Do All Remotes Turn On Action Camera Find Out Here

Not all remotes can turn on action cameras—compatibility depends on the brand, model, and wireless protocol (like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). Only manufacturer-approved or specifically designed remotes reliably power on cameras, so always check specs before buying third-party options.

Key Takeaways

• Not all remotes work universally—check compatibility with your action camera model first.
• Brand-specific remotes often provide reliable power and full feature access.
• Third-party remotes may turn on cameras but lack advanced controls.
• Always verify remote pairing before relying on it in the field.
• Use manufacturer apps as backup if remotes fail to power on the camera.
• Battery life matters—weak remote batteries can prevent camera activation.

Do All Remotes Turn On Action Camera? Find Out Here

Imagine this: You’re at the top of a mountain, the sun is setting, and you’re about to capture a once-in-a-lifetime moment. You grab your trusty action camera, press the power button… and nothing happens. Panic sets in. You reach for your remote, hoping it’ll do the trick—but does it even turn the camera on? This is a question I’ve asked myself more than once, and I bet you have too. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a professional filmmaker, or just someone who loves capturing life’s wildest moments, knowing whether your remote can power on your action camera is crucial. It’s the difference between a perfect shot and a missed opportunity.

Action cameras have revolutionized the way we document our lives. From surfing the waves to skiing the slopes, these little gadgets are built to keep up with our most extreme activities. But their compact size often means fewer physical buttons, making remote controls essential. Yet, not all remotes are created equal. Some can power on the camera, some can’t, and others have quirks that leave you scratching your head. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of remote controls for action cameras, answering the burning question: do all remotes turn on action cameras? We’ll look at how remotes work, compatibility issues, real-world examples, and practical tips to help you avoid those frustrating moments when your camera won’t turn on—even with the remote in hand.

How Action Camera Remotes Work: The Basics

Understanding Remote Technology

Action camera remotes use different technologies to communicate with your device. The most common are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and dedicated radio frequency (RF) systems. Each has its own strengths and limitations when it comes to powering on the camera.

• Bluetooth: Found in most modern action cameras (like GoPro and DJI), Bluetooth is energy-efficient and widely supported. However, it requires the camera to be in a “listening” state—meaning it has to be at least partially powered on. If the camera is completely off, Bluetooth won’t wake it up.
• Wi-Fi: Some remotes connect via Wi-Fi, which allows for more advanced control (like live preview). But like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi needs the camera to be in a low-power standby mode to respond to the remote.
• RF (Radio Frequency): Older or third-party remotes often use RF signals. These can sometimes trigger a wake-up command even when the camera is fully off, but this depends on the camera’s firmware and hardware design.

Think of it like your TV remote. You can change channels, adjust volume, and even switch inputs—but if the TV is unplugged, pressing buttons won’t magically turn it on. The same principle applies to action cameras. The remote needs a “live” connection to the camera, and that connection usually requires some level of power.

Power States: On, Off, and Standby

Action cameras typically have three power states:

• Fully On: The camera is recording, previewing, or ready to record. Remotes work fully in this state.
• Standby (or Sleep Mode): The camera is off to the user but still drawing a tiny amount of power to listen for remote signals. This is where most remotes can trigger a wake-up command.
• Fully Off: The camera is completely powered down. No battery draw. In this state, most remotes cannot turn it on—unless the camera has a special “remote wake-up” feature.

I learned this the hard way during a kayaking trip. My GoPro was fully off, and I tried using the remote to start recording from my dry bag. Nothing happened. I had to manually power it on, missing the first 30 seconds of the rapids. That’s when I realized: not all remotes turn on action cameras, especially when the device is completely off.

Brand-Specific Remote Capabilities: What You Need to Know

GoPro Remotes: Hero 9 to Hero 12

GoPro is the gold standard in action cameras, and their remotes are no exception. The GoPro The Remote (released with Hero 10 and updated for Hero 11/12) is designed to work seamlessly with newer models. Here’s the good news: yes, it can turn on your GoPro—but only if the camera is in standby mode.

