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Sending Geocaches to a Device Using Garmin Express from Geocaching.com

Garmin Express™ software can either transfer individual geocaches, or a list of one or more geocaches, from Geocaching.com to compatible devices. Lists are available to Geocaching Premium members (subscription fees apply).

You can find steps for either transfer process below. See Related for how to install Garmin Express.

Using Garmin Express Software to Transfer Geocaches

Select an option below for steps.

Sending a List of One or More Geocaches to a Device

  1. Sign in to your premium account on www.geocaching.com.

  2. Follow the steps on Geocaching.com to create and and add items to a list: Create a List on Geocaching.com.

  3. Go to your My Lists page.

  4. Connect the device to the computer.

  5. Next to the desired list, select List Selection Menu Icon. 

  6. Click Send to Garmin.
    Red Arrow Pointing to Send to Garmin

  7. The web browser may ask to Allow Garmin Express, click Ok.

    Allow Garmin Express OK Confirmation

  8. Click Open Garmin Express.

    • To avoid this in the future, select the box next to "Always open these types of links in the associated app".

      Red Arrow Pointing to Always Open Garmin Express Checkbox

  9. Garmin Express will then open with Content Ready to Download box.

    • If your device is listed, ensure it is selected and click Continue.

    • If you want to select a different device, select Download to a different device then Continue. Select Download to Device Icon. An arrow pointing down inside a cloud. next to the desired device.

    • If no device is listed, select Download to a different device then Continue. Select Add a Device and follow the on-screen prompts.

      Continue Option for Content Ready to Download

  10. Your download will then start, once complete you will see Download complete!.

    Download Complete Confirmation

The list of caches has been successfully installed and the device can be safely disconnected from the computer.

NOTE: A video on how to perform the above can also be found on a Geocaching.com blog.

Sending an Individual Geocache to a Device

  1. Connect the device to the computer.

  2. Sign in to your account on www.geocaching.com.

  3. Use the search function to find geocaches.

  4. Select Map These Geocaches from the results page.

    Red Arrow Pointing to Map These Geocaches

  5. Select the desired geocache from the list on the left.

    Red Arrow Pointing to Geocache List

  6. Select Send to Garmin.

    Red Arrow Pointing to Send to Garmin

  7. The web browser may ask to Allow Garmin Express, click Ok.

    Allow Garmin Express Confirmation

  8. Click Open Garmin Express.

    • To avoid this in the future, select the box next to "Always open these types of links in the associated app".

      Red Arrow Pointing to Open Garmin Express Checkbox

  9. Garmin Express will then open with Content Ready to Download Box.

    • If your device is listed, ensure it is selected and click Continue.

    • If you want to select a different device, select Download to a different device then Continue. Select Download to Device Icon. An arrow pointing down inside a cloud. next to the desired device.

    • If no device is listed, select Download to a different device then Continue. Select Add a Device and follow the on-screen prompts.

      Continue Option for Content Ready to Download

  10. Your download will then start, once complete you will see Download complete!.

    Download Complete Confirmation

The list of caches has been successfully installed and the device can be safely disconnected from the computer.

Repeat steps 4-10 for any additional geocaches you may want to add to your device.

Using BaseCamp™ Software to Transfer Geocaches

As an alternative, you can also download geocache files to your computer and use our program BaseCamp™ to transfer them to your device.

For steps, see - Transferring Geocaches From Geocaching.com to an Outdoor Handheld Using BaseCamp™.

Troubleshooting "Download Failed" Error When Sending Geocaches to a Device

When downloading geocaches from geocaching.com you may encounter a "download failed" error. Internet connectivity and network connection issues can prevent Garmin Express from downloading this content. If receiving this error try the following: 

Ensure Open Garmin Express is Selected

When following the steps above for sending geocaches to a device, step eight requires selcting Open Garmin Express. If this step is missed you cannot continue with the remainder of the steps. 
Red Arrow Pointing to Open Garmin Express

Clear the Browser History, Cache, or Temporary Internet Files

Occasionally it may be necessary to clear the web browser history, cache, and temporary Internet files to correct a display, upload, or download issue. It may also be necessary to use a private browsing window. For instructions, see - Clear the Browser History, Cache, Temporary Internet Files, or Open a Private Window on a Desktop or Laptop Computer.

Ensure Garmin Express is Up to Date

Internet Connectivity and Related Settings

IMPORTANT: A high-speed Internet connection such as DSL or cable is required to use Garmin Express. If you are unsure what type of internet connection you are using, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Things to Avoid

Using these types of computers or network connections can introduce many obstacles that can prevent a successful download. If any of the following items cannot be avoided, attempt the download again later on a different computer or network.

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)

  • Work computers and/or networks

  • Public Wi-Fi connections

  • Mobile broadband (such as a 4G/LTE or 5G MiFi, AirCard, or cell phone tethering)

  • Satellite internet

  • Fixed wireless internet

  • Dial-up internet

When Using a Wi-Fi Connection, Ensure You Have a Strong Signal

  • Try moving the computer closer to the Wi-Fi router if possible.

  • If you are still unable to get a strong signal, try using a computer that is plugged in with an Ethernet cable.

Ensure Your Data Limit is Not Capped/Throttled by Your ISP

  • Many of Garmin's downloadable map products are several gigabytes (GB) in size.

  • Some ISPs will place a limit on how much data may be downloaded during a daily or monthly cycle.

    • Depending on the ISP, exceeding this limit could result in reduced Internet performance or fees for the additional data used.

  • To find out whether your internet service is capped/throttled or restricted, contact your ISP before contacting Garmin.

    • If your internet service is being capped/throttled or restricted, the map update download will take longer to complete and may appear frozen at times.

    • Asking your ISP to remove the capping/throttling or restricted download may be an option.

Temporarily Disable Internet Security/Firewall

  • Although most security software will not interfere with Garmin Express, some security software (such as software that is used on work computers or in a business environment) may cause errors in Garmin Express.

  • If possible, try temporarily disabling the software.

    • If you cannot disable it, it will be necessary to use a different computer.

  • If disabling fails to resolve the issue, you can set up an exception for Garmin Express.

  • See Garmin Fleet Updater and Garmin Express Network Requirements for more information.

  • For advanced users: Check for any bandwidth limiting settings on the router such as Asus QOS.

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