Troubleshooting a VIRB Ultra 30 that Will Not Power On

In the event that your VIRB® Ultra 30 action camera will not power on, there are a few tests that can be done to determine the root cause. For steps on how to troubleshoot this problem, see below.

microSD memory card

To test the VIRB's current data card, remove the card from the camera, and press the Power/Left button to attempt to power the camera on.

If the camera powers on normally when the card is removed, then a replacement microSD card may be needed.  See the FAQ SD Memory Card Compatibility for VIRB Devices and the Recommended Memory Cards section of the VIRB Ultra 30's product page for information on replacement data cards.

Before replacing the VIRB's microSD card, take the card from the VIRB and insert it into a card reader on your computer, if possible. If the card is recognized by your computer, it may be beneficial to copy the data from the card to your computer, as a backup, then format the data card using the steps in the FAQ  Formatting a microSD/SD card.

If the camera does not power on after taking these steps, proceed to the next section.

Battery

To test the battery:

1. Connect the VIRB to external power
2. Check the LED indicator light on the front of the VIRB
   
   • If the LED is solid red, then the camera is receiving power. Allow the VIRB to charge on this power source for at least 10 minutes.
   • If the LED does not light up, try a different power source.
3. Press the Power/Left button to attempt to power the camera on

If the VIRB powers on normally while connected to power, but will not power on when removed from external power, then the problem is likely with the battery. 

If the VIRB still will not power on, proceed to the next section.

Force Software Update

A software update can resolve this issue. If the VIRB will not power on or connect to the computer, a software update can be loaded to the VIRB's
microSD data card, and a sequence can be performed to force the software update onto the device.

To load a software update to the microSD card:

1. Insert the VIRB's microSD card into a card reader on your computer
2. Run the WebUpdater program on your computer and follow the prompts to load a software update to the card, or to reload the latest software version
   
   • WebUpdater will treat the microSD card as the VIRB camera itself. This allows the update file to be loaded without the camera being connected to the computer at all.

Once the WebUpdater program has finished loading the update to the card, the update can be forced onto the VIRB.

Before following the steps below, you will need a VIRB power cable or USB cable. Connect the cable to external power or to the computer, but do not yet plug the other end of the cable into the VIRB.

To send the update to the VIRB:

1. Ensure that the VIRB is powered off completely and disconnected from power
2. Insert the microSD card (with the software update on it) into the VIRB
3. Press and hold the Shutter/Enter button
4. At the same time, press and hold the Power/Left button
   
   • Wait for the LED indicator light to briefly turn yellow, then green
5. Release Power/Left, but continue to hold Shutter/Enter
   
   • After a moment, the green LED indicator light should turn off
6. Release Shutter/Enter
   
   • The LED indicator light should change to blinking yellow for 10 seconds
7. While the LED blinks yellow, connect the VIRB power cable/USB cable (with external power) to the VIRB

The VIRB should now begin to update itself using the software update which was loaded to the microSD card.

If these steps are ineffective, proceed to the next section.

Factory Reset

A Factory Reset will clear all user data from the device and data card, and restore the device to factory settings.  It may be helpful to back up the existing data on the microSD card before completing a Factory Reset.

To perform a Factory Reset:

1. Press and hold the Shutter/Enter and Right/Wi-Fi buttons
   
   • Wait for the LED indicator light to briefly turn yellow, then red (with a single beep).
2. Release Right/Wi-Fi, but continue to hold Shutter/Enter
   
   • Wait for the LED indicator light to briefly turn red, then green (with a double beep).
3. Release Shutter/Enter

If successful, the VIRB should power on and display a prompt to select your language. The device should now be reset to default factory settings, all user data should be removed, and the device should function normally.