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Installing Software Updates to Outdoor Handhelds

Garmin often releases software updates to improve performance, correct operational issues, or add new features.

Most Garmin handhelds can be updated with Garmin Express™  on a computer, but some older devices are not compatible with the program. Select models with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities can even be updated wirelessly. For a list of devices and what programs can be used to install software updates, refer to the compatibility lists below. For how to update dog tracking handhelds, see - Installing Software Updates to Dog Tracking Handhelds and Compatible Collars.


Compatible With Garmin Express

  • Colorado® 300 | Colorado® 400c | Colorado® 400i | Colorado® 400t
  • Dakota® 10 | Dakota® 20
  • eTrex® 10 | eTrex® 20 | eTrex® 20x | eTrex® 22x | eTrex® 30 | eTrex® 30x | eTrex® 32x
  • eTrex® SE
  • eTrex® Touch 25 | eTrex® Touch 35 | eTrex® Touch 35t
  • Foretrex® 301 | Foretrex® 401 | Foretrex® 601 | Foretrex® 701 Ballistic Edition | Foretrex® 801 | Foretrex® 901 Ballistic Edition
  • GPSMAP® 62 | GPSMAP® 62s | GPSMAP® 62sc | GPSMAP® 62st | GPSMAP® 62stc
  • GPSMAP® 64 | GPSMAP® 64s | GPSMAP® 64sc | GPSMAP® 64st | GPSMAP® 64sx | GPSMAP® 64csx | GPSMAP® 64x
  • GPSMAP® 65 |  GPSMAP® 65s
  • GPSMAP® 66i | GPSMAP® 66s | GPSMAP® 66sr | GPSMAP® 66st
  • GPSMAP® 67 | GPSMAP® 67i
  • GPSMAP® 78 | GPSMAP® 78s | GPSMAP® 78sc
  • GPSMAP® 79s | GPSMAP® 79sc
  • GPSMAP® 86i | GPSMAP® 86s | GPSMAP® 86sc | GPSMAP® 86sci
  • inReach® Messenger
  • inReach® Mini
  • inReach® Mini 2 
  • Montana® 600 and all other models in the Montana series
  • Monterra®
  • Oregon® 200 and all other models in the Oregon series
  • Rino® 610 | Rino® 650 | Rino® 650t | Rino® 655t
  • Rino® 700 | Rino® 750 | Rino® 750t | Rino® 755t

Compatible With Wireless Software Updates

Some Garmin handhelds can be updated wirelessly when connected to Wi-Fi or with a compatible Garmin app via Bluetooth (listed below). If software updates are available they will be downloaded and synced to the handheld automatically behind the scenes. Once the available updates have been downloaded, it may take up to 48 hours for the handheld to prompt you to install the update.

No additional steps need to be done apart from setting up Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on the handheld, nor are there any steps that can be used to expedite these types of automatic updates. For steps on setting up Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, refer to your owner's manual. If you wish to install software updates immediately, or if you need to install map updates, Garmin Express must be used.

Update With the Garmin Explore™ App

  • eTrex® SE
  • Foretrex® 801 | Foretrex® 901 Ballistic Edition
  • GPSMAP® 66i | GPSMAP® 66s | GPSMAP® 66sr | GPSMAP® 66st
  • GPSMAP® 67 | GPSMAP® 67i
  • GPSMAP® 86i | GPSMAP® 86s | GPSMAP® 86sc | GPSMAP® 86sci
  • inReach® Mini 2 
  • Montana® 700 | Montana® 700i | Montana® 750i

Update With the Garmin Messenger™ App

  • GPSMAP® 67i
  • inReach® Messenger
  • inReach® Mini 2
  • Montana® 700i | Montana® 750i

Update With the Garmin Connect™ App

  • eTrex® SE
  • eTrex® Touch 35 | eTrex® Touch 35t
  • Foretrex® 601 | Foretrex® 701 Ballistic Edition | Foretrex® 801 | Foretrex® 901 Ballistic Edition
  • GPSMAP® 64s | GPSMAP® 64sc | GPSMAP® 64st | GPSMAP® 64sx | GPSMAP® 64csx
  • GPSMAP® 65 |  GPSMAP® 65s
  • GPSMAP® 66i | GPSMAP® 66s | GPSMAP® 66sr | GPSMAP® 66st
  • GPSMAP® 67 | GPSMAP® 67i
  • GPSMAP® 86i | GPSMAP® 86s | GPSMAP® 86sc | GPSMAP® 86sci
  • Montana® 700 | Montana® 700i | Montana® 750i
  • Oregon® 700 | Oregon® 750 | Oregon® 750t
  • Rino® 750 | Rino® 750t | Rino® 755t