• Standby Mode: When your GoPro is off but still connected to the remote, it enters a low-power state. A single press on the remote wakes it up and starts recording (if configured).
• Fully Off: If you’ve turned the camera off completely (no lights, no screen), the remote cannot power it on. You’ll need to press the physical power button.
• Tip: Enable “Remote Control” in the GoPro app and set “Power On” to “Remote” in camera settings. This keeps the camera in standby, ready to wake up.

I use this setup for hiking and biking. I keep my GoPro in my backpack, and with a quick press of the remote, it powers on and starts recording. It’s a game-changer for hands-free capture.

DJI Action 3 and Action 4: The Smart Remote

DJI’s Action series comes with the DJI Smart Remote, which is similar to GoPro’s but with a few differences.

• Wake-Up Function: Like GoPro, the DJI remote can wake the camera from standby mode. But if the battery is below 10% or the camera is fully off (not in standby), it won’t respond.
• Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth: The remote uses both. Bluetooth for basic commands (power on, start/stop recording), and Wi-Fi for live preview. This dual system makes it more reliable but slightly slower to respond.
• Tip: Use the “Quick Capture” feature. When enabled, the camera stays in standby for 5 minutes after being turned off, giving you a window to use the remote.

I tested this during a mountain biking race. My DJI Action 3 was in my chest mount, fully off. I pressed the remote—nothing. Then I realized I hadn’t enabled Quick Capture. After enabling it, the remote worked perfectly. Lesson learned: settings matter.

Insta360 and Third-Party Remotes

Insta360 cameras (like the X3 and Ace Pro) use Bluetooth remotes, but their behavior is a bit different.

• Insta360 Remote: Can wake the camera from standby, but only if the camera was turned off using the remote. If you manually powered it off, the remote may not respond.
• Third-Party Remotes (e.g., Smatree, Neewer): These are hit-or-miss. Some can power on the camera if it’s in standby, but none can wake a fully off camera. Compatibility varies widely.

I once bought a cheap third-party remote for my Insta360. It worked great for starting and stopping recordings—but never powered the camera on. It was a reminder that brand-specific remotes are often more reliable.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Remote Power

Myth #1: “All Remotes Can Turn On the Camera”

This is the biggest misconception. As we’ve seen, most remotes can only wake the camera from standby mode. If the camera is fully off, the remote is powerless (pun intended). Think of it like a smartphone: You can’t unlock it with a Bluetooth speaker if the phone is completely dead.

I’ve seen forum threads where users blame the remote for “not working,” when the real issue was the camera’s power state. Always check if your camera is in standby mode before assuming the remote is faulty.

Myth #2: “Third-Party Remotes Are Just as Good”

While third-party remotes are cheaper, they often lack the firmware integration needed for wake-up commands. They may work for basic functions (start/stop, mode change), but advanced features like power-on are usually missing.

For example, a $20 Smatree remote might control your GoPro’s recording, but it won’t wake it from standby unless the GoPro’s firmware specifically supports it. And that’s rare.

Myth #3: “Remotes Work Even with Low Battery”

Both the remote and the camera need sufficient power. If your camera’s battery is below 5%, it may not enter standby mode, making the remote useless. Similarly, a low-battery remote might not send a strong enough signal.

During a winter hike, my GoPro’s battery dropped to 3%. I tried using the remote to start recording—no response. After charging it to 10%, it worked instantly. Cold weather drains batteries fast, so always carry spares.

Practical Tips: Maximizing Remote Effectiveness

Enable Standby Mode (It’s Your Best Friend)

Most action cameras have a standby mode that keeps the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi module active. This is essential for remote wake-up. Here’s how to enable it:

• GoPro: Go to Settings > General > Power On > Remote.
• DJI: Settings > System > Quick Capture > On.
• Insta360: Settings > Remote Control > Auto Wake-Up > On.

I enable this on every camera I own. It’s the single best way to ensure your remote can power on the device when needed.

