Updating the Software on Your GPSMAP 66i

Software for your GPSMAP® 66i outdoor handheld should be kept up-to-date in order to take advantage of improvements and bug fixes. Updates are free and easy to install. When updating your GPSMAP 66i for the first time, we recommend using the Garmin Express™ program on a computer. Subsequent software updates can be done wirelessly when the handheld is connected to Wi-Fi or with the Garmin Connect™ app via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

Garmin Express

Garmin Express provides the ability to check and offer both software and map updates automatically each time you connect your GPSMAP 66i to the computer. Garmin Express requires the use of a Windows or Mac computer and cannot be utilized on a smartphone or tablet. For more detailed instructions on updating maps, see - Updating the Preloaded TopoActive Map in Garmin Outdoor Handhelds.

Updating the GPSMAP 66i Software Through Garmin Express

If this is your first time using a computer with your GPSMAP 66i, you will need to download and install Garmin Express. For more details, see - How Do I Install Garmin Express?.

1. 1. Connect your GPSMAP 66i to your computer with the USB charging cable.

   2. Launch Garmin Express.

   3. Select your GPSMAP 66i.

      • NOTE: If this is your first time using Garmin Express, see - Adding and Removing Devices in Garmin Express.

   4. Garmin Express will then display the available updates. Select Install or Install All.

      • Review and accept any prompts for Terms and Conditions or Important Notes.

   5. Once complete, disconnect your GPSMAP 66i from the computer.
      

      • If necessary power your GPSMAP 66i back on and apply the update.

Wireless Software Updates

The GPSMAP 66i can be updated wirelessly when connected to Wi-Fi or with the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth. If software updates are available they will be downloaded and synced to the handheld automatically behind the scenes. Once the available updates have been downloaded, it may take up to 48 hours for the handheld to prompt you to install the update.

No additional steps need to be done apart from setting up Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on the handheld, nor are there any steps that can be used to expedite these types of automatic updates. If you wish to install software updates immediately, or if you need to install map updates, Garmin Express must be used.

Connecting to Wi-Fi

For steps on connecting the GPSMAP 66i to a Wi-Fi network, see - GPSMAP 66i: Connecting to a Wireless Network.

Garmin Connect App

The Garmin Connect app is used to sync recorded activities to a Garmin Connect account. The app is primarily for tracking fitness goals, but it also allows for software updates to be transferred to a paired GPSMAP 66i. For steps on pairing with the Garmin Connect app, see - Pairing a GPSMAP Series Handheld With a Phone or Tablet.