If this is your first time owning a GoPro, you might find it difficult to open the case and gain access to the camera. The user manual gives only a brief overview of how to open the frame which is firmly hooked for airtight and watertight protection. The latch is very tight and at first looks like it can't be opened, but with a little effort and the right tactics, you can get your camera out in no time. Opening a GoPro frame does require effort and dexterity. So if you're having trouble prying or prying it open, ask someone for help. All GoPro HERO frames open the same way, with the exception of the GoPro HERO 3 which provides instructions with arrows and buttons on the frame to make the process easier.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Unlocking the GoPro from the Stand
Step 1. Lift the rubber cover that connects the camera frame to the mount
The first step in opening a GoPro frame is to make sure it doesn't stick to anything, either the camera mount or the platform that came with it when you first opened it. Looking at the bottom of the frame from the rear, there is a protruding clip that secures the frame to the rubber-covered mount. This rubber cover is the part you have to lift to find the two horseshoe-shaped angled locking clips.
Step 2. Pinch the two locking clips together with your index and thumb
Like the buckle clips you usually find on backpacks, press the two protruding locking clips firmly to fit between the mount walls.
This locking clip is part of the frame and is used to attach the frame to the entire GoPro mount. So, when you want to remove the frame, it is this locking clip that is used to open the holder
Step 3. Push the frame forward to release it
While clamping the locking clips, push the frame away from you so that the clips fit between the walls that secure the frame to the stand. The widest part of the locking clip should fit into the wall.
This process should be fairly easy, without much effort. So, if you're having trouble, clamp the locking clip more firmly
Part 2 of 2: Opening the GoPro Case/Frame
Step 1. Pry the top hook
Grasp the frame from the back and place your index finger on the right front corner of the hook, then gently press your thumb against the long side of the frame. With a little pressure, pull the hook straight up with your index finger until it opens and you can see the oval metal hinge underneath.
- The top hook is the entire section that protrudes along the top of the frame, with the front edge being shorter than the back edge. If you look closely, there are two hooks on the long side that attach the frame to lock it in place. For this step, imagine this hook acting as a hinge.
- On the GoPro HERO 3's frame, there's a button at the top of the latch for locking, with a white arrow above it and another arrow in the front right corner of the latch as the second unlocking “hinge.” Slide the switch into the empty space next to it and hold it there to open it, then press the corner button and drag up to open the latch. This process should be relatively easy and require almost no effort.
Step 2. Pull the long side of the hook up
Your goal here is to remove the hooks on that side from the back of the frame. Start at the short edge of the hook and pull it as high as you can. Then, lift the long edge of the hook perpendicular to the top with your thumb. Be careful not to damage it as it is these hooks that keep the frame airtight and watertight.
Step 3. Pull the back
Once the latch is released, the back of the frame can be opened easily. The hinge is at the bottom. So, pull up the top and let the frame hang.
These openings can be removed on the hinges. So, be careful when opening it so that the back stays against the frame. You don't have to open everything to get the camera out
Step 4. Take out the camera
Now you can take the camera out. Tilt the frame back and the camera will roll out easily.
