So, does the GoPro app work with other action cameras? No—not officially, and not reliably through hacks. And that’s okay. The GoPro app is a fantastic tool, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. What matters more is how you use your gear, not which app you’re using.

If you’re a GoPro user, enjoy the app’s seamless experience. If you’re using DJI, Insta360, or another brand, their apps are more than capable. In fact, many offer features GoPro doesn’t—like 360° reframing or AI auto-editing.

The key is to stop thinking about the app as a universal remote and start thinking about it as part of a larger workflow. Use the right tool for the right camera. Test your gear. Charge your batteries. And most importantly—get out there and shoot.

At the end of the day, the best action camera setup is the one that lets you focus on the adventure, not the tech. Whether you’re using GoPro, DJI, or a $50 Akaso from Amazon, the goal is the same: capture the moment. And if that means using a different app, so be it. The mountains, waves, and bike trails don’t care what brand you’re using—they just care that you’re out there living it.

So go ahead. Pick your camera. Use its app. And if you really love GoPro’s editing tools? Just import your footage later. It’s not about the app—it’s about the story you’re telling. And that’s something no app can do for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the GoPro app work with other action cameras?

The GoPro app is primarily designed for GoPro cameras, but it may offer limited functionality with select third-party action cameras via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth pairing. However, features like advanced editing or firmware updates typically remain exclusive to GoPro devices.

Can I use the GoPro app with a DJI or Insta360 camera?

While you can connect some DJI or Insta360 cameras to the GoPro app for basic preview or file transfers, most branded features (e.g., HyperSmooth or Quick Capture) won’t work. For full functionality, always use the manufacturer’s dedicated app.

Why won’t my non-GoPro camera connect to the GoPro app?

The GoPro app relies on proprietary protocols optimized for GoPro hardware, making full compatibility rare with other brands. Check your camera’s manual for cross-brand app support or use generic media players for file access.

Does the GoPro app support live streaming from other action cameras?

Live streaming via the GoPro app is only officially supported for GoPro cameras. Other action cameras may require their own apps or third-party streaming tools like OBS for similar functionality.

Are there alternative apps that work with GoPro and other action cameras?

Yes! Apps like Open Camera or Filmic Pro offer broader compatibility with mixed camera setups. However, you’ll miss out on GoPro-specific features like voice commands or GPS tagging.

Can I transfer files from non-GoPro cameras to the GoPro app?

You can manually import media from other action cameras to the GoPro app’s library for editing, but automated syncing or cloud backups require GoPro hardware. Always verify file format compatibility first.