Updating Automotive Maps and Software with Garmin Express

Before updating your device, you will need to download and install Garmin Express onto your computer. For detailed instructions, see How Do I Install Garmin Express?. If you don't have access to a computer, you can also update the device with Wi-Fi. See the owner's manual of your device for instructions.

Note: Only the Garmin DriveSmart 65 Traveler's Edition and Overlander are compatible with Wi-Fi Updates.

If you are unable to find the Garmin Express file after clicking one of the above links to download it, use the steps below to find the file and begin installation:

• • Opening a Downloaded File on Windows
  • Opening a Downloaded File on Mac

Connect your Garmin device to the computer with the appropriate data USB cable.

Desktop:

Laptop:

Most devices are provided with a compatible data cable. If you do not have such a cable or are unsure which one to use, refer to  Types of USB Cables Used to Connect Automotive Devices to the Computer to find out what cable your device requires.

When connected to your computer and powered on, agree to the warning not to operate the device while driving. The device may give the message USB connection detected and give a countdown before entering file transfer mode. Either touch Continue or allow the countdown to run to zero to allow the device to enter file transfer mode.

If you press Cancel, the device will not be recognized by your computer or by Garmin Express. If this is the case, power the device off by holding down the power button, then pressing Off when prompted. When the device turns off, plug it back into the computer and follow the instructions above to place it into file transfer mode.

If the device only shows the Garmin logo and a battery icon, it does not have a sufficient charge to enter the file transfer mode. Allow the device to charge using the vehicle power cable or an AC adapter. For more information about using adapters not made by Garmin, see Using Third-Party AC Chargers, Cables, and Other Accessories with Garmin Automotive Devices.

Garmin Express will be launched during the installation process. If you already had Garmin Express installed, launch Garmin Express:

Windows: Use one of the following three methods (examples from Windows 10 pictured).

Double-click the Express icon in the system tray:

Search for Garmin Express in the Start menu:

Double-click the desktop shortcut (if present):

Mac: Launch Garmin Express from the Applications folder in Finder (example pictured from macOS 10.13.6). The location of the  Finder icon may vary depending on the position of the Dock.

Select the device you intend to update. The green dot next to it signifies that Garmin Express recognizes the device is plugged in. If you do not see the device listed, click on Add a Device and follow the on-screen prompts to add it to Garmin Express.

If you're adding a second device of the same model, a message will come up asking if you want to replace the first device. If this is a replacement device, click Yes. If you have two devices of the same model click No. 

When the device is selected, Garmin Express will display the available updates. Click Install or Install All to install all available updates.

If more than one update is available, you may also click on View Details to view the list of updates available to install. Clicking on Install next to a software update will install all available software updates onto the device.

Garmin Express may then prompt you to agree to the update terms and conditions before beginning the update. Click Accept to proceed.

Once the update starts, Garmin Express will display the current progress, including the percentage completed, estimated time remaining, and download speed (rate). Available software updates will be installed first.

If there are available software updates, you may be prompted to Restart your device after they install. Garmin Express will display the steps to do so.

Once any available software updates are complete and the device has restarted, the map update will begin.

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If there is not enough space on the device to install the map update, and if there is no memory card inside your device, Garmin Express will prompt you to either insert a memory card or to choose a partial region that can fit on the device drive.

Adding a memory card to a compatible device will help to give it enough storage space for the entire map. For more information about using a memory card for map updates, including SD card size requirements and instructions if Garmin Express does not offer a memory card option, see Garmin Express Prompts to "Use A Memory Card (Recommended)".

If you select Use a Memory Card, the card must be inserted into the device, not the computer. The map file will be deleted from the device's internal storage drive; therefore, the memory card must remain inside the device at all times both during and after the map update. 

Alternatively, Garmin Express may offer the option to install a partial map region to the device's internal storage drive. If you do not have or wish to use a memory card, select Choose a Region, then select the region that includes the desired states and/or provinces.

If the regions offered do not include all of the states and/or provinces for which you need coverage, you will need to use a memory card to install the full map. Please note that some devices may have certain features, such as Voice Command, that require the installation of the full map region to function.