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Pairing a GPSMAP Series Handheld With a Phone or Tablet

The following GPSMAP® series devices can be used with the Garmin Explore™ app and/or the Garmin Connect™ app when paired to a phone or tablet:

  • GPSMAP 64s | GPSMAP 64sc | GPSMAP 64st | GPSMAP 64sx | GPSMAP 64csx

  • GPSMAP 65 | GPSMAP 65s

  • GPSMAP 66i | GPSMAP 66s | GPSMAP 66sr | GPSMAP 66st

  • GPSMAP 67 | GPSMAP 67i

  • GPSMAP 86i | GPSMAP 86s | GPSMAP 86sc | GPSMAP 86sci

  • GPSMAP H1 | GPSMAP H1i Plus

These two apps serve different purposes listed below.

Garmin Explore App

  • Required for GPSMAP series handhelds with inReach® satellite communication features to sync account changes to the device.

  • Download free maps to the phone or tablet.

  • Sync data (waypoints, routes, tracks and activities) to and from your Garmin Explore web account.

  • Allows for Smart Notifications (such as calls and messages) to display on the Garmin device from the paired phone or tablet.

  • With an active inReach plan, you can also send/read inReach messages, request inReach weather forecasts, and trigger an SOS.

Pairing With the Garmin Explore App

NOTE: If you are unable to pair your GPSMAP handheld directly with the Garmin Explore app, connect the GPSMAP handheld to a computer and update its software before trying again. For instructions on updating the GPSMAP software, see - Updating the Software on Your Outdoor Handheld With Garmin Express.

First Time Users

  1. Install and open the Garmin Explore app.

  2. Allow any app permissions when prompted.

  3. Select Create Account.

    • NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).

  4. Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.

  5. Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).

  6. Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.

  7. Select Add Device when prompted.

    The app will then begin searching for devices.

  8. On the GPSMAP handheld, enabled pairing mode:

    • GPSMAP 64/65/66/67/86 series devices: Press MENU twice, then select Setup > Bluetooth > Pair Mobile Device or Continue. If the GPSMAP handheld is currently connected with another Garmin app, it may already display as Connected. If connected, skip to the next step.

    • GPSMAP H1 series devices: Press MENU twice, then select 9 Squares > Settings > Connectivity > Pair Phone/Pair with Explore.

  9. In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

The GPSMAP handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.

Existing Garmin Explore App Users

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

    • If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.

  2. Select Watch and Handheld Icon Devices.

  3. Select either + Pair a New Device or Plus Symbol.

    The app will then begin searching for devices.

  4. On the GPSMAP handheld, enabled pairing mode:

    • GPSMAP 64/65/66/67/86 series devices: Press MENU twice, then select Setup > Bluetooth > Pair Mobile Device or Continue. If the GPSMAP handheld is currently connected with another Garmin app, it may already display as Connected. If connected, skip to the next step.

    • GPSMAP H1 series devices: Press MENU twice, then select 9 Squares > Settings > Connectivity > Pair Phone/Pair with Explore.

  5. In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

The GPSMAP handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.

Garmin Connect App

  • Allows for Smart Notifications (such as calls and messages) to display on the Garmin device from the paired phone or tablet.

  • Downloads software updates automatically behind the scenes while the GPSMAP is connected to your mobile phone with a data connection.

  • Required to set up some Connect IQ™ apps, such as Wikiloc (GPSMAP 66 and 67 series only).

  • Sync recorded activities to your Garmin Connect account (GPSMAP 66, 67, 86, and H1 series only).

Pairing With the Garmin Connect App

First Time Users

  1. Install and open the Garmin Connect app.

  2. Allow any app permissions when prompted.

  3. Select Sign In.

    • Below the sign in option, select Create One and follow the prompts to create an account if you do not already have a Garmin account.

  4. Read and agree to the EULA and terms, then tap Next.

  5. On the GPSMAP handheld, enable pairing mode:

    • GPSMAP 64/65/66/67/86 series devices: Press MENU twice, then select Setup > Bluetooth > Pair Mobile Device or Continue. 

    • GPSMAP H1 series devices: Press MENU twice, then select 9 Squares > Settings > Connectivity > Pair Phone.

    • If the GPSMAP handheld is currently connected with another Garmin app, it may already display as Connected. If connected, skip to the next step.

  6. In the Garmin Connect app, select Connect It after Garmin Connect finds your GPSMAP handheld, then follow the prompts.

    • If it does not display, select Browse all compatible devices and search for your model.

The GPSMAP handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Connect app.

Existing Garmin Connect App Users

  1. Open the Garmin Connect app.

  2. Access the menu by selecting More (bottom right).

  3. Select Garmin Devices.

  4. Select Add Device.

  5. On the GPSMAP handheld, enable pairing mode:

    • GPSMAP 64/65/66/67/86 series devices: Press MENU twice, then select Setup > Bluetooth > Pair Mobile Device or Continue. 

    • GPSMAP H1 series devices: Press MENU twice, then select 9 Squares > Settings > Connectivity > Pair Phone.

    • If the GPSMAP handheld is currently connected with another Garmin app, it may already display as Connected. If connected, skip to the next step.

  6. In the Garmin Connect app, select Connect It after Garmin Connect finds your GPSMAP handheld, then follow the prompts.

    • If it does not display, select Browse all compatible devices and search for your model.

The GPSMAP handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Connect app.

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