What caused the GoPro Karma drone recall?

In November 2016, GoPro recalled roughly 2,500 Karma drones after a battery latch design flaw allowed the flight battery to work loose mid-air, cutting power and causing some units to fall. GoPro fixed the latch and relaunched the Karma in February 2017.

Which GoPro cameras work with the Karma drone?

The Karma natively fits the HERO5 Black and HERO6 Black. The HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver also work, but only with a separate HERO4 mounting harness.

Do you need Remote ID to fly a GoPro Karma drone today?

In the United States, yes. Because the Karma weighs more than 250 grams and predates the Remote ID rule, most owners need a separate add-on Remote ID broadcast module to fly it legally outside of designated FAA-Recognized Identification Areas.

GoPro Karma Drone Guide 2026: Specs, Setup & Flying Tips

Q: Is the GoPro Karma drone still made?

No. GoPro discontinued the Karma drone in January 2018 and exited the drone business entirely. No new units have been made since, and there is no official support, firmware updates, or new parts from GoPro today.

Q: Is the GoPro Karma drone still worth buying in 2026?

It can be, for the right buyer. A well-maintained Karma with a healthy battery still flies well and works with the Karma Grip for handheld stabilized shots. The trade-off is that it is unsupported: batteries, propellers, and gimbal parts now come only from resale markets, and buyers need to know what to inspect before flying one.

Flying a discontinued drone is not like flying a new one

GoPro stopped making the Karma in January 2018. That changes everything about owning one.

No official support

No new firmware, no GoPro customer service for Karma issues, and no manufacturer to call when something goes wrong.

Scattered, outdated info

What's left online is old reviews, dead forum threads, and a scanned manual from 2017. Nothing written for where things stand now.

Real safety questions

An aging lithium battery, a known recall history, and drone laws that have changed a lot since 2018. Guessing isn't a great plan.

One guide. Everything you need to fly it safely and shoot well.

A complete, plainly written owner's manual built specifically for flying a GoPro Karma in 2026, not 2016.

GOPRO KARMA
DRONE

The Complete Owner's Guide

✓
Full technical specificationsWeight, speed, range, battery, wind limits, and exactly which HERO cameras fit.
✓
Setup and first flight, step by stepUnboxing, pairing, pre-flight checks, and a beginner-safe flight progression.
✓
The 2016 recall explained in fullWhat failed, why, and exactly what to check before every flight because of it.
✓
Battery care for an aging aircraftHow to spot a battery that's no longer safe to fly, and how to store one correctly.
✓
2026 drone laws, plainly explainedRemote ID, registration, and current US and EU rules for a drone this weight.
✓
Professional shooting techniqueCamera settings, gimbal handling, and how to plan shots that don't look amateur.

Old forum posts vs. this guide

Most of what's left online about the Karma was written while GoPro still supported it.

What you need to know	Scattered old info	This guide
Written for a discontinued, unsupported drone	Rarely	Yes, throughout
Full explanation of the 2016 battery recall	Brief mentions	Full chapter
Battery health and safe disposal guidance	Not covered	Full chapter
Current 2026 drone laws (Remote ID, EASA)	Outdated or missing	Full chapter
Where to still find parts and batteries	Scattered comments	Direct guidance

Built for three kinds of readers

You already own one

Inherited it, bought it used, or found it in a closet. You want it flying safely and shooting well, today.

You're buying one used

You want to know exactly what to check before you buy, and what you're realistically getting into.

You're just curious

A genuinely interesting piece of hardware with a short, complicated history. Worth understanding properly.

Common questions about the GoPro Karma drone

Is the GoPro Karma drone still made?

No. GoPro discontinued the Karma in January 2018 and exited the drone business entirely. There is no current production, no official support, and no new firmware.

Is the GoPro Karma drone still worth buying in 2026?

It can be, for the right buyer. A well-maintained unit with a healthy battery still flies well and pairs with the Karma Grip for handheld stabilized footage. The guide walks through exactly what to inspect before you trust one in the air.

What caused the GoPro Karma recall?

A battery latch design flaw let the flight battery work loose mid-flight, cutting power. GoPro recalled about 2,500 units in November 2016 and relaunched a corrected version in February 2017. Chapter 8 covers the full story and what to check on any unit today.

Which cameras work with the GoPro Karma?

The HERO5 Black and HERO6 Black fit natively. The HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver also work, but need a separate mounting harness.

Do I need Remote ID to fly a GoPro Karma today?

In the United States, generally yes. The Karma weighs more than 250 grams and predates the Remote ID rule, so most owners need an add-on broadcast module to fly legally outside a designated FRIA. Chapter 9 covers this and the EU rules in full.

Fly your Karma with confidence, not guesswork

GoPro Karma Drone: The Complete Owner's Guide. 10 chapters. Specs, setup, the recall, maintenance, photography technique, and 2026 drone law, all in one independent guide.

Get the Complete Guide →

Instant digital download Read on any device Independent, unofficial guide