Can't Authenticate Maps or Can't Unlock Maps error on an Approach Device

If your Garmin Approach® golf device displays the message Can’t Unlock Maps or Can't Authenticate Maps, it has detected a map that cannot be validated for use with that device.

Causes

• There is a problem with the data in the map file.
• Incorrect or missing unlock information for an installed map.
• There is a problem with another course region on the watch even though courses are coming up near your location.

Resolving the Message

• If the issue occurred as a result of updating the maps, ensure that Garmin Express™ is up to date and reinstall the maps. Instructions for reinstalling courses can be found below in Related. Be sure to use the Safely Remove Hardware option on a Windows computer or the Eject Device option on a MAC after the update has completed. Even though the update appears to complete, the write-caching feature on some computers may have not have completely built or transferred the map to the device. Ejecting¹ the device before disconnecting it can prevent this error.
• If maps have not been installed or updated recently, update the maps using Garmin Express.
• If courses are coming up near your location, but you are still getting the error message, then it is not affecting the course map region you are in. For example, if you are in North America and are seeing courses near you, then the error is affecting the Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and/or Pacific regions. You will need to reinstall those regions to remove the error message. Instructions for reinstalling courses can be found below in Related.

The Garmin device should now power on without displaying the error message.

¹ To eject or safely remove the device:

•  Windows: Press the Windows key +  E, Right-click the Garmin device and choose Eject (if the device is not listed it does not need to be ejected).
•  Mac: Drag the device to the trash or select the Finder and choose the Eject symbol next to the Garmin device.