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

The GoPro App is designed primarily for GoPro cameras and does not officially support other action cameras. While some third-party devices may offer limited compatibility through manual workarounds, features like live preview, remote control, and auto-editing remain exclusive to GoPro models. For full functionality, stick with GoPro hardware—third-party cams won’t deliver the seamless experience the app is built for.

Key Takeaways

• GoPro App is exclusive: Designed only for GoPro cameras, not third-party devices.
• No official support: Other action cams won’t connect or sync with the GoPro App.
• Workarounds exist: Use third-party apps for non-GoPro camera file transfers.
• Check compatibility: Always verify camera-app support before purchasing accessories.
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth limits: Even with connectivity, features may not function fully.

Why You’re Probably Wondering This (And That’s Okay)

Let’s be real—when you drop a few hundred dollars on an action camera, the last thing you want is to feel locked into a single brand’s ecosystem. You’ve probably been there: you’re scrolling through YouTube, watching a mountain biker’s epic descent, and the caption says, “Shot on a Brand X cam.” Your mind starts racing: “Wait, does the GoPro app work with other action cameras? Can I use my GoPro’s slick editing tools on my new DJI Osmo Action?”

You’re not alone. I’ve been in that exact spot. A few years back, I bought a GoPro Hero 9 because, well, it was the gold standard. But when I upgraded my drone, I went with DJI—and suddenly, I had two different apps, two different interfaces, and zero consistency. It felt like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. So I started digging: can the GoPro app actually work with non-GoPro cameras? The short answer? Not really. The long answer? Let’s unpack it together, with real-world examples, a few “aha” moments, and some practical tips to make your life easier—no matter what brand you’re using.

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

Designed for GoPro, Built for GoPro

The GoPro app—officially called Quik—isn’t just a camera remote. It’s a full-blown media hub. You can preview your shots, adjust settings, transfer files, edit videos, and even share them directly to social media. But here’s the catch: it’s built exclusively for GoPro cameras. Think of it like a Tesla charging station—it’s perfect for Teslas, but your Ford F-150? Not so much.

GoPro uses a proprietary communication protocol. Your camera connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but the app expects specific data packets, firmware signatures, and even naming conventions (like “GOPRO” in the device ID). If your camera doesn’t speak that language, the app won’t even recognize it. It’s like trying to order coffee in Tokyo using only French—nice try, but the barista won’t get it.

Real-World Example: My DJI Osmo Action 4

When I got my DJI Osmo Action 4, I thought, “Hey, maybe I can use the GoPro app to transfer clips faster.” Spoiler: I couldn’t. I opened the GoPro app, tapped “Connect Camera,” and waited. Nothing. I restarted both devices. Still nothing. I even tried renaming the DJI’s Wi-Fi network to “GoPro_1234”—still no luck. The app simply doesn’t scan for non-GoPro devices. It’s like a bouncer at an exclusive club: “Sorry, your brand isn’t on the list.”

This isn’t a flaw—it’s intentional. GoPro wants you to use their ecosystem. And honestly? That’s smart business. But it leaves users with other cameras feeling a little… stranded.

What the GoPro App Actually Does (And Why You Might Miss It)

If you’re using a non-GoPro camera, you’re missing out on some seriously cool features:

• Auto-Editing: The Quik app analyzes your footage and creates slick highlight reels in seconds. No manual cutting, no fiddling with timelines.
• Remote Control: Start/stop recording, change modes, and adjust settings from your phone—no touching the camera.
• Cloud Backup: Auto-upload your clips to GoPro’s cloud (if you subscribe).
• GPS Data Overlay: If your GoPro has GPS, the app can add speed, altitude, and route data to your videos.

These features are incredibly useful. But they’re also locked behind the GoPro brand wall. If you’re using a different camera, you’ll need to find alternatives—which we’ll cover soon.

Can You Trick the GoPro App Into Working With Other Cameras?

Short Answer: No. Long Answer: Kinda, But Not Really.

