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Garmin Marine Handheld Device Freezes, Reboots, or Will Not Fully Power On

If a Garmin® marine handheld device freezes, is stuck on the Garmin logo, reboots, or will not fully power on, this can be due to many reasons, including corrupt data or a corrupt software update file. The steps below will help to determine and resolve the issue.

IMPORTANT: Before attempting the steps below, ensure the device has installed the latest software updates. For steps, see - Installing Software Updates to Marine Handhelds

If the computer does not recognize the device, see - Outdoor or Marine Handheld Not Recognized by Computer or Garmin Applications.

If the issue persists after updating, continue with the troubleshooting steps below.


Things to Check

If the device does not have a memory card slot, skip the microSD card section.

  • Batteries: If the device uses replaceable batteries, try a new set. Previously used or rechargeable batteries may keep the device from booting up if it is low on battery life or old

    • Make Sure Batteries are Installed Correctly: Positive and negative polarity symbols in the compartment can look similar. Removing the batteries, observing the polarity, and reinsert

    • Clean Contacts: Clean the battery contacts with a cotton swab moistened with a bit of rubbing alcohol. Any buildup can prevent a connection between batteries and contacts, even if the contacts appear clean. Ensure the contacts are dry before attempting to plug in the device again

  • Alternating Power Source or Charger: For devices with rechargeable battery packs, try alternating the power source (from the computer to an outlet, or vice versa) or a different cable or charger

    • A full recharge with a standard power supply should take 3-4 hours. A significantly depleted battery pack may take up to one hour for the device to show signs of charging

  • Soft Reset: Press and hold the power button for up to 60 seconds or until the device powers off. After the Garmin fully powers down, power it back on. During the Soft Reset, the device may need to be plugged into a power source (with a USB cable into an AC adapter or computer) if it still will not power on or unfreeze

  • microSD/SD Card: If a microSD card is inserted in the device, remove the card and see if the device operates normally. Removing the card from the device resolves the issue; there may be a problem with the card

How to Resolve microSD Card Issues

micro/SD Card Was Purchased Directly From Garmin: Contact Garmin Support for assistance.

micro/SD Card Was Not Purchased Directly From Garmin: Follow the information below based on your situation.

  • Pre-programmed Garmin Map Card: Work with the dealer that sold the card to get a replacement

  • Pre-programmed Third-party Map Card, such as onX: Work with the dealer or company that supplied the card

  • Not a Pre-programmed Map Card: If data was added to a blank or empty card, such as additional maps or BirdsEye imagery, format the card and load the data again. For formatting steps, see - Formatting a microSD/SD Memory Card

If the issue continues, refer to the deleting section below. 

Deleting User Data or Update Files

IMPORTANT: If the computer does not recognize the device, follow the steps in Outdoor or Marine Handheld Not Recognized by Computer or Garmin Applications before deleting data or update files.

User data, such as waypoints, routes, and tracks, can occasionally corrupt and compromise device functionality. When this happens, delete the data. User data is kept in internal folder(s) that can be accessed when the device is connected to a computer.


Deleting Corrupt User Data


Windows

NOTE: If corrupted files are suspected, open the Garmin folder and locate the file to delete, then delete just that file(s).

  1. Plug the device into computer

  2. Open This PC/Computer/My Computer

  3. Open Garmin device drive

  4. Open the Garmin folder

  5. Delete the GPX folder

  6. Delete the Activities folder (not all models have this folder)

  7. Safely eject the device from the computer by right-clicking the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar and selecting the device. For more details, see - Safely remove hardware in Windows

Mac

NOTE: If corrupted files are suspected, open the Garmin folder and locate the file to delete, then delete just that file(s).

  1. Plug the device into the computer

  2. Open the Garmin device drive from the desktop

  3. Click the Garmin folder

  4. Drag the GPX folder to the Trash

  5. Drag the Activities folder to the Trash (not all models have this folder)

  6. Click on Trash

  7. Click Finder

  8. Click Empty Trash

  9. Safely eject the device from the computer by dragging the Garmin device drive on the desktop to the Trash

IMPORTANT: Some Garmin models have a .ggz file that stores preloaded Geocaches. If issues persist, try deleting this file. This file is not recoverable once deleted. For steps, see - Delete Preloaded Geocaches.


Deleting a Corrupt Update File

If an update was interrupted or installed successfully, but the device is now freezing, try deleting the update file and reinstalling the update.

Windows


  1. Connect the device to the computer

  2. Open the Garmin device drive

    • Press both Windows key + E simultaneously on the keyboard

    • Windows 10 users: Select This PC on the left

  3. Open the GARMIN folder

  4. Locate and delete the GUPDATE.GCD file

    • The GUPDATE.GCD may be located in the REMOTESW folder

    • Do not delete files outside of those recommended. Deleting vital files can cause device failure

  5. Empty the trash/recycle bin of the computer to delete the file entirely

  6. Safely eject the device from the computer by right-clicking the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar and then select the device. For more details, see - Safely remove hardware in Windows

If the device boots up normally, remove it from the Garmin Express™ program, reconnect it to the computer, and reinstall the update through Garmin Express.

Once the update is installed, safely eject or remove the device from the computer again, as this can help to prevent corruption. The device should indicate that an update is installing. Allow installation to complete before attempting further action on the device.

If the issue persists, a reset should be performed next.

Mac

  1. Connect the device to the computer

  2. Open the Garmin device drive

    • Open Finder from the top toolbar

    • Select Go in the menu bar

    • Select Computer

  3. Open the GARMIN folder

  4. Locate and delete the GUPDATE.GCD file

    • The GUPDATE.GCD may be located in the REMOTESW folder

    • Do not delete files outside of those recommended. Deleting vital files can cause device failure

  5. Empty the trash/recycle bin of the computer to delete the file entirely

  6. Safely eject the device from the computer by dragging the Garmin device drive on the desktop to the Trash

If the device boots up normally, remove it from the Garmin Express program, reconnect it to the computer, and reinstall the update through Garmin Express.

Once the update is installed, safely eject or remove the device from the computer again, as this can help to prevent corruption. The device should indicate that an update is installing. Allow installation to complete before attempting further action on the device.

If the issue persists, a reset should be performed next.


Resetting the Device

Back up any important data before resetting the device. For steps, see - Backing up, Viewing, and Transferring Data Using Garmin BaseCamp™. Select the device below for instructions on resetting:

Once completed, the device should function properly.


The Device is Still Not Functioning

If none of the above steps helped resolve the issue, contact Support.


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