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Software Update Methods for Outdoor Handhelds

Garmin often releases software updates to improve performance, correct operational issues, or add new features. 

Most Garmin handhelds can be updated with the Garmin Express™ program on a computer, but some older devices are not compatible with the program. Select models with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities can even be updated wirelessly. For a list of devices and what programs can be used to install software updates, refer to the compatibility lists below. For how to update dog tracking handhelds, see - Installing Software Updates to Dog Tracking Handhelds and Compatible Collars.

The Garmin Express program requires the use of a computer running Windows or Mac and checks for software updates automatically each time you connect your Garmin device to the computer.

For specific instructions on updating your handheld, see - Help with Product Updates.


Compatible With Garmin Express

  • Colorado® 300 | Colorado® 400c | Colorado® 400i | Colorado® 400t

  • Dakota® 10 | Dakota® 20

  • eTrex® 10 | eTrex® 20 | eTrex® 20x | eTrex® 22x | eTrex® 30 | eTrex® 30x | eTrex® 32x

  • eTrex® SE

  • eTrex® Solar

  • eTrex® Touch 25 | eTrex® Touch 35 | eTrex® Touch 35t

  • Foretrex® 301 | Foretrex® 401 | Foretrex® 601 | Foretrex® 701 Ballistic Edition | Foretrex® 801 | Foretrex® 901 Ballistic Edition

  • GPSMAP® 62 | GPSMAP® 62s | GPSMAP® 62sc | GPSMAP® 62st | GPSMAP® 62stc

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

  • GPSMAP® 65 |  GPSMAP® 65s

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

  • GPSMAP® 67 | GPSMAP® 67i

  • GPSMAP® 78 | GPSMAP® 78s | GPSMAP® 78sc

  • GPSMAP® 79s | GPSMAP® 79sc

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

  • inReach® Messenger

  • inReach® Messenger Plus

  • inReach® Mini

  • inReach® Mini 2 

  • Montana® 600 and all other models in the Montana series

  • Monterra®

  • Oregon® 200 and all other models in the Oregon series

  • Rino® 610 | Rino® 650 | Rino® 650t | Rino® 655t

  • Rino® 700 | Rino® 750 | Rino® 750t | Rino® 755t


Compatible With Wireless Software Updates

Some Garmin handhelds can be updated wirelessly when connected to Wi-Fi or with a compatible Garmin app via Bluetooth (listed below). If software updates are available they will be downloaded and synced to the handheld automatically behind the scenes. Once the available updates have been downloaded, it may take up to 48 hours for the handheld to prompt you to install the update.

No additional steps need to be done apart from setting up Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on the handheld, nor are there any steps that can be used to expedite these types of automatic updates. For steps on setting up Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, refer to your owner's manual. If you wish to install software updates immediately, or if you need to install map updates, Garmin Express must be used.

Update With the Garmin Explore™ App

  • eTrex® SE

  • eTrex® Solar

  • Foretrex® 801 | Foretrex® 901 Ballistic Edition

  • GPSMAP® 67 | GPSMAP® 67i

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

  • inReach® Messenger Plus

  • inReach® Mini 2

Update With the Garmin Messenger™ App

  • GPSMAP® 67i

  • inReach® Messenger

  • inReach® Messenger Plus

  • inReach® Mini 2

Update With the Garmin Connect™ App

  • eTrex® SE

  • eTrex® Solar

  • eTrex® Touch 35 | eTrex® Touch 35t

  • Foretrex® 601 | Foretrex® 701 Ballistic Edition | Foretrex® 801 | Foretrex® 901 Ballistic Edition

  • 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

  • Montana® 700 | Montana® 700i | Montana® 750i

  • Montana® 710 | Montana® 710i | Montana® 760i

  • Oregon® 700 | Oregon® 750 | Oregon® 750t

  • Rino® 750 | Rino® 750t | Rino® 755t

Update With Wi-Fi

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

  • GPSMAP® 67 | GPSMAP® 67i

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

  • Montana® 700 | Montana® 700i | Montana® 750i

  • Montana® 710 | Montana® 710i | Montana® 760i

  • Monterra®

  • Oregon® 700 | Oregon® 750 | Oregon® 750t


Not Compatible With Garmin Express or Wireless Updates

The following devices are not compatible with Garmin Express, but can be updated with Garmin WebUpdater. For more details, see -  Installing the Latest Software Updates to Your Legacy Outdoor Handheld.

  • Garmin Mode & USB Devices:

    • eTrex Legend® C | eTrex Legend® Cx

    • eTrex Legend® H | eTrex Legend® HCx

    • eTrex Summit® HC

    • eTrex Venture® Cx | eTrex Venture® HC

    • eTrex Vista® C | eTrex Vista® Cx

    • eTrex Vista® H | eTrex Vista® HCx

    • GLO™ | GLO™ 2 (Windows Only)

    • GPS 60

    • GPS 72H

    • GPSMAP® 60C | GPSMAP® 60CS | GPSMAP® 60CSx | GPSMAP® 60Cx

    • GPSMAP® 76C | GPSMAP® 76CS | GPSMAP® 76CSx | GPSMAP® 76Cx

    • Rino® 520 | Rino® 520 HCx

    • Rino® 530 | Rino® 530 HCx

  • Serial Port Devices:

    NOTE: Serial port devices can also be updated using WebUpdater, but they are not compatible with Windows 10 or newer and require cables and cable drivers that we no longer have or support.

    • eTrex® | eTrex® H

    • eTrex Vista® | eTrex Legend® | eTrex Venture® | eTrex Mariner™ | eTrex Summit® | eTrex® Camo

    • Foretrex® 101 | Foretrex® 201

    • Geko™ 201 | Geko™ 301

    • Rino® 110 | Rino® 120 | Rino® 130

    • GPS 72 | GPS 76

    • GPSMAP® 76 | GPSMAP® 76S

    • GPS 12  | GPS 12MAP | GPS 12CX | GPS 12XL

    • GPS II™ | GPS II™ Plus | GPS III® | GPS III® Plus | GPS V™


Compatible With the inReach® Sync Desktop Program

NOTE: While the inReach Mini can be used with inReach Sync to update account related changes on the device (such as plan changes or changes to Contacts, Check-in/Preset messages, or Quick Text messages), Garmin Express must be used to install any kind of software updates to the inReach Mini.

The following devices must use inReach Sync for installing software updates. For more details, see - Updating inReach Firmware and Syncing Account Changes with inReach Sync.

  • inReach for Android

  • inReach for PN-60W

  • inReach for Smartphones

  • inReach Explorer®

  • inReach Explorer+

  • inReach SE®

  • inReach SE+