I’ve seen people online claiming they “hacked” the GoPro app to work with their Akaso or Insta360. Let’s set the record straight: you can’t. The app uses deep integration with GoPro’s firmware. It checks things like:

• Camera model and serial number
• Firmware version
• File naming structure (e.g., “GX010001.MP4”)
• Wi-Fi MAC address prefix (GoPros start with specific OUIs)

Even if you rename your camera’s Wi-Fi network or spoof the MAC address (which is technically possible but very sketchy), the app will still detect the mismatch and refuse to connect. I tried this with an old Akaso Brave 7. The app showed a “Connecting…” spinner for 30 seconds, then gave a vague error: “Camera not found.” No surprise there.

Workarounds (That Are More Trouble Than They’re Worth)

There are a few “creative” solutions people try. Let’s break them down:

• Using a GoPro as a “Bridge”: Some suggest connecting your non-GoPro to a GoPro via HDMI, then using the GoPro app to control the GoPro, which records the feed from the other camera. This is insanely convoluted, wastes battery, and introduces lag. Hard pass.
• Third-Party Apps with GoPro Support: Apps like Open Camera or IP Webcam can stream video from any camera with Wi-Fi, but they’re clunky and lack GoPro’s polish.
• Manual File Transfer: This is the most reliable option. Remove the SD card, plug it into your phone or computer, and copy the files. Tedious? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

The bottom line: if you’re hoping for a seamless, plug-and-play experience with the GoPro app and a non-GoPro camera, you’ll be disappointed. But don’t worry—there are better solutions.

What Apps Do Work With Other Action Cameras?

DJI Osmo Action: The DJI Mimo App

If you’re using a DJI Osmo Action, you’ve got the DJI Mimo app. It’s actually pretty great—similar to GoPro’s Quik app, but with DJI’s signature polish. You get:

• Live preview and remote control
• Auto-editing with templates (like GoPro’s Quik Stories)
• AI-powered subject tracking
• Direct sharing to TikTok, YouTube, etc.

The interface is clean, and the auto-editing is shockingly good. I used it to create a 60-second highlight reel of a ski trip—took me 2 minutes, and it looked pro. The only downside? No cloud backup (you’ll need a separate storage solution).

Insta360: The Insta360 App (With AI Magic)

Insta360’s app is a game-changer for 360-degree cameras. It does things the GoPro app can’t, like:

• AI Reframing: Pick a subject, and the app auto-tracks it in post (even in 360 footage).
• FlowState Stabilization: Smoothes out shaky shots like magic.
• Horizon Lock: Keeps your horizon level, even if you flip the camera upside down.

I used it on a mountain bike ride with my Insta360 One RS. The app auto-reframed the footage to keep me in the center, added a dynamic music track, and exported a 4K video in under a minute. It’s not just functional—it’s fun.

Akaso, SJCAM, and Other Budget Brands: The “Generic” Apps

Cameras from Akaso, SJCAM, and other budget brands usually come with their own apps (e.g., Akaso GO or SJCAM Zone). These apps are… functional. They let you:

• Preview and record remotely
• Adjust basic settings (resolution, exposure, etc.)
• Transfer files to your phone

But they’re often buggy, slow, and lack advanced editing. I used the Akaso GO app once. It took 3 tries to connect, froze mid-transfer, and the editing tools were bare-bones. If you’re using a budget camera, I’d recommend skipping the brand app and using a third-party option (more on that below).

Third-Party Apps: The Unsung Heroes

For maximum flexibility, try these universal apps:

• Open Camera (Android): Lets you connect to any Wi-Fi-enabled camera and stream video to your phone. It’s not pretty, but it works.
• FiLMiC Pro (iOS/Android): A pro-grade camera app that can connect to some action cameras via Wi-Fi. Great if you want manual controls.
• Video Pro (iOS): Similar to FiLMiC, with support for external cameras.

I used Open Camera to stream from my DJI Osmo Action during a live stream. It wasn’t as smooth as the DJI Mimo app, but it gave me more control over exposure and focus.

How to Choose the Right App for Your Camera (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Check Your Camera’s Compatibility

Before downloading any app, check your camera’s manual or website. Look for:

• Supported apps (e.g., “Compatible with DJI Mimo”)
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth specs (e.g., “2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, 802.11n”)
• File formats (MP4, MOV, etc.)

