The main menu of the GPSMAP 86 contains all the information needed to operate the device. To access the main menu, press MENU twice from any screen. The information below explains what settings and features are available for each of the options in the menu.
NOTE: Some options are not present in the menu by default or may not be available if the software on the handheld is not up to date. To install software updates, see Installing Software Updates to Marine Handhelds.
Active RouteWhile navigating a route, this option allows the user to view the active route.
Active WeatherWhile the handheld is connected to a smartphone or to a Wi‑Fi network, it can receive detailed weather information from the internet. For more details, see - Active Weather Feature on Outdoor Handhelds.
Alarm Clock Sets an audible alarm that can power on the handheld and alert the user at a specified time.
Press MENU for additional options:
Allows the user to toggle between setting a countdown timer or an alarm clock.
Allows the user to change the Time Format and Time Zone settings of the handheld.
Altimeter By default, this displays the elevation over the distance traveled. Use the directional pad to select any point on the plot to view details about that point.
Press MENU for additional options:
Resets the altimeter data, including waypoint, track, and trip data.
Access additional altimeter settings. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Altimeter Settings.
Adjusts the zoom ranges shown on the altimeter page.
Allows the user to customize the altimeter data fields.
Restores the altimeter to factory default settings.
Area Calculation Allows the user to calculate the size of an area by walking around the perimeter of the area.
BirdsEye Direct Allows the user to download high-resolution satellite imagery directly to the handheld when it is connected to a Wi‑Fi network. For more details, see - Download, View, or Delete BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery on a GPSMAP 66 or 86 Series.
Calculator Displays a calculator.
Press MENU for additional options:
Toggle between scientific and standard calculator options.
Toggle between radians and degrees modes for interpreting angle values.
Calendar Displays a calendar. Use the directional pad to select different dates and view the activities, tracks, or waypoints that were recorded on the selected date.
Press MENU for additional options:
Defaults to view the current date on the calendar.
View the sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset times for the selected date along with the moon phase, based on current location.
View the predicted best times for hunting and fishing at the current location for the selected date.
Collections Manager Displays collections synced from the user's Garmin Explore account. For more details, see - Collections Manager on the GPSMAP 66/86.
Compass Displays a compass to aid with navigation.
Press MENU for additional options:
Allows the user to point the device at an object in the distance, and navigate using the object as a reference point (Navigating with Sight 'N Go).
Stops navigating the current route.
Changes the theme and information displayed on the dashboard.
Allows the user to calibrate the compass if experiencing irregular compass behavior, for example, after moving long distances or after extreme temperature changes. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Calibrating the Compass.
Allows the user to customize the compass heading settings. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Heading Settings.
Customizes the compass data fields.
Restores the compass to factory default settings.
Connect IQ Displays a list of installed Connect IQ apps. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Connect IQ Features.
Course Planner Displays a list of saved courses and allows the user to create new courses. For more details, see - Using Course Planner on a GPSMAP 66 or 86 Series.
Geocaching Displays a list of downloaded geocaches. For more details, see - Live Geocaching on the GPSMAP 66/86 Series.
Hunt and Fish Displays a calendar with the predicted best dates and times for hunting and fishing at the current location (see Hunt/Fish Prediction Theory). Use the directional pad to select a different date from the calendar.
Press MENU for additional options:
Defaults to view the current date on the calendar.
Allows the user to change the location for which predicted best dates and times for hunting and fishing are provided.
inReach Activation Use this option to activate the handheld on an inReach satellite subscription in order to use inReach features. For more details, see - How to Activate a GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci.
inReach Weather NOTE: Requires an active inReach subscription.
Allows the user to request basic, premium, or marine weather forecasts using an inReach subscription. For more details, see - Requesting Weather Forecasts With the GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci.
Man Overboard Allows the user to mark a waypoint while automatically starting direct-routing navigation to the location. For more details, see - Using Man Overboard (MOB) on a GPSMAP Series Outdoor Handheld.
Map Select this option to view the map.
Messages NOTE: Requires an active inReach subscription.
Allows the user to send a check-in ( formerly known as preset) or custom text message using the Iridium satellite network and view received messages.
Press MENU for additional options:
The following options are available within the Message Setup:
Sets the device to ring until the user reads a new message. This feature is helpful if in a noisy environment.
Alerts the user to incoming inReach messages.
Sets message locations to display on the map.
Notifications View notifications for incoming calls, texts, social network updates, and more from the users smartphone when it is connected and in range of the handheld.
Photo ViewerDisplays photos that have been transferred to the handheld.
