How can I transfer GoPro photos to my Mac using a cable?

Mac
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So you’re staring at your GoPro and your Mac, wondering if it’s going to be a drama or a breeze to grab your footage. I’ve been down this rabbit hole—sometimes it’s as easy as pie, other times it’s like your devices are refusing to speak the same language.

Straightforward Method: Trusty Old USB Cable

  1. First things first—power up your GoPro.
  2. Find that USB cable (the one that shipped with your cam, not the random one in your junk drawer).
  3. Connect camera to Mac. Cross your fingers: your Mac should pop up a new drive (like plugging in a thumb drive).
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    Seriously, that’s it. Finder will show “GoPro” or “Untitled” (it never names it anything exciting). If not, try another USB port or cable.

Alternative Route: The App for the Storage Nerds

Some people like bells and whistles, or maybe they keep running into the “File too large to copy” error. That’s where MacDroid struts in.

For those not in the loop: MacDroid turns your GoPro into a fully mountable drive—super handy if you want to mess with big video files without Finder having a meltdown. Yeah, you can move files without it, but sometimes the easy way isn’t enough if you’re working with a gig or two of 4K.

How To Do It:

  1. Download and install MacDroid on your Mac.
  2. Plug in your GoPro using the real USB-C cable it came with.
  3. Launch MacDroid and pick the “MTP” transfer option.
  4. In the MacDroid interface, hunt for the GoPro, then drag and drop your footage wherever you want.
  5. When done, don’t just yank the cable—hit Eject first, because we’ve all lost data being impatient.

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Bonus Round: Removing Size Limits & Other Annoyances

If you constantly get hit with “can’t copy due to file size,” or Finder just spins forever, MacDroid can bulldoze right past that. For power users? MTP mode’s handy, but honestly, try it out and see what makes your life simpler.

In Case You Want More Details

If you stumble or just want to see another breakdown, check out this guide on importing GoPro media to Mac via USB—because sometimes you need a second opinion, or you don’t trust strangers on the internet.

Short version: Plug in, see if it just works. If not, try MacDroid. Happy transferring, and may your battery not die in the middle of a file move.

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