For example, the Insta360 One RS works with the Insta360 app, but not with GoPro’s. The Akaso Brave 7 works with Akaso GO, but the connection is spotty.

Step 2: Prioritize What You Need

Ask yourself: what do you actually need from an app? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Need	Best App
Remote control + live preview	DJI Mimo, Insta360 App
Auto-editing/highlight reels	GoPro Quik, DJI Mimo
360-degree editing	Insta360 App
Universal compatibility	Open Camera, FiLMiC Pro

Step 3: Test Before You Commit

Download the app and test it with your camera. Try:

• Connecting via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
• Starting a remote recording
• Transferring a short clip to your phone
• Editing a 10-second video

If anything feels clunky, slow, or unreliable, keep looking. I tested 4 apps before settling on DJI Mimo for my Osmo Action. The others either didn’t connect or crashed constantly.

Step 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match

You don’t have to stick with one app. I use:

• DJI Mimo: For remote control and quick edits
• Open Camera: For live streaming
• DaVinci Resolve (on PC): For pro-level editing

It’s not “pure,” but it works for my needs.

Final Thoughts: The Ecosystem Trap (And How to Avoid It)

Let’s circle back to the original question: Does the GoPro app work with other action cameras? The answer is a resounding no. But that’s not the end of the story. The real issue isn’t the GoPro app—it’s the ecosystem trap.

Brands like GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 want you to stay in their world. They build amazing apps, but only for their own cameras. It’s a double-edged sword: you get polished, user-friendly tools, but you’re locked into their hardware. If you switch brands, you lose those tools.

How to Break Free (Without Breaking the Bank)

Here’s my advice:

• Pick your ecosystem wisely: If you love GoPro’s Quik app, stick with GoPro cameras. If you prefer DJI’s AI tools, go all-in on DJI.
• Don’t mix and match: Using a GoPro, a DJI, and an Insta360? You’ll spend more time managing apps than shooting.
• Embrace the SD card: Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. Transfer files manually, then edit in a universal app like CapCut or iMovie.
• Look for open standards: Some cameras support RTSP or RTMP streaming, which lets you use any app that supports those protocols.

I learned this the hard way. After juggling three different apps for two years, I finally settled on DJI for all my action cameras. It wasn’t the cheapest option, but it saved me time, frustration, and a few gray hairs.

At the end of the day, the “best” app isn’t the one with the most features—it’s the one that makes your life easier. Whether that’s GoPro Quik, DJI Mimo, or even just a trusty SD card, choose what works for you. And remember: the goal isn’t to have the fanciest tech. It’s to capture the moments that matter—without the headache.

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 compatibility with select third-party action cameras via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth pairing. However, full functionality like firmware updates or advanced settings is usually restricted to GoPro models.

Can I use the GoPro Quik app with non-GoPro action cameras?

The GoPro Quik app supports basic media importing and editing for non-GoPro action camera footage, but remote control or live preview features typically require a GoPro camera. Check the app’s device list for specific compatibility details.

Which action cameras are compatible with the GoPro app?

While the GoPro app prioritizes its own lineup, some DJI, Insta360, or older Xiaomi cameras may connect for basic features. Always verify compatibility in the app’s settings or official documentation to avoid issues.

Why won’t my non-GoPro action camera pair with the GoPro app?

Most third-party cameras lack the proprietary software integration required for seamless pairing. Ensure your camera supports GoPro’s open API (rare) or use a universal app like “Action Cam Tool” as an alternative.

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

No, live streaming via the GoPro app is exclusive to GoPro devices. For non-GoPro cameras, use manufacturer-specific apps (e.g., DJI Mimo) or third-party streaming platforms like YouTube Live.

Are there alternatives to the GoPro app for other action cameras?

Yes! Brands like DJI, Insta360, and Sony offer dedicated apps for their cameras. Universal options like “Camera Connect” or “Open Camera” also provide broader cross-brand support for basic controls and media management.