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Backing Up User Data, System Profiles and Digital Switching Settings for Garmin® Marine Devices

Having a backup copy of user data (such as waypoints, tracks, and routes) and system settings is beneficial should something cause the device to reset itself or before performing any software updates.  These backups can restore settings to the marine device and network if accidentally deleted during a software update or factory reset.

The SD card(s) used for the backup must meet the following specifications:

  • 32 GB or smaller

  • FAT32 format

NOTE: Certain ECHOMAP™ and GPSMAP® chartplotters support memory cards up to 1 TB with internal or external card readers: New exFAT Support on Garmin Marine Chartplotters

Backing up user data
  1. Remove all micro/SD cards from the chartplotter or micro/SD card readers

  2. Insert the backup SD card into the card reader

  3. From the home screen, select Info, Information, or Nav Info

  4. Select User Data

  5. If shown, select Manage Data

  6. Select Data Transfer

  7. Select Save To Card

  8. Select which file to save

  9. Select Save To Card or Add New File

  10. Follow prompts and name the new file

The SD card now has a copy of the user data saved to it. Store the card in a safe location for future use.


Backing up system profiles
  1. Remove all micro/SD cards from the chartplotter or SD card readers

  2. Insert the backup micro/ SD card into the card reader

  3. From the any screen, select Options

  4. Select Settings

  5. Select My Vessel

  6. Select System Profiles

  7. Select Save to Card

  8. Select File or Add New File

  9. Name the new file

  10. Select Done

The SD card now has a copy of the system profiles saved to it. Store the card in a safe location for future use.

The System Profile captures all data necessary to clone the settings and setup associated with displays on a boat to an identically laid out boat.

Such as: 

  • All data necessary for system start up wizard (language, units, ....)

  • Layouts on each display (Combos, SmartModes, Chart, Radar, Sonar)

  • Gauge Page Layouts on each display for each layout

  • Overlay configurations on Layout pages for each layout

  • Custom Home Page designed for each display

  • Select settings with compatible partners such as Volvo, Yamaha, or Mercury engines

  • Configuration of switches with compatible partners such as CZone, Dometic, and Garmin

  • Telematics

Does not contain:

  • Station setup information: This is required to be done before applying a system profile so that the correct settings and layouts can be applied to the correct display on the boat

  • User Data


Backing up digital switching settings

Some chartplotters have digital switching that monitors and controls circuits when a compatible system is connected. Examples of digital switching systems are interior lights, navigation lights, live well circuits, etc. Before updating software or running a master reset on the chartplotter, back these settings up to restore these settings quickly. 

  1. Remove all micro/SD cards from the chartplotter or SD card readers

  2. Insert the backup micro/SD card into a card reader

  3. From any screen, select Options

  4. Select Settings

  5. Select My Vessel

  6. Select Switching

  7. Choose the switching network applicable to your vessel

  8. Select Save to Card

  9. Name the new file

The SD card now has a copy of the switching settings saved to it. Store the card in a safe location for future use.


When the backup is complete and stored on the SD card, it can be restored as needed:

Restore user data
  1. Remove all micro/SD cards from the chartplotter or micro/SD card readers

  2. Insert the backup micro/SD card into a card reader

  3. From the home screen, select Info, Information, or Nav Info

  4. Select Manage User Data

  5. Select User Data

  6. Select Data Transfer

    • To transfer data from the memory card to the chartplotter and combine it with existing user data, select Merge from Card

    • To transfer data from the memory card to the chartplotter and overwrite existing user data, select Replace from Card


Restore system profiles
  1. Remove all micro/SD cards from the chartplotter or micro/SD card readers

  2. Insert the backup micro/SD card into a card reader

  3. From any screen, select Options

  4. Select Settings

  5. Select My Vessel

  6. Select Import from Card

  7. Choose the file named for backup and restoration

  8. Press Select > Yes


Restore digital switching settings
  1. Remove all micro/SD cards from the chartplotter or micro/SD card readers

  2. Insert the backup micro/SD card into a card reader

  3. Select My Vessel

  4. Select Switching

  5. Choose the switching network applicable to your vessel

  6. Select Config. File

  7. Select Load from Card

  8. Choose the file named for backup and restoration

  9. Press Select > Yes