Garmin Express is computer software used to download and install the latest version of maps and software to your device. These updates are released by Garmin several times a year.

Map Updates - Map updates provide the latest changes to roads and locations on the map used by your navigation device. The map files are large because they contain detailed information. These take longer to install.

Software Updates - Software updates make changes to the operating system files. These smaller files usually download in a few minutes. Garmin Express may alert you to reboot your device after a software update.

Current Map Version: 2022.10 (North America) as of March 17th, 2021

Current Map Version: 2021.10 (Europe) as of September 2, 2020

Current Map Version: 2021.20 (Middle East and Northern Africa) as of July 22nd, 2020

Current Map Version: 2021.10 (South America) as of July 22nd, 2020

Note: Middle East and Northern Africa map updates are only available on the Garmin DriveSmart 65 Traveler's Edition device.

View the following video to learn about different updates available:

Watch one of our video tutorials about installing and using Garmin Express

It takes less than 3 minutes and it is the easiest way to learn how to use Garmin Express.

Windows

Mac

To update your automotive device with Garmin Express, click on the steps below:

1. Download and Install Garmin Express

Before updating your device, you will need to download and install Garmin Express onto your computer. For detailed instructions, see How Do I Install Garmin Express?. If you don't have access to a computer, you can also update the device with Wi-Fi. See the owner's manual of your device for instructions.

Note: Only the Garmin DriveSmart 65 Traveler's Edition and Overlander are compatible with Wi-Fi Updates.

Download Garmin Express for Windows

- Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or newer
- Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 (included in the download)
- 1024 x 768 display
- USB port
- 1 GB RAM
- High-speed Internet access (not for use with dial-up, mobile, or satellite connections)
- Up to 20 GB free disk space

Download Garmin Express for Mac

- OS X 10.11 or newer
- 1440 x 900 display
- USB port
- 1 GB RAM
- High-speed Internet access (not for use with dial-up, mobile, or satellite connections)
- Up to 20 GB free disk space

If you are unable to find the Garmin Express file after clicking one of the above links to download it, use the steps below to find the file and begin installation:

- Opening a Downloaded File on Windows
- Opening a Downloaded File on Mac

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2. Connect the device to a computer

Connect your Garmin device to the computer with the appropriate data USB cable.

Desktop:

usb cable plugged into desktop

Laptop:

usb cable plugged into laptop

Most devices are provided with a compatible data cable. If you do not have such a cable or are unsure which one to use, refer to Types of USB Cables Used to Connect Automotive Devices to the Computer to find out what cable your device requires.

When connected to your computer and powered on, agree to the warning not to operate the device while driving. The device may give the message USB connection detected and give a countdown before entering file transfer mode. Either touch Continue or allow the countdown to run to zero to allow the device to enter file transfer mode.

If you press Cancel, the device will not be recognized by your computer or by Garmin Express. If this is the case, power the device off by holding down the power button, then pressing Off when prompted. When the device turns off, plug it back into the computer, and follow the instructions above to place it into file transfer mode.

If the device only shows the Garmin logo and a battery icon, it does not have a sufficient charge to enter the file transfer mode. Allow the device to charge using the vehicle power cable or an AC adapter. For more information about using adapters not made by Garmin, see Using Third-Party AC Chargers, Cables, and Other Accessories with Garmin Automotive Devices.

Note: It is recommended to place the device screen side down when it's plugged into the computer to reduce stress on the device’s USB port.

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3. Launch Garmin Express

Garmin Express will be launched during the installation process. If you already had Garmin Express installed, launch Garmin Express:

Windows: Use one of the following three methods (examples from Windows 10 pictured).

Double-click the Express icon in the system tray:

Search for Garmin Express in the Start menu:

Double-click the desktop shortcut (if present):

Mac: Launch Garmin Express from the Applications folder in Finder (example pictured from macOS 10.13.6). The location of the Finder icon may vary depending on the position of the Dock.

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4. Begin updates

1. Click on your device. The green dot means Garmin Express recognizes the device.

2. Click Add a Device and follow the on-screen steps to add a new device.

Garmin Express Add a Device screen

3. If you're adding a second device of the same model, a message will appear asking if you want to replace the first device.

Select Yes if this is a replacement device.

Select No if you have two devices of the same model.

Garmin Express will display the updates.

4. Click Install or Install All.

Clicking on View Details allows you to see a list of available updates and install them individually. Garmin recommends clicking on Install All to ensure all updates are installed.

- iOverlander updates can be installed by clicking Install All
  - Only compatible with the RV 780, RV 785, RV 890, RV 1090, and zumo XT

5. Click Accept.

6. Click Continue if prompted.

Garmin Express will display the current progress. Available software updates will be installed first.

7. You may be prompted to Restart your device after they install. Garmin Express will display the steps to do so.

8. The map update will begin once any available software updates are complete and the device has restarted.

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Note: It is important to keep the device connected to the computer, and to not shut down the computer, until the Updates complete! message appears in Garmin Express. Disconnecting the device or shutting down the computer before the update is completed will cause an error in Garmin Express, and it may render the device's maps or software unusable.

If the device does not have enough space to install the map update, Garmin Express will prompt you to insert a microSD or SD memory card or to install a smaller region of the map.

Space issues when installing map updates

Use a Memory Card (Recommended) - In situations where a Garmin device does not have sufficient internal storage space to load the full coverage of a City Navigator NT map update, Garmin Express allows the maps to be installed to a microSD/SD card.

When using the SD card installation option, critical files are loaded to the SD card so it must remain in the device after the update to ensure full functionality. For the largest size SD card a device can use, see the FAQ SD Memory Card Sizes for Automotive Devices.

Choose a Region - Garmin Express will automatically offer to install a smaller mapping coverage region to these devices when there is not enough internal storage to install full coverage and a microSD/SD card is not available.

NOTE: Garmin Express will not allow the installation of another region if only one region is available to install to the device's internal memory. The other regions must be installed to a microSD/SD card by following the steps in Reinstall or Change Map on an Automotive Device.

Adding a memory card to a compatible device will help to give it enough storage space for the entire map. For more information about using a memory card for map updates, including SD card size requirements and instructions if Garmin Express does not offer a memory card option, see Garmin Express Prompts to "Use A Memory Card (Recommended)".

If you select Use a Memory Card, the card must be inserted into the device, not the computer. The map file will be deleted from the device's internal storage drive; therefore, the memory card must remain inside the device at all times both during and after the map update.

Alternatively, Garmin Express may offer the option to install a partial map region to the device's internal storage drive. If you do not have or wish to use a memory card, select Choose a Region, then select the region that includes the desired states and/or provinces.

If the regions offered do not include all of the states and/or provinces for which you need coverage, you will need to use a memory card to install the full map. Please note that some devices may have certain features, such as Voice Command, that require the installation of the full map region to function.

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Having problems with Garmin Express?

Try these helpful troubleshooting links:

Automotive Device Not Detected by Garmin Express on a Windows Computer
Automotive Device Not Detected by Garmin Express on a Mac
- For the Garmin DriveSmart 65 Traveler's Edition and Overlander see Automotive Device Not Detected by Garmin Express on a Mac
Garmin Express Fails to Complete the "Downloading Files" Stage or Error Installing Message
Garmin Express Fails to Launch or Open When I Run It on a Windows Computer
Error Received When Installing Device Software on a Mac
Garmin Express Displays a Server Error Message
Installation of Garmin Applications on a Mac Prompts for a Password