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Garmin Outdoor Device Freezes, Reboots, or Will Not Fully Power On
If a Garmin outdoor device freezes, is stuck on the Garmin logo, reboots, or will not fully power on, this can be due to many reasons, including corrupt data or a corrupt software update file. The steps below will help to determine and resolve the issue.
If your device does not have a memory card slot, skip the microSD card section.
Batteries: If your device uses replaceable batteries, try a new set of batteries. Previously used batteries or rechargeable batteries may keep the device from booting up if they are low on battery life or old.
Make Sure Batteries are Installed Correctly: Positive and negative polarity symbols in the compartment can look similar. It is best to remove the batteries, observe the polarity then reinsert the batteries.
Clean Contacts: Clean battery contacts with a cotton swab moistened with a bit of rubbing alcohol. Even if the contacts appear clean, any buildup can prevent a connection between batteries and contacts. Ensure the contacts are dry before attempting to plug in the device again.
Alternating Power Source or Charger: For devices that can charge rechargeable battery packs, try alternating the power source you are plugged in to (from computer to outlet, or vice versa) or try a different cable or charger.
With a standard power supply, a full recharge should take around 3-4 hours. If the battery pack was very depleted, it may take up to one hour for the device to show signs of charging.
Soft Reset: Press and hold the power button for up to 60 seconds or until the device powers off. After the Garmin fully powers down, power it back on. The device may need to be plugged into a power source (with USB cable into AC adapter or computer) during the Soft Reset if it still will not power on or unfreeze.
microSD/SD Card: If you have a microSD card in your device, remove the card and see if the device operates normally. If removing the card fixes the issue, there may be an issue with the card.
How to Resolve microSD Card Issues
microSD Card Was Purchased Directly From Garmin
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microSD Card Was Not Purchased Directly From Garmin
Follow information below based on your situation.
Pre-programmed Garmin Map Card: Work with the dealer that sold the card to get a replacement.
Pre-programmed Third-party Map Card, such as onX: Work with the dealer or company that supplied the card.
Not a Pre-programmed Map Card: If you loaded data to a blank or empty card, such as additional maps or BirdsEye imagery, format your card and load the data again. For formatting steps, see - Formatting a microSD/SD Memory Card.
If the issue continues, refer to the deleting section below.
User data, such as waypoints, routes and tracks, can occasionally become corrupt and compromise device functionality. When this happens, the data needs to be deleted. User data is kept in internal folder(s) that can be accessed when your device is connected to a computer.
Deleting Corrupt User Data
Windows
NOTE: If you are aware of the particular file that is corrupted, you can open the Garmin folder and locate the file to delete, then delete just that file(s).
Plug device into computer.
Open This PC/Computer/My Computer.
Open Garmin device drive.
Open Garmin folder.
Delete the GPX folder.
Delete the Activities folder (not all models have this folder).
Safely eject the device from the computer by right-clicking the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar, then selecting the device. For more details, see - Safely remove hardware in Windows.
Mac
NOTE: If you are aware of the particular file that is corrupted, you can open the Garmin folder and locate the file to delete, then delete just that file(s).
Plug device into computer.
Open Garmin device drive from the desktop.
Click Garmin folder.
Drag GPX folder to Trash.
Drag Activities folder to Trash (not all models have this folder).
Click on Trash.
Click Finder.
Click Empty Trash.
Safely eject the device from the computer by dragging the Garmin device drive on the desktop to the trash.
Deleting a Corrupt Update File
If your device is freezing after attempting to update its software, try deleting the update file(s) and reinstalling the update(s). If no update files are present, move on to
Resetting the Device
.
Windows
IMPORTANT: Do not delete files outside of those recommended. Deleting vital files can cause device failure.
Connect the device to the computer.
Open the Garmin device drive.
Press both Windows key + E simultaneously on the keyboard.
Windows 10 users: Select This PC on the left.
Open the GARMIN folder.
Locate and delete the GUPDATE.GCD or GUPDATE.GSD file (if present).
Locate and delete the REMOTESW folder (not all models have this folder).
Locate and delete the NEWFILES folder (not all models have this folder).
Empty the trash/recycle bin of the computer to fully delete the file.
Safely eject the device from the computer by right-clicking the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar, then selecting the device. For more details, see - Safely remove hardware in Windows.
If the device powers on like normal, remove it from the Garmin Express program and then reconnect it to the computer and reinstall the update through Garmin Express.
Once the update is installed, make sure you eject or safely remove the device from the computer again as this can help to prevent corruption. The device should indicate that an update is installing, allow this to complete before attempting further action on the device.
Some Garmin models have a .ggz file that stores preloaded Geocaches. If issues persist, you may need to delete this file. This file is not recoverable once deleted. For steps, see - Delete Preloaded Geocaches.
If issues still persist, a reset should be performed next.
Mac
IMPORTANT: Do not delete files outside of those recommended. Deleting vital files can cause device failure.
Connect the device to the computer.
Open the Garmin device drive.
Open Finder from the top toolbar.
Select Go in the menu bar.
Select Computer.
Open the GARMIN folder.
Locate and delete the GUPDATE.GCD or GUPDATE.GSD file (if present) .
Locate and delete the REMOTESW folder (not all models have this folder).
Locate and delete the NEWFILES folder (not all models have this folder).
Empty the trash/recycle bin of the computer to fully delete the file.
Safely eject the device from the computer by dragging the Garmin device drive on the desktop to the trash.
If the device powers on like normal, remove it from Garmin Express and then reconnect it to the computer and reinstall the update through Garmin Express.
Once the update is installed, make sure you safely eject the device from the computer again as this can help to prevent corruption. The device should indicate that an update is installing, allow this to complete before attempting further action on the device.
Some Garmin models have a .ggz file that stores preloaded Geocaches. If issues persist, you may need to delete this file. This file is not recoverable once deleted. For steps, see - Delete Preloaded Geocaches.
If issues still persist, a reset should be performed next.