Use the Right Remote for Your Camera

Stick to brand-specific remotes whenever possible. They’re designed to work with the camera’s firmware, ensuring full functionality. If you must use a third-party remote, check reviews to see if it supports wake-up commands.

For example, the GoPro The Remote is $50, but it’s worth every penny for the wake-up feature alone. A $15 knockoff might save you money, but it could cost you a perfect shot.

Keep Batteries Charged (Both Remote and Camera)

As mentioned earlier, low battery = no wake-up. Carry:

• Extra camera batteries (or a power bank).
• A charged remote (or a spare CR2032 battery, if it uses one).

I keep a small battery pack in my camera bag. It’s saved me more times than I can count.

Test Before You Go

Never assume your remote will work in the field. Test it at home:

• Turn the camera off (but keep it in standby).
• Press the remote’s power button.
• See if the camera turns on.

I do this before every trip. It takes two minutes and prevents major frustration later.

Data Table: Remote Wake-Up Capabilities by Brand

To help you make informed decisions, here’s a quick comparison of remote wake-up capabilities across popular action camera brands:

Brand	Remote Model	Can Wake from Standby?	Can Wake from Fully Off?	Notes
GoPro	The Remote (Hero 10+)	Yes	No	Requires “Power On: Remote” enabled
DJI	Smart Remote	Yes	No	Needs “Quick Capture” enabled
Insta360	Insta360 Remote	Yes (if turned off via remote)	No	Limited to recent models
Third-Party (e.g., Smatree)	Universal Bluetooth Remote	Sometimes	Never	Depends on camera firmware
Sony (Action Cam)	RM-LVR2	Yes	No	Requires pairing in standby mode

This table shows a clear trend: no remote can turn on a fully off camera. The key is standby mode. If your camera supports it, use it. If not, you’ll need to manually power on the device first.

Conclusion: The Truth About Remote Power-On

So, do all remotes turn on action cameras? The short answer is no. While many modern remotes can wake your camera from standby mode, none can power on a device that’s completely off. It’s a limitation of current technology—and one that every action camera user should understand.

The real takeaway? Preparation is everything. Enable standby mode, use brand-specific remotes, keep batteries charged, and test your setup before heading out. These small steps ensure that when the perfect moment arrives, your camera is ready to capture it—with or without the remote.

I’ve learned this through years of trial and error. From missed shots to last-minute panic, I’ve been there. But now, I know exactly what my remotes can (and can’t) do. And that knowledge has saved me countless times.

Whether you’re filming a skydive, a surf session, or just your kid’s first bike ride, understanding your remote’s capabilities is key. Don’t assume it will work like magic. Instead, treat it as a powerful tool—one that needs the right settings, power, and preparation to shine.

So next time you’re packing your gear, ask yourself: Is my camera in standby? Is my remote charged? Have I tested the wake-up function? Answer yes to all three, and you’ll never miss that perfect shot again. After all, the best camera is the one that’s ready—when you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all remotes turn on action cameras?

No, not all remotes can turn on action cameras. Compatibility depends on the camera model and remote type (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or proprietary RF remotes). Always check your camera’s manual for supported remote features.

Can I use a universal remote to turn on my action camera?

Most universal remotes cannot power on action cameras, as they lack the required protocol. Action cameras typically need brand-specific remotes or app-based controls to wake from standby.

Why won’t my remote turn on my action camera despite being paired?

This often occurs when the remote is designed for operation only, not power management. Some action camera remotes can start recording but require the camera to be manually powered on first.

Do GoPro remotes work with other action cameras?

GoPro remotes are usually incompatible with non-GoPro cameras due to proprietary software. Third-party action cameras often use different wireless standards, so remotes are rarely cross-brand functional.

How do I enable remote power-on for my action camera?

Check your camera’s settings for options like “Auto Power-On” or “Remote Wake.” Not all models support this, and some require firmware updates to activate remote power features.

Are there aftermarket remotes that turn on action cameras?

Some aftermarket brands offer remotes with power-on capabilities, but they’re model-specific. Verify compatibility with your camera before purchasing, as features vary widely.