Profile ChangeAllows the user to change the device profile to customize settings and data fields for a particular activity or trip. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Profiles.
Proximity AlarmsAllows the user to create alarms that will sound when within range of particular locations.
Press MENU for additional options:
Allows the user to quickly turn all proximity alarms on or off.
Changes the radius units used.
Allows the user to enable, disable, and customize the alarm tones.
Recorded ActivitiesDisplays the current activity and a list of recorded activities. For more details, see GPSMAP 86: Recordings.
Recording ControlsAllows the user to view details about the current activity and control the current activity recording. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Viewing the Current Activity.
Router PlannerDisplays a list of saved routes and allows the user to create new routes. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Creating a Route.
SatelliteDisplays the current GPS satellite information.
Press MENU for additional options:
Allows the user to turn the GPS on if it is currently disabled. If GPS is already enabled, this option will not be present.
Indicates whether satellites are shown with rings oriented with north toward the top of the screen or oriented with the current track toward the top of the screen.
Allows the user to select whether the satellite page is displayed in multicolor or single color.
Allows the user to mark current location on the map. Use this location to create routes or search for saved locations.
Calculates GPS position using the Garmin AutoLocate feature. This feature can help to resolve satellite acquisition issues.
Allows the user to set the satellite system system to GPS, GPS+GALILEO, or Demo Mode (Off). Enable/disable WAAS/EGNOS from these settings.
Saved TracksDisplays a list of saved tracks. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Creating a Track from a Saved Activity.
SetupAllows the user to access additional settings for customizing the handheld. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Setup Menu.
Share WirelesslyAllows the user to send and receive data wirelessly with another compatible Garmin device using ANT+ technology. Share waypoints, geocaches, routes, tracks, and more.
Sight 'N GoAllows the user to point the device at an object in the distance, and navigate using the object as a reference point. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Navigating with Sight 'N Go.
SOSNOTE: Requires an active inReach subscription.
Allows the user to initiate an SOS rescue. This sends a message to Garmin Response, and they notify the appropriate emergency responders of the situation. Communicate with Garmin Response during the emergency while waiting for help to arrive. Only use the SOS function in a real emergency situation.
StopwatchAllows the user to use a timer, mark a lap, and time laps.
Press MENU to access Enable Activ. Sync to sync the stopwatch with the current activity recording.
Sun and MoonDisplays a calendar with sunrise and sunset times, along with the moon phase, based on current location. Use the directional pad to select a different date from the calendar.
Press MENU for additional options:
Defaults to view the current date on the calendar.
Display sun and moon visibility from current location based on the selected date and time.
Allows the user to change the location for which sunrise and sunset times are provided.
TrackingNOTE: Requires an active inReach subscription plan. With the Safety plan, there is an additional cost per send/track point (varies by currency) when tracking is enabled. For more details, see - inReach Subscription Plan Options and Feature Information.
Allows the user to record track points and transmit them over the Iridium satellite network at the specified moving interval. Track points appear on the Garmin Explore™ website and either the LiveTrack™ tracking page or MapShare™ tracking page (depending on your account settings).
Press MENU to access Tracking Setup. For more details, see - Track Settings Explained on the GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci.
Trip ComputerThe trip computer displays current speed, average speed, trip odometer, and other helpful statistics. The trip computer layout, dashboard, and data fields can be customized.
Press MENU for additional options:
Resets all the trip computer values to zero. For accurate information, reset the trip information before beginning a trip.
Customizes the trip computer data fields.
Changes the theme and information displayed on the dashboard.
NOTE: Customized settings are remembered by the dashboard. Settings are not lost when changing profiles.
Inserts an additional page of customizable data fields.
TIP: Use the arrow keys to scroll through the pages.
Removes an additional page of customizable data fields.
Adds additional data fields to the trip computer.
Removes data fields from the trip computer.
Restores the trip computer to factory default settings.
VIRB RemoteProvides camera controls when a Garmin VIRB camera is connected with the GPSMAP 86.
Waypoint AveragingAllows the user to refine a waypoint location for more accuracy. For more details, see - Waypoint Averaging Information for Outdoor Handhelds.
Press MENU for additional search, filter, and sort options.
Waypoint ManagerDisplays all waypoints saved to the handheld. For more details, see - GPSMAP 86: Waypoints.
Press MENU for additional search, filter, and sort options.
Where To?Opens the search menu to start navigating to a destination.
XERO Locations Displays laser location information when a Xero bow sight paired with the GPSMAP 86. For more details, see - Sending Xero Locations to a Garmin Compatible Handheld.
Flashlight