Update With Wi-Fi

  • GPSMAP® 66i | GPSMAP® 66s | GPSMAP® 66sr | GPSMAP® 66st
  • GPSMAP® 67 | GPSMAP® 67i
  • GPSMAP® 86i | GPSMAP® 86s | GPSMAP® 86sc | GPSMAP® 86sci
  • Montana® 700 | Montana® 700i | Montana® 750i
  • Monterra®
  • Oregon® 700 | Oregon® 750 | Oregon® 750t

Not Compatible With Garmin Express or Wireless Updates

The following devices are not compatible with Garmin Express, but can be updated with Garmin WebUpdater. For more details, see -  Installing the Latest Software Updates to Your Legacy Outdoor Handheld.
  • Garmin Mode & USB Devices:
    • eTrex Legend® C | eTrex Legend® Cx
    • eTrex Legend® H | eTrex Legend® HCx
    • eTrex Summit® HC
    • eTrex Venture® Cx | eTrex Venture® HC
    • eTrex Vista® C | eTrex Vista® Cx
    • eTrex Vista® H | eTrex Vista® HCx
    • GLO™ | GLO™ 2 (Windows Only)
    • GPS 60™
    • GPS 72H
    • GPSMAP® 60C | GPSMAP® 60CS | GPSMAP® 60CSx | GPSMAP® 60Cx
    • GPSMAP® 76C | GPSMAP® 76CS | GPSMAP® 76CSx | GPSMAP® 76Cx
    • Rino® 520 | Rino® 520 HCx
    • Rino® 530 | Rino® 530 HCx
  • Serial Port Devices:
    NOTE: Serial port devices can also be updated using WebUpdater, but they are not compatible with Windows 10 or newer and require cables and cable drivers that we no longer have or support.
    • eTrex® | eTrex® H
    • eTrex Vista® | eTrex Legend® | eTrex Venture® | eTrex Mariner™ | eTrex Summit® | eTrex® Camo
    • Foretrex® 101 | Foretrex® 201
    • Geko 201 | Geko 301
    • Rino® 110 | Rino® 120 | Rino® 130
    • GPS 72™ | GPS 76™
    • GPSMAP® 76 | GPSMAP® 76S
    • GPS 12™  | GPS 12MAP™ | GPS 12CX™ | GPS 12XL™
    • GPS II® | GPS II Plus™ | GPS III® | GPS III Plus™ | GPS V®

Updating Your Garmin Handheld with Garmin Express

NOTE: If you are looking for help with troubleshooting Garmin Express issues, visit the Garmin Express Support Page

  1. Garmin Express must be installed on the computer first. If Garmin Express is already installed, skip this step

    Download for Windows button Download Mac Button

  2. Connect the handheld to the computer with the appropriate USB cable. If there is a question on the screen of the handheld about entering mass storage, select Yes.

    NOTE: Some newer Mac computers may have only USB-C ports, which would require an adapter. Apple has a helpful support article that explains different USB types, how to identify them, and what adapters can be used: About USB on Mac Computers.

    Mini USB Cable

    Micro USB Cable

    Mini USB Cable

    Micro USB Cable

    Laptop

    Desktop

    USB laptop connection

    Cable Inserted in Desktop Tower

  3. Garmin Express will be launched during the installation process. If Garmin Express is already installed, launch Garmin Express Garmin Express Icon.

    • Windows: Either double-click the Garmin Express icon in the system tray (next to the time), double-click the shortcut on the desktop, or search for Garmin Express in the Start menu.

    • Mac: Garmin Express can be found in the Applications folder in Finder.

  4. Select the desired Garmin product, or click Add a Device and follow the on-screen prompts if your device is not listed.

    Add a Device in Garmin Express

  5. Garmin Express will display the available updates. Click Install or Install All to install all of the updates.

    Updates Available Screen

  6. Review the Terms and Conditions and click Accept to proceed.

    Terms and Conditions Agreement Page

  7. Review the important notes before continuing to ensure the software update installs smoothly. Click Continue.

    Important Notes Before Continuing

  8. Once the update starts, Garmin Express will display the current progress.

    TIP: Hover your mouse cursor over the progress bar for detailed progress information.

    Software Update Progress

  9. You will see an Updates complete! message when the update is finished.

    Confirmation of Updates Completed

  10. Once complete, disconnect the handheld from the computer and power it on to make sure the software updates installed successfully.

    NOTE: You may need to select Install on the device after disconnecting and powering it on to complete the updates.

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