Dog Tracking Handheld Freezes, Reboots, or Will Not Power On

If a Garmin dog tracking handheld freezes, reboots, or will not power on at all, there are several things that can be checked to determine and resolve the cause of the issue.

Before attempting the steps below, check to make sure your device has the latest software updates installed. Instructions for updating your device can be found at the following link:

• Installing Software Updates to Dog Tracking Handhelds

If the issue persists, try the troubleshooting steps below to try and resolve the issue.  

Device Will Not Boot Up or Freezes During Boot Up/Use

In the event the Garmin device freezes or does not power on, try a soft reset and make sure your microSD card is not the problem. 

• 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. 
  
  
• MicroSD Card: If you have a microSD card in your Garmin, remove the card and see if the unit operates normally. If removing the card fixes the issue, there may be an issue with the microSD card. Use the steps below to determine how best to resolve a microSD card issue.

The Garmin device may need to be plugged into a power source during the Soft Reset if it still won't unlock or power on. If the issue continues or your Garmin will not power up completely, there may be issues with your user data.

Issue with MicroSD Card

• MicroSD card was purchased directly from Garmin: contact Garmin Support.
  
  
• MicroSD card was not purchased directly from Garmin: Follow information below based on your circumstance
  • Pre-programmed Garmin Map card: Work with the dealer that sold the card to get a replacement 
  • Pre-programmed third party map card, such an OnX maps: Work with the dealer or company that supplied the card
  • Not a pre-programmed map card: If your microSD card was purchased blank or empty and you used it to load data, such as additional maps or Satellite Imagery, you will want to format your card and load your data again. The link below provide steps on how to format a microSD card.
    • Formatting a microSD/SD Memory Card

Deleting User Data

nullIf issues persist, a reset should be performed next. If you are using an Astro® 220 dog tracking handheld, skip to the Master Reset step below.

Resetting the Device

If the unit is still not functioning properly, you can attempt to perform a reset on the device

Select your device below for steps

• Master Reset for Alpha 100
• Master Reset for Alpha 200 or Alpha 200i
• Master Reset for Alpha 300 or 300i
• Astro Master Reset

Once these steps have been completed the unit should function properly.