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Troubleshooting Wireless Updates on an Automotive GPS Navigator

See the Wi-Fi troubleshooting below if you are unable to successfully complete a wireless map or software update with your home Wi-Fi network. You may receive the messages "Unable to connect to the update server" or "Failed to associate with the network, ensure the device is in range or confirm mac address is not blocked.

You may see an exclamation point (!) on the Wi-Fi symbol on your device if it's not connected to a Wi-Fi network. The exclamation point will show anytime the device has a Saved Network it detects but cannot connect to or has not yet connected to.  It may also show if it cannot detect an internet connection from the Wi-Fi network, or if a "No Data Connection" message is received.

NOTE: Garmin Wi-Fi devices are not compatible with Captive Portal networks. These are often found in public areas. See Using a Wi-Fi Device on a Captive Portal.  
See Map or Software Update Issues when using a Mobile Hotspot, Tethering, or Slow Internet Connection if the update was started using a slow internet connection.


See the Appropriate Garmin Video Tutorial for Steps to Complete a Wi-Fi Update

Camper 795 caravan and Motorhome Sat Nav or RV 795 RV Navigator

CamperCam 795 Motorhome Sat Nav With Built-In Dash Cam or RVcam 795 RV Navigator With Built-In Dash Cam

dēzl™ LGV610, dēzl™ OTR610, dēzl™ LGV710, and dēzl™ OTR710 GPS Navigators

dēzl™ LGV620, dēzl™ OTR620, dēzl™ LGV720, and dēzl™ OTR720 GPS Navigators

dēzl™ LGV820, dēzl™ OTR820, dēzl™ LGV1020, and dēzl™ OTR1020 GPS Navigators

dēzlCam™ LGV710 and dēzlCam™ OTR710 GPS Navigators With Camera

dēzlCam™ LGV725 and dēzlCam™ OTR725 GPS Navigators With Camera

Garmin Drive™ 53 & Live Traffic GPS Navigator

Garmin DriveSmart™ 66, Garmin DriveSmart™ 76, and Garmin DriveSmart™ 86 GPS Navigators

Tread® and Tread® - Base Edition GPS Navigators

Tread® 2 GPS Navigator

zūmo® XT GPS Navigator

zūmo® XT2 GPS Navigator

All Other Devices


Minimum Password Requirements


Wi-Fi Specifications

Below are the Wi-Fi-related specifications for Garmin automotive devices with Wi-Fi capability.  A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used as long as it meets the following requirements.

Supported Frequency: 2.4 GHz only.

  • The following devices work on a 5 GHz frequency: dēzlCam OTR710, dēzlCam OTR725,  dēzl OTR500, dēzl OTR610, dēzl OTR620, dēzl OTR700, dēzl OTR710, dēzl OTR720, dēzl OTR820, dēzl OTR1020, Garmin DriveCam™ 76, Garmin DriveSmart™ 55, Garmin DriveSmart™ 65 series, Garmin DriveSmart™ 65 with Amazon Alexa, Garmin DriveSmart™ 66, Garmin DriveSmart™ 76, Garmin DriveSmart™ 86, RV 780, RV 795, RVcam 795, Tread®, Tread® 2, zūmo® XT, and zūmo® XT2 GPS navigators.

Security: Unencrypted, WEP, WPA, and WPA2.

NOTE: Hidden networks are not compatible with Wi-Fi updates on some Garmin devices.


Acquire a Satellite Signal

The time displayed on your device must be accurate to properly communicate with our update services. This time is automatically set when you receive a satellite signal.  

A satellite signal is required before attempting a Wi-Fi update if the device has just been turned on for the first time and hasn't been used for navigation.

  • Take the device outside in clear view of the sky until it obtains a signal.
  • The signal bars in the upper left corner of the Where To? and View Map screen show satellite signal strength.

A satellite signal should not be necessary for later updates if the time is displayed accurately on the device. Obtain a signal again if the time on the device becomes inaccurate.

Visit the Support Center if your device is unable to acquire a satellite signal. 

  • Enter the product  name or the serial number of your device.
  • Once your device is selected click Other and search for "Satellite Acquisition".

High-Speed Internet Connection

See the Detailed Video Below to Learn About Wi-Fi Connections for Updates.

A wireless connection to home high-speed internet (e.g. fiber, cable, DSL, etc.) is required to successfully complete a Wi-Fi update.

  • Connections with data caps or restrictions should not be used due to the size of a map update.
  • Slower connections (e.g. satellite, fixed wireless, dial-up, etc.) and mobile broadband (e.g. MiFi, AirCard, cell phone tethering, etc.) should not be used.

Internet connections requiring a login, like some public Wi-Fi connections, cannot be used. These public Wi-Fi networks are often called “captive portals.” See Using a Wi-Fi Device on a Captive Portal.


External Power

External power is required to perform a Wi-Fi update. See External Power Options for Wireless Updates.


Remove and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi network

To Forget the Wi-Fi Network:

  1. Touch Settings from the main menu
  2. Touch Wireless Networks or Wi-Fi
  3. Scroll down and touch Saved Networks
  4. Touch the listed network
  5. Touch  to delete the network connection from the device
  6. Touch Yes to confirm

To Add a Wi-Fi Network:

  1. Touch Settings from the main menu
  2. Touch Wireless Networks or Wi-Fi
  3. Touch Search for Networks
  4. Touch the preferred network
  5. Enter the password to the Wi-Fi network if prompted
  6. Touch Done

Attempt the update again after reconnecting to the network.


Reset the Wi-Fi Router

There may be a problem with your internet connection if the update is stopped, slow, or disconnecting. A common troubleshooting tool is to reset your Wi-Fi router. This can generally be done by unplugging the router for 30 seconds and then reconnecting.  

Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for additional troubleshooting if your wireless router continues to have network connectivity issues.


Restore the Wi-Fi 

To Restore the Wi-Fi:

  1. Touch Settings from the main menu
  2. Touch Wireless Networks or Wi-Fi
  3. Touch the menu button (three horizontal lines)
  4. Touch Restore Wi-Fi or Restore 
    • Skip this step on some devices.
  5. Touch Yes

Attempt the update again after reconnecting to the network.


Updates will need to be done using a computer if the above steps do not resolve the issue. Go to the Support Center and enter the product name or the serial number of your device. Once your device is selected, click in the search box and search for “Updating Automotive Maps and Software with Garmin Express".

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