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zūmo XT GPS Navigator Fails to Sync with Garmin Explore Account

The Garmin Explore™ account is an intermediary tool for creating, deleting, and transferring data to and from the zūmo® XT GPS navigator.

If the zūmo XT fails to sync with the Garmin Explore account, the zūmo XT will display a "Sync Failed" message. To troubleshoot the sync failure issue, see the steps below.

The Same Account must be used on both the zūmo XT and the Garmin Explore Website or Garmin Drive™ App:

In order to sync the Garmin Explore data on the zūmo XT, the account on the zūmo XT must match the account on the Garmin Explore app or Website.

You must connect to the Garmin Drive App and enable Garmin Explore to sync your Garmin Explore Account data with the zūmo XT.  You will need to use the email address from your Garmin Explore™ Account when signing in to the Garmin Drive App.  The zūmo XT will not pair to the Garmin Explore app on your smartphone. However, you may download the Garmin Explore app on your smartphone to make edits to your data.  See Troubleshooting a Bluetooth or Garmin Drive App Issue with a Garmin Automotive Device for issues with syncing data from the Garmin Explore app.   

See Pairing the zūmo XT GPS Navigator with the Garmin Drive App for pairing instructions or see the videos below.

Apple device

Android device

Points Limit on Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks on the Garmin Explore Website:

If the number of points in the waypoints, routes, and tracks are exceeded on the Garmin Explore website, the zūmo XT will not sync with the Garmin Explore account. For more information on the points limits for the waypoints, routes, and tracks see Track, Route, and Waypoint Limits for the Garmin Explore Website.  See User Data Limitations of the zūmo XT GPS Navigator for file limitation information. 

Troubleshoot the Wi-Fi Connection:

For the zūmo XT to properly sync with the Garmin Explore account, it requires the zūmo XT to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. To ensure the zūmo XT is not experiencing any Wi-Fi connectivity issues, the same troubleshooting for wireless map updates can be performed. For more information and troubleshooting see Troubleshooting Wireless Updates on an Automotive Device.

Courses are not Compatible with the zūmo XT:

The zūmo XT is not compatible with courses created on the Garmin Explore Website and Garmin Explore App. If any courses are found in the Garmin Explore account, delete them and try the sync again.

Perform a Master Reset:

Note: A master reset will erase all saved locations and will restore your device to the default factory settings. To back up your data see Backing up, Restoring, or Transferring Saved Data on Garmin Automotive Devices. Custom points of interest will remain on the device. Any waypoints that have not synced to the Garmin Explore account will be lost, but waypoints already in the Garmin Explore account will be able to sync to the device again.

  1. Touch Settings
  2. Scroll down and Touch Device
  3. Scroll down and Touch Reset
  4. Touch Delete Data and Reset Settings
  5. Touch Yes

The device will now be reset. Follow the on-screen prompts and place the device in an area with a clear view of the sky until it acquires satellites.

Your device may take 3-5 minutes to acquire a satellite signal while outdoors if you have performed a master reset. 

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