Garmin Marine Handheld Interface and SD Memory Card Requirements

Newer Garmin® marine handhelds will mount to the computer so that the internal memory can be easily accessed (typically known as a mass storage interface). Many older and newer models include an expandable memory slot. The internal memory on an installed micro/SD card stores the following:

• Additional mapping

• BirdsEye imagery

• Photos (on devices with a camera)

• GPX files, including geocaches, waypoints, routes, and tracks

As long as the device has the latest software version, it can use the maximum card size from the tables below. To verify that the handheld is running the newest version of the software, follow the steps in Installing the Latest Software Updates for Marine Handhelds.

Essential Items Regarding the Information in the Table Below

• Interface Options include:

  • Mass Storage: Can access the internal memory

  • MTP: By default, can access internal memory on Windows but not on Mac

  • Garmin Mode: Cannot access the internal memory

• When using a card with a larger capacity, the device may draw maps more slowly if there are too many files or large files on the card

• There may be other file limitations that apply to the device. For more information, refer to the section below:

Interface and SD Memory Card Requirements

Select the device series below to view a table of interface options and card requirements.

NOTE: If the device is not listed here, it may be one of our Garmin legacy models. Legacy models use the Garmin Mode interface and will not mount as a drive when connected to a computer. For memory card information on Garmin legacy models, see - Maximum Memory Card Size for Garmin Legacy Models.