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Registered Chart Not Showing in Garmin Express™ or ActiveCaptain®

Registration via the ActiveCaptain® app or Garmin Express™ computer application


The ActiveCaptain® App or the Garmin Express™ program allows users to register devices, update software, or update built-in maps. ActiveCaptain® is a mobile application available on Android or iOS devices. Garmin Express™ is a computer program available for both Windows and MAC systems. Either application or program allows users to register compatible GPSMAP, ECHOMAP devices, and the preloaded chart.   Registering Garmin Marine Devices and Charts


Garmin Express™ Preloaded Chart Cards Registration Fails


Preloaded chart cards such as BlueChart® g3, LakeVu® g3, Garmin Navionics+™ or Garmin Navionics Vision+™ are registered using Garmin Express™. After registration, it is shareable with other compatible devices on the same vessel. A file writes to any micro/sd card inserted into the chartplotter. It is necessary to remove the GarminDevice.xml file to register the preloaded chart. 

To remove the GarminDevice.xml

  1. Insert the micro/SD card into the computer card reader

  2. Explore the card

  3. Locate the Garmin Folder > Open

  4. Open the Garmin Folder > Highlight the GarminDevice.xml highlight this file > right click > Delete. Do not delete any other files on the card

The preloaded chart card is recognized in Garmin Express and registered. 


ActiveCaptain® App Chart Missing or Registration Fails


Note: Creating a preloaded chart card as the ActiveCaptain card and selecting the format option will delete the chart permantely from the card

  1. Confirm the chartplotter is compatible

  2. Confirm compatible chartplotter is registered

    • Open the ActiveCaptain® app and select Boat AppsMy Marine Devices and confirm the device shows as registered

  3. Confirm compatible chartplotter and chart are registered to the same account

    • Open the ActiveCaptain® app select Settings About > and make sure that the "Logged in as: " email address matches the email the downloadable chart was purchased under or account the preloaded chart card was originally registered under

  4. Confirm software is up to date on chartplotter for chart compatibility

  5. Confirm card reader is compatible

  6. Check to see if the chart registered prior on the ActiveCaptain account

    1. Open ActiveCaptain on the smart device

    2. Select Chart

    3. Select  ActiveCaptain App Menu

    4. Select My Charts


Charts Not Shown in Either Garmin Express™ Computer Application or the ActiveCaptain® App


If the GPSMAP or ECHOMAP chartplotter is registered and the preloaded map does not display in the account, or if a purchased preloaded BlueChart g3, LakeVu g3, or Garmin Navionics+ does not list under charts, this can be due to:

  • Someone previously registered the device or the preloaded chart card. Chart content stays with the original account and is non-transferable

  • The device did not contain preloaded chart content

  • The preloaded map card was formatted as ActiveCaptain card and the chart no longer exists on the microSD / SD card

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