Garmin Mode Device Not Recognized by Computer

If a Garmin mode device will not power on or communicate with Garmin applications (i.e. WebUpdater, MapSource® or BaseCamp™), then it's possible the software has been erased from the device's memory, or there is corrupted data in the device. These devices have a function which forces communication between the device and WebUpdater to allow updating a device with no software.

First you will want to make sure the drivers have been installed - Download and Installation of Garmin Mode Device Drivers

If your device uses a serial connection, see Related.

Forcing the Device to Communicate

1. Turn the device off, if powered on.
2. Plug device into computer.
3. Open WebUpdater.
4. Proceed through WebUpdater instructions until the Find Device page is found.
5. Press and hold rocker pad/joystick in Up position.¹
   NOTE: The upper portion of rocker pad/joystick must be held down until software has completed. If released, update will fail and instructions will need to be repeated.
6. Press Power button as if turning on the device.
7. Click Find Device.
8. If device is found, proceed through update process.
9. Disconnect device once update is finished.

The device should power on as normal and properly communicate with Garmin applications.

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¹ If the device does not have a rocker pad/joystick, hold the Up button.

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