NOTE: The following FAQ covers the steps and different methods to download and install software updates to Garmin marine products. To access a direct download, click here (https://www.garmin.com/en-US/support/software/marine/) then select Download Updates Manually and then DOWNLOAD under the proper device type.
Garmin offers a few convenient options to download software updates:
ActiveCaptain a mobile app that uses a tablet or smartphone to download and update through the mobile device
Garmin Express an application loaded to a desktop computer that allows the user to update device software through a micro/SD card. The card is inserted into the chartplotter to perform the software update
Garmin website a direct link to software update files for Garmin marine equipment. An alternative option is to purchase a preloaded software update card from garmin.com
Garmin periodically releases system software updates for marine equipment. Software updates help maintain device functionality, provides added features and compatibilities to new products, and is part of routine spring and winter maintenance performed on the boat.
Software updates only update the operating system and do not update preloaded charts. See Updating Marine Charts on a Garmin Chartplotter to update preloaded maps on a Garmin chartplotter.
Before updating the system software, it is recommended to back up user data, as well as system profiles and switching settings when applicable. See Backing Up User Data, System Profiles and Digital Switching Settings for Marine Devices for instructions.
NOTE: The steps in this article apply to marine chartplotters, some networked devices, and certain fishfinders. Other device types may follow different instructions:
• Force Trolling Motor: Updating the Software of the Force Trolling Motor, Remote, and Foot Pedal
• Garmin Autopilot systems: Autopilot Software Update
• Marine handheld devices, such as the GPSMAP 86 series: Installing Software Updates to Outdoor/Marine Handhelds
• NMEA 2000 devices not networked to a chartplotter or fishfinder: Using the Garmin NMEA 2000 Network Updater
• quatix watches: How to Install Software Updates to My fenix or quatix Watch
• GC 100 wireless camera: GC 100 Software Update
• AIS 800 Blackbox Transceiver: AIS 800 Setup Software
STRIKER Plus and STRIKER Vivid fishfinders with Wi-Fi capability can only receive software updates through ActiveCaptain. STRIKER fishfinders without Wi-Fi capability cannot receive software updates.
ActiveCaptain is a mobile app that syncs information between a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet) and a compatible Garmin marine device, such as a chartplotter or fishfinder. The app can download software updates through the mobile device and wirelessly send them to the marine device.
NOTE: Software updates may require the ActiveCaptain app to download large files. Regular data limits or charges from your mobile carrier or internet service provider (ISP) may apply. Contact your carrier or ISP for more information about data limits or charges.
Download ActiveCaptain and connect with a compatible marine device:
Download ActiveCaptain from the App Store or Google Play Store and open it on the mobile device
Pair the ActiveCaptain app to the chartplotter or fishfinder's wireless network. See Connecting the ActiveCaptain App with a Compatible Garmin Device for instructions
If the message displays "A new ActiveCaptain user was detected. Is this the owner of the vessel?" and you are not the owner of the vessel, select No
Disconnect the phone from the marine device's wireless network and connect it to another Wi-Fi network or the smart device's data service
In the previous step, the ActiveCaptain app paired to the chartplotter or fishfinder's wireless network. In this step, the mobile device (tablet or cell phone) needs an internet connection - check the mobile devices' Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.
In the ActiveCaptain app, select My Marine Devices
The app will automatically search for available updates; if an update is available, a blue Download button displays at the top of the page press that button to continue
NOTE: A cellular connection may take a longer time due to the size of software download files.
Transferring Software from the ActiveCaptain App
When the software download completes, pair the mobile device (tablet or cell phone) to the Garmin Wi-Fi network. ActiveCaptain will automatically begin to transfer the software update to the marine device, which may take a lengthy amount of time.
When the transfer is complete, the marine device will display a prompt to install the update. Select Review, then select Install Now.
If this prompt disappears:
Go to the ActiveCaptain page on the marine device
Select Software Updates
Select Install Now
Select Yes to start the update
IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect or power off the device while the update is in progress. Doing so may damage the device.
When the ActiveCaptain App completes installing the software, the marine device will prompt a restart
The marine device's software is now updated, and all other connected Garmin devices through NMEA 2000 or the Garmin Marine Network are as well. If necessary, reconnect the mobile device to the Garmin Wi-Fi network to continue using ActiveCaptain features.
Garmin Express offers a software update for marine chartplotters. The software download through Garmin Express is a simple process. The software button will always display in the upper right corner of the vessel but does not indicate that the software is out of date on the chartplotter. Garmin Express software installs on a micro/SD card; units such as the Striker Plus 7 and 9 devices will need to use the ActiveCaptain app to update software. After the software installs on the micro/SD card, it is taken to the boat and inserted into the chartplotter. The software will update both the chartplotter and any Garmin equipment connected via Marine Networked or NMEA 2000. Garmin Express is a downloadable program with versions of the program for both Windows and MAC operating systems.
NOTE: Garmin Express does not process the Legacy Software Update. The Legacy Software Update is only available through the direct download or preloaded card option.
