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Getting Started With the GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci

Below is a list of articles that will help you get started with, and get the most out of, your new Garmin GPSMAP® 66i, GPSMAP® 86i, or GPSMAP® 86sci outdoor handheld.

How Do I Get Started?

First, we recommend that you fully charge and register your GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci. See Charging the Battery to learn how and Garmin Express for registering and updating.

  1. Power on the GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci by holding Power Button on top of the handheld.


    Learn More About the Buttons

    NOTE: The GPSMAP 66i is pictured below, but the button layout and functions will be the same on the GPSMAP 86i/86sci.
    GPSMAP 66i button layout

    ONE POWER

    • Short press to open the status page.

    • Press and hold to turn the device on.

    • Press and hold until Power Iconis displayed to turn the device off.

    TWO SOS

    • Initiate or cancel an SOS request.

    THREE ZOOM & PAGE UP/DOWN

    • Press + to zoom in on the map or scroll up one screen in a menu.

    • Press - to zoom out on the map or scroll down one screen in a menu.

    FOUR FIND

    • Press to open the search menu.

    FIVE MARK

    • Press to save your current location as a waypoint.

    SIX QUIT

    • Press to cancel or return to the previous menu or page.

    • Press to scroll through the main pages.

    SEVEN PAGE

    • Press to scroll through the main pages.

    EIGHT MENU

    • Press to open the options menu for the page that is currently open.

    • Press twice to open the main menu (from any page).

    NINE ENTER

    • Press to choose options and acknowledge messages.

    • Press to control the current activity recording (from the Map, Compass, Altimeter, and Trip Computer pages).

    TEN DIRECTIONAL PAD

    • Press to scroll through menu options or to move the map cursor.


  2. Choose your language by scrolling through the list, and select your language with the Enter button.

  3. Choose to activate an inReach satellite messaging subscription (optional), or select Skip.

  4. Once the activation is complete, or you have skipped the activation, the GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci will display the map page.

  5. We recommend pairing your GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci with the Garmin Explore app. For pairing instructions, see - Pairing the GPSMAP Series with a Phone or Tablet.

    • NOTE: inReach subscribers will have additional features such as messaging with the Garmin Explore app.


Learn More About the GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci

The following articles will help you explore and use the many features of the GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci.

inReach Features

NOTE: Before leaving for a trip, it is recommended to test that you can send out a text message. For instructions, see - Testing Text Messaging on an inReach Handheld.

Connected Features

NOTE: Before leaving for a trip, ensure that you are signed into the Garmin Explore app and that the GPSMAP shows as connected in the app when it is powered on and within Bluetooth range.

Battery and Charging Features

Waypoints, Tracking, and Navigation

Satellite Imagery (Direct to Device) and Mapping

Other Helpful Tips