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Getting Started with the ActiveCaptain® App

Note:
• Not all fishfinders and chartplotters are compatible with all features. To check if the chartplotter / fishfinder is compatible, and what connected features ActiveCaptain can offer, see ActiveCaptain® App Compatibility.
• A maximum of 10 fishfinders or chartplotters can be registered to a single vessel

ActiveCaptain® app is a free application that allows a user to manage their marine experience from nearly anywhere. It creates a simple yet powerful connection between a compatible mobile smart device and the fishfinder / chartplotter.

Connected features include:

Smart notifications, such as calls and texts, on the fishfinder / chartplotter display when paired with the app
Connect to fellow boaters in the ActiveCaptain Community for up-to-date feedback on marinas and other points of interest
User Data Sync to make, save and transfer user data such as routes and waypoints between the app and fishfinder / chartplotter
Easily upload and download the latest Garmin™ Quickdraw Contours content from the community
Helm control for remote viewing and control of the compatible chartplotter
OneChart feature to view maps on mobile smart device and transfer map updates and charts to connected registered chartplotters
Software Updates for wireless software updates transfers

The ActiveCaptain® App can serve as a stand-alone app, without a chartplotter, for purchasing charts, route planning, and ActiveCaptain Community information.

The ActiveCaptain® App must be downloaded to a mobile smart device such as a phone or tablet. The marine device generates a Wi-Fi network to connect with the smart device in order to use ActiveCaptain® App features. This Wi-Fi network does not provide internet access. Downloads to the ActiveCaptain® App occur while connected to home Wi-Fi or cellular data. Connecting the mobile smart device to the Garmin fishfinder or chartplotter Wi-Fi network transfers the downloads from the phone or tablet to the fishfinder or chartplotter.

How to Connect:

1. Install the ActiveCaptain® App

The first step to using the ActiveCaptain® App will be installing the app to a smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

Downloaded the ActiveCaptain® App through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
Open the app and log in or create a Garmin® account
Accept all permissions for full compatibility within the ActiveCaptain® App and features

2. Create an ActiveCaptain® Card

Use of a new 8GB or larger memory card with speed class 10 or faster is recommended.

The micro / SD card must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum size: 4 GB
- Maximum size: 32GB / 1TB
  - New exFAT Support on Garmin Marine Chartplotters
- Format: FAT32 / exFAT
- Speed: Class 4 or higher
The recommendation is to use a new micro / SD card. However, if using a card with existing prior data the micro / SD card can be formatted prior to using. Formatting erases any files on the card. To use an existing card without erasing existing files select "Skip" when offered the formatting option during the ActiveCaptain® card setup.
- Formatting a Micro/SD Card for a Marine Device
Create the ActiveCaptain card
- Creating an ActiveCaptain Card

3. Connect and Register with the ActiveCaptain® App

When connecting as a first time owner through the ActiveCaptain® app to a chartplotter or fishfinder the prompt for registering the marine device is automatic with the initial pairing.

Note:
• Changing registration from a previous owner to a new owner requires additional steps before registering the fishfinder / chartplotter to a new account. See: Deleting an ActiveCaptain® Owner / User on a Chartplotter
• Registration of built-in or supplemental charts cannot be transferred from previous owner to new owner. The new owner of the chartplotter would need to purchase a new supplemental chart.

Connecting the ActiveCaptain® App to a Chartplotter

Setting up the Wi-Fi Network on the chartplotter

From the home page on the chartplotter select Vessel
Select ActiveCaptain
Select Wi-Fi Network
Select Wi-Fi
Select On
Select Okay to acknowledge the message, "Wi-Fi Connection Press OK to configure the Wi-Fi connection for the first time."
If applicable, select Host
Enter a name for the Garmin Wi-Fi Network and select Done
- Do not name the network the same as any other local Wi-Fi or the smart device will have trouble staying connected
Enter a password and select Done
- A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 characters, with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols may be used

Connecting to the Wi-Fi Network of the Chartplotter

Bring the smart device within 24 meters (80 ft) of the chartplotter
Open the Wi-Fi settings of the smart device
Select the chartplotter Wi-Fi network and enter the chartplotter's password
Select Connect
- A message similar to, "Connected without Internet" may appear. This is normal since the Garmin network is not a full internet connection but a network for transferring data between the ActiveCaptain® App and chartplotter.
- If prompted, select "Stay Connected" or "Always Connect"
Open the ActiveCaptain® App on the smart device
If the message, "A new ActiveCaptain user was detected. Is this user the owner of the vessel?" appears on the chartplotter
1. select Yes to register the fishfinder the the email address logged into the ActiveCaptain® App
2. select No if not the owner of the vessel

Connecting the ActiveCaptain® App to a Fishfinder

Setting up the Wi-Fi Network on the Fishfinder

On the fishfinder select ActiveCaptain from the start up page
Select Wi-Fi Network
Select Wi-Fi
Select On
Select Okay to acknowledge the message, "Press Okay to configure the Wi-Fi connection for the first time"
Enter a name for the Garmin Wi-Fi Network and select Done
- Do not name the network the same as any other local Wi-Fi or the smart device will have trouble staying connected
Select Okay to acknowledge the message, "For your security, use a password that is at least 12 characters long, with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols"
Enter a password and select Done
- A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 characters, with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols may be used

Connecting to the Wi-Fi Network of the Fishfinder

Bring the smart device within 24 meters (80 ft) of the fishfinder
Open the Wi-Fi settings of the smart device
Select the fishfinder Wi-Fi network and enter the fishfinder's password
Select Connect
- A message similar to, "Connected without Internet" may appear. This is normal since the Garmin network is not a full internet connection but a network for transferring data between the ActiveCaptain® App and fishfinder.
- If prompted, select "Stay Connected" or "Always Connect"
Open the ActiveCaptain® App on the smart device
If the message, "A new ActiveCaptain user was detected. Is this user the owner of the vessel?" appears on the fishfinder
1. select Yes to register the fishfinder the the email address logged into the ActiveCaptain® App
2. select No if not the owner of the vessel
Select, "Done"