Check the hardware first

HERO11 Black
GPS present
HERO12 Black
No GPS receiver
HERO13 Black
GPS present

No firmware setting can enable GPS on HERO12. Use an external receiver.

Before recording

  1. Enable GPS in camera preferences on a supported model.
  2. Update firmware only with enough time to retest the full setup.
  3. Move outdoors with a broad sky view.
  4. Keep the camera stationary while acquiring the first fix.
  5. Record a short file and inspect its GPS fix/data before entering the circuit.

If Quik shows no stickers

Separate “no metadata” from “the app did not render it.” Use a GPMF-aware inspector to check GPS9, fix state, timestamps and dilution-of-precision fields inside the MP4. Open GoPro documentation says metadata is accessible after the file is finalised, not during recording.

If the trace is poor

  • Move the camera away from metal roof structure or a metallised/heated windscreen region.
  • Remove nearby untested power adapters and compare.
  • Wait longer for the first fix after travelling a large distance.
  • Check that early samples have a 3D fix rather than merely existing.
  • Use an external 10–25 Hz logger when camera placement is dictated by video.
A smooth path is not proof of good GPS.

Apps can interpolate or filter points. Inspect fix quality and compare repeat laps.

Sources