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Garmin GPSMAP 66 Series Freezes, Reboots or Won't Power On

If a GPSMAP 66 Series handheld freezes, reboots, shuts down, or won't power on, there are several things that can be checked to determine and resolve the cause of the issue.

Before attempting the steps below, check to make sure your handheld has the latest software updates installed. Instructions can be found at the following link:

If the issue persists, refer to the troubleshooting steps below to try and resolve the issue.  

Issues Persist After Updating or I Am Already Up to Date

Select an option below that best describes your situation.

Shuts Down While in Use

Important: User data, such as waypoints, routes, and tracks, collected from third-party apps or websites may cause the device to shut down when syncing with the Explore app or when navigating. 


Issue Occurs When no Action is Performed on the Handheld

Check your Battery Save Mode. When in battery save mode, the handheld is supposed to power off only the display when not in use. This can make it appear that the device has shut down.

  1. Press the Menu button twice to reach the Main Menu
  2. Select Setup
  3. Select Display
  4. Toggle Battery Save On or Off by selecting it
Issue Occurs When I Perform an Action on the Handheld

If your handheld is shutting down when performing an action with user data on the handheld, such as navigating to a waypoint, try recreating that item directly on the handheld or in the Explore app or website and performing that action again.

Issue Occurs When My Handheld and Mobile Device Sync

To see if the issue is due to recently uploaded user data to the Explore app, try changing your Primary Collection within the Explore App and then syncing again.

Changing a Primary Collection
  1. Open the Garmin Explore App
  2. Select Devices Icon from the bottom menu
  3. Select your GPSMAP 66 handheld
  4. Select Sync Settings
  5. Select Sync Selection
  6. Under Primary Collection, select a different collection
  7. Back out of the Sync Settings menu and tap on the Sync icon sync arrows

If the issue continues or your handheld won't power up completely, there may be issues with your user data. Follow the steps outlined in Deleting User Data below .

Won't Boot Up or Freezes During Boot Up or UseTry a new set of batteries,1 a soft reset and make sure your microSD card is not the problem. If you do not have a microSD card in your handheld, skip the microSD card section.
  • Batteries: For the GPSMAP 66 or GPSMAP 66s,1 use a new set of batteries. Previously used batteries or rechargeable batteries may keep the handheld from booting up if they are low on battery life or old.
  • Soft Reset: Press and hold the power button for up to 60 seconds or until the handheld powers off. After the handheld fully powers down, power it back on. 

  • MicroSD/SD Card:  If you have a microSD card in your handheld, remove the card and see if the unit operates normally. If removing the card fixes the issue, there may be an issue with the microSD card. Use the steps below to determine how best to resolve a microSD card issue.

The handheld may need to be plugged into a power source during the Soft Reset if it still won't unlock or power on. If the issue continues or your handheld won't power up completely, there may be issues with your user data. Follow the steps outlined in Deleting User Data below .

1 The GPSMAP 66i and 66sr do not have user-replaceable batteries, ensure the built-in rechargeable battery is fully charged. 

Click here for information if issue is with microSD card
  • MicroSD card was purchased directly from Garmin: contact Garmin Support.

  • MicroSD card was not purchased directly from Garmin: Follow the information below based on your circumstance
    • Pre-programmed Garmin Map card: Work with the dealer that sold the card to get a replacement 
    • Pre-programmed third party map card, such an onXmaps: Work with the dealer or company that supplied the card
    • Not a pre-programmed map card: If your microSD card was purchased blank or empty and you used it to load data, such as additional maps or BirdsEye, you will want to format your card and load your data again. The following FAQ provides steps on how to format a microSD card:


Deleting User Data

Important: If your handheld is not recognized by a computer, follow steps in Outdoor Model Not Recognized by the Computer

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Full Reset

If the handheld is still not functioning properly, you can attempt a full reset.

Click here for Full Reset steps
  1. Ensure the handheld is powered off
  2. Press and hold Page and Enter simultaneously
  3. Power on the GPS while continuing to press both buttons
  4. Release the Power button when Garmin appears on the screen
  5. Release the other buttons once the Do you really want to erase all user data? message appears
    • Note: user data consists of waypoints, routes, tracks, and geocaches
  6. Select Yes

The handheld is now reset. You will want to leave the handheld outside with a clear view of the sky for a minimum of 20 minutes to acquire satellite data.

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