Updating the Software on Your Montana 700, 700i, or 750i

Mapping and software for your Montana® 700, Montana® 700i, or Montana® 750i outdoor handheld should be kept up-to-date in order to take advantage of improvements and bug fixes. Updates are free and easy to install. When updating your Montana handheld for the first time, we recommend using the Garmin Express™ program on a computer. Subsequent software updates can be done wirelessly when the handheld is connected to Wi-Fi or with a compatible Garmin app via Bluetooth.

Garmin Express

Garmin Express provides the ability to check and offer both software and map updates automatically each time you connect your Montana handheld to the computer. Garmin Express requires the use of a Windows or Mac computer and cannot be utilized on a smartphone or tablet. For more detailed instructions on updating maps, see - Managing Maps with the Montana 700 Series.

Updating the Montana Handheld Software Through Garmin Express

If this is your first time using a computer with your Montana handheld, you will need to download and install Garmin Express. For more details, see - How Do I Install Garmin Express?.

1. 1. Connect your Montana handheld to your computer with the USB charging cable.

   2. Launch Garmin Express.

   3. Select your Montana handheld.

      • NOTE: If this is your first time using Garmin Express, see - Adding and Removing Devices in Garmin Express.

   4. Garmin Express will then display the available updates. Select Install or Install All.

      • Review and accept any prompts for Terms and Conditions or Important Notes.

   5. Once complete, disconnect your Montana handheld from the computer.

      • If necessary power your Montana back on and apply the update.

Wireless Software Updates

The Montana 700, 700i, and 750i handhelds can be updated wirelessly when connected to Wi-Fi or with a compatible Garmin app via Bluetooth (listed below). If software updates are available they will be downloaded and synced to the handheld automatically behind the scenes. Once the available updates have been downloaded, it may take up to 48 hours for the handheld to prompt you to install the update.

No additional steps need to be done apart from setting up Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on the handheld, nor are there any steps that can be used to expedite these types of automatic updates. If you wish to install software updates immediately, or if you need to install map updates, Garmin Express must be used.

Connecting to Wi-Fi

For steps on connecting the Montana handheld to a Wi-Fi network, see - Montana 700 Series: Connecting to a Wireless Network.

Garmin Explore™ App

The Garmin Explore can be used to download topo and aerial maps to your smartphone, save waypoints, create courses, and sync recorded activities to a Garmin Explore account. It also allows for software updates to be transferred to a paired Montana 700, 700i, or 750i handheld. Preloaded mapping on the device can only be updated using Garmin Express.

If the Montana handheld has software version 10.50 or later, then it can be paired directly with the Garmin Explore app. For steps on pairing with the Garmin Explore app, see - Pairing the Montana 700 Series with a Phone or Tablet.

Garmin Messenger™ App

The Garmin Messenger app can be used with the Montana 700i or Montana 750i to activate an inReach® subscription, send and receive messages, and make changes to your inReach subscription. It also allows for software updates to be transferred to a paired device. Preloaded mapping on the device can only be updated using Garmin Express.

If the the Montana 700i or Montana 750i has software version 16.50 or later, then it can be paired with the Garmin Messenger app. For steps on pairing with the Garmin Messenger app, see - Pairing a Montana 700i/750i With the Garmin Messenger App.

Garmin Connect™ App

The Garmin Connect app is used to sync recorded activities to a Garmin Connect account. The app is primarily for tracking fitness goals, but it also allows for software updates to be transferred to a paired Montana 700, 700i, or 750 handheld. For steps on pairing with the Garmin Connect app, see - Pairing the Montana 700 Series with a Phone or Tablet.