Select your product to confirm this information applies to you

Pairing the eTrex SE With a Phone or Tablet

The eTrex SE can be used with the Garmin Explore app and/or the Garmin Connect app when paired to a phone or tablet. These two apps serve different purposes listed below.

Garmin Explore App

Download free maps to the phone or tablet
Sync data (waypoints, routes, tracks, and activities) to and from your Garmin Explore web account
Downloads software updates automatically behind the scenes while the eTrex SE is connected to your mobile phone with a data connection
Allows for Smart Notifications (such as calls and messages) to display on the eTrex SE from the paired phone or tablet

Garmin Connect App

Sync recorded activities to your Garmin Connect account
Downloads software updates automatically behind the scenes while the eTrex SE is connected to your mobile phone with a data connection
Allows for Smart Notifications (such as calls and messages) to display on the eTrex SE from the paired phone or tablet

Pairing With the Garmin Explore App

Watch the following video, or follow the steps below.

First Time Users

Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Below the sign in option, select Create One and follow the prompts to create an account.
Select Pair Device.
Select eTrex > eTrex SE from the list.
On the eTrex, press / until you reach the main menu.
Select Settings.
Select Pair Phone.
- NOTE: If you do not see Pair Phone, you will need to select Phone, then Forget Phone before the eTrex can be paired.
Select Pair.
In the Garmin Explore app, select the eTrex and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

The eTrex will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.

Existing Garmin Explore App Users

Open the Garmin Explore app.
- If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either Pair Device or + if you already have a Garmin device paired.
Select eTrex > eTrex SE from the list.
On the eTrex, press / until you reach the main menu.
Select Settings.
Select Pair Phone.
- NOTE: If you have already connected the eTrex with other Garmin apps on this mobile device, skip this step. Otherwise if you do not see Pair Phone, you will need to select Phone, then Forget Phone before the eTrex can be paired.
Select Pair.
In the Garmin Explore app, select the eTrex and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

The eTrex will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.

Pairing With the Garmin Connect App

First Time Users

Install and open the Garmin Connect app.
Select Sign In.
- Below the sign in option, select Create One and follow the prompts to create an account if you do not already have a Garmin account.
Read and agree to the EULA and terms, then tap Next.
On the eTrex, press / until you reach the main menu.
Select Settings.
Select Pair Phone.
- NOTE: If you do not see Pair Phone, you will need to select Phone, then Forget Phone before the eTrex can be paired.
Select Pair.
In the Garmin Connect app, select Connect It after Garmin Connect finds your eTrex, then follow the prompts.
- If it does not display, select Browse all compatible devices and search for your model.

The eTrex will now be paired with the Garmin Connect app.

Existing Garmin Connect App Users

Open the Garmin Connect app.
Access the menu by selecting More (bottom right).
Select Garmin Devices.
Select Add Device.
On the eTrex, press / until you reach the main menu.
Select Settings.
Select Pair Phone.
- NOTE: If you have already connected the eTrex with other Garmin apps on this mobile device, skip this step. Otherwise if you do not see Pair Phone, you will need to select Phone, then Forget Phone before the eTrex can be paired.
Select Pair.
In the Garmin Connect app, select Connect It after Garmin Connect finds your eTrex, then follow the prompts.
- If it does not display, select Browse all compatible devices and search for your model.

The eTrex will now be paired with the Garmin Connect app.