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Installing Software Updates to the Alpha 10
Software for the Alpha® 10 dog tracking handheld should be kept up to date to take advantage of improvements and bug fixes. Updates are free and easy to install. There are two ways you can keep the software updated, paired to an app or manually with Garmin Express™ program.
Using the Garmin Alpha® App
- Handheld must be on, paired to the Garmin Alpha App, and have a good connection to the smartphone or tablet running the app
- If an update is available, it may take a while to recognize the update is available and download it
- After the update is downloaded the next time you turn the power on for your handheld it should prompt you that there is a software update available to install
- If you need help with pairing your handheld with the Garmin Alpha app follow the link below
Pairing the Alpha 10 with the Alpha App
Using the Garmin Explore™ App
- Handheld must be on, paired to the Garmin Explore App, and have a good connection to the smartphone or tablet running the app
- If an update is available, it may take a while to recognize the update is available and download it
- After the update is downloaded the next time you turn the power on for your handheld it should prompt you that there is a software update available to install
- If you need help with pairing your handheld with the Garmin Explore app follow the link below
Pairing the Alpha 10 with the Garmin Explore App
Updating Your Garmin Handheld with Garmin Express™ Software
NOTE: If you are looking for help with troubleshooting Garmin Express software issues, visit the Garmin Express Support Page
The Garmin Express program must be installed on the computer first. If Garmin Express software is already installed, skip this step
Connect the handheld to the computer with the appropriate USB cable. If there is a question on the screen of the handheld about entering mass storage, select Yes.
NOTE: Some newer Mac computers may have only USB-C ports, which would require an adapter. Apple has a helpful support article that explains different USB types, how to identify them, and what adapters can be used: About USB on Mac Computers.
The Garmin Express program will be launched during the installation process. If Garmin Express software is already installed, launch Garmin Express
.
Windows: Either double-click the Garmin Express icon in the system tray (next to the time), double-click the shortcut on the desktop, or search for Garmin Express in the Start menu.
Mac: Garmin Express software can be found in the Applications folder in Finder.
Select the desired Garmin product, or click Add a Device and follow the on-screen prompts if your device is not listed.
Garmin Express software will display the available updates. Click Install or Install All to install all of the updates.
Review the Terms and Conditions and click Accept to proceed.
Review the important notes before continuing to ensure the software update installs smoothly. Click Continue.
Once the update starts, Garmin Express software will display the current progress.
TIP: Hover your mouse cursor over the progress bar for detailed progress information.
You will see an Updates complete! message when the update is finished.
Once complete, disconnect the handheld from the computer and power it on to make sure the software updates installed successfully.
NOTE: You may need to select Install on the device after disconnecting and powering it on to complete the updates.