Use a minimum of an 8GB micro/SD card, but not larger than 32GB
Do not use a preloaded Map card as the process will format the card erasing all data before beginning the download
Garmin Express installs on the computer
Open Garmin Express or install and register the chartplotter see Registering Garmin Marine Devices and Charts for directions on installing and registering your chartplotter
Click the Vessel in Garmin Express
Click Software Updates located on the right side of the page
Important Notes Before We Begin message will display; click Continue
The Terms and Conditions page will populate. Please read through and click Accept to continue
Step 1 of 2: Insert an SD card. This card should be at least 8GB (but no more than 32GB) of storage. Do not use a preloaded chart card. The micro/SD card is formatted in the next step. Select the drive for the micro/SD card
Step 2 of 2: Insert an SD Card - gives a Reformat warning. Read through the warning message and click OK. Then click Continue
The window will now display Step 2 of 2: Installing. A download bar will fill as it completes the process. When the download completes, installation instructions will display with a button to close the process.
Garmin.com offers an option to download the software to the computer and then install onto a micro/SD card or purchase a preloaded software update card. The software update on the micro/SD card goes into the chartplotter. It updates Garmin marine equipment networked to the chartplotter. Please note that devices without a micro/SD card can only update through the ActiveCaptain app.
A micro/SD card with the following specifications:
For ECHOMAP devices: 4 GB minimum, 32 GB maximum
For GPSMAP devices: 8 GB minimum, 32 GB maximum
A micro/SD card reader (can be internal or external to the computer)
A computer that meets the following system requirements:
PC: Windows XP Service Pack 2 or newer
Mac: OS X 10.3 Panther or newer
Select the operating system below for instructions, or select Purchasing a preloaded software update card for links to purchase a preloaded card.
NOTE: The software update file must be downloaded to the computer and opened. Downloading the file directly to the micro/SD card will not update the device software.
Insert the micro/SD card into the computer or connected card reader
Review the series below to select the correct software bundle:
ECHOMAP series (see devices in this bundle here)
GPSMAP series (see devices in this bundle here)
Legacy GPSMAP series (see devices in this bundle here)
Click I agree to the above terms and wish to proceed to the download page
Click Download and choose to save the file to the computer. Select an easy place to find the file, such as the 'My Documents', 'Downloads', or 'Desktop'
Once the download is complete, double-click to open the zip file from the location it was downloaded to
Drag the 'Garmin' folder from this location and drop it onto the card. The 'Garmin' folder should be the highest level folder on the SD card
Power on the device and make sure all attached network devices are powered on as well
Insert the card into the card slot of the primary device. Select 'Update Software' in the window that automatically displays. If the vessel does not have a primary device with a card slot, see a dealer or attempt to use the ActiveCaptain app to update software
After the update completes, all Garmin Marine Network devices and NMEA 2000 sensors will have the latest software. This ensures all of the devices will be able to communicate with each other
NOTE: If you have additional chartplotters connected to NMEA 2000 and not the Garmin Marine Network, you will have to independently update each chartplotter. After the update of the Garmin Marine Network completes, insert the update card into each NMEA 2000 chartplotter.NOTE: The software update file must be downloaded to the computer and opened. Downloading the file directly to the micro/SD card will not update the device software. Use a separate SD card for software updates. Do not use a preloaded chart card.
Insert the micro/SD card into the computer or connected card reader
Review the series below to select the correct software bundle:
echoMAP series (see devices in this bundle here)
GPSMAP series (see devices in this bundle here)
Legacy GPSMAP series (see devices in this bundle here)
Click I agree to the above terms and wish to proceed to the download page
Click Go to the Mac download page
Click on 'Download' and choose to save the file to your computer. Select an easy place to find the file, such as the 'My Documents', 'Downloads', or 'Desktop'
Once the download is complete, double-click to open the zip file from the location it was downloaded to
Drag the 'Garmin' folder from this location and drop it onto the card. The 'Garmin' folder should be the highest level folder on the SD card
Safely eject the SD card and then remove it from the computer
Power on the chartplotter and make sure all attached network devices are powered on as well
Insert the card into the card slot of your primary device. Select 'Update Software' in the window that automatically displays. If you do not have a primary device with a card slot, please see your dealer or attempt to use the ActiveCaptain app to update software
After the update completes, all Garmin Marine Network devices and NMEA 2000 sensors will have the latest software. This ensures all of the devices will be able to communicate with each other
Garmin sells pre-programmed software update cards containing the update files. Review the devices in each series to verify the correct software bundle.
echoMAP series pre-programmed micro/SD card (see devices in this bundle here)
GPSMAP series pre-programmed micro/SD card (see devices in this bundle here)
Legacy GPSMAP series pre-programmed micro/SD card (see devices in this bundle here)
Turn the marine device On
Select I Agree when the warning screen appears
Insert the micro/SD card
Select Software Update
IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect or power off the device while the update is in progress; doing so may damage the device
If prompted, select Restart
The marine device's software is now updated, and any marine devices that connect over NMEA 2000 or the Garmin Marine Network.
If the software update is unsuccessful, see Performing a Forced Update on a Garmin Chartplotter for steps to retry the update.