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Garmin Express Not Detecting Devices on Newer Mac OS

For users of macOS Catalina 10.15 and higher, permission is required to allow devices to connect with the Garmin Express™ application. You may see a message Garmin Express would like to access files on a removable volume. An example is shown below.

Selecting OK will allow Garmin Express to recognize the device.

Prompt to Request Access to Removable Volumes in Garmin Express

Selecting Don't Allow prevents Garmin Express from recognizing the device. This can be adjusted in the Security and Privacy settings on the computer if Don't Allow was accidentally selected.

NOTE: Some newer Mac computers may only have USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, which would require an adapter. Apple® has a helpful support article that explains different USB types, how to identify them, and what adapters can be used: Identify the ports on your Mac.

If the Security and Privacy settings are set to allow Garmin Express to access files on a removable volume and the device is still not being recognized, refer to the articles below for additional troubleshooting suggestions.

Adjusting the Security and Privacy Settings on Newer macOS

Select the following option that is your current macOS.


macOS Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey (macOS versions 10.15-12)

  1. Select the Apple icon.

  2. Select System Preferences.

    System Preferences in the Apple Menu

  3. Select Security & Privacy.

    System Preferences page with a red border around Security and Privacy

  4. Select the Privacy tab.

    Privacy Tab in Security and Privacy Settings

  5. Select Files and Folders.

    Files and Folder Option in Privacy Settings

  6. Select the box next to Removable Volumes for Garmin Express to add a checkmark.

    • If Garmin Express is not listed in the privacy tab under Files and Folders, try creating a new Admin user on the Mac or try using another computer.

    • If this option does not appear after creating the new Admin user, the Mac may need to be serviced.

      Security and Privacy menu with a red border around removable volumes

  7. Select Quit Now. This message will only appear if Garmin Express is open or running in the background.

    Quit Garmin Express Prompt

NOTE: The computer may need to be restarted after completing these steps for Garmin Express to detect the device. 


macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia (macOS versions 13-15)

NOTE: You may have to restart the computer after completing these steps for Garmin Express to detect the device.

  1. Select the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the desktop.

  2. Select System Settings.

    System Settings  

  3. Select Privacy & Security.

    Privacy and Security option in the system settings 

  4. Select Files and Folders.

     Files and Folders under Privacy and Security in Finder

  5. Select the arrow next to Garmin Express to expand it.

    Garmin Express listed with other applications you can grant access to under Files and Folders 

  6. Enable Removable Volumes.

    Toggle switch to enable removable volumes

  7. Select Quit & Reopen if prompted.

    Quit and Reopen menu option for Garmin Express

NOTE: You may have to restart the computer after completing these steps for Garmin Express to detect the device.


Allow Accessories to Connect on Mac Computers With Apple Silicon

Newer Mac computers that use Apple Silicon will give an alert when a new or unknown USB accessory is first connected. You must allow the accessory to connect in order for it to be recognized by Garmin Express. If you do not get an alert or your device will not connect, refer to Apple support for further assistance.