Automotive Device Showing a Computer Icon in the Car

Your device may show an icon of a GPS device connected to a computer tower when plugged into the vehicle. This icon means the device is in file transfer mode. This is used specifically for connecting to a computer.

This May be Due to the Following Reasons:

• The Device is Plugged Directly Into a USB Port in the Vehicle

  • See USB Charging of Automotive Devices.

  • The Garmin Vehicle Power Cable uses the Vehicle Power Adapter to plug into a 12V outlet (cigarette lighter outlet) in most vehicles.

  • The white USB port on the Vehicle Power Adapter can be used to charge another electronic device.

    • See Using the USB Ports on the Vehicle Power Adapter.

  • A High-speed Multi-charger can be used to charge additional electronics.

• A Third-Party Cable is Being Used to Plug the Device Into the Vehicle (Examples Below)

  • A mobile phone charger or adapter.

  • A "hard-wired" cable.

  • A 12V USB adapter manufactured by a different company.

See  Using Third-Party AC Chargers, Cables, and Other Accessories with Garmin Automotive Devices

• In More Rare Cases, the Vehicle Power Cable or the USB Port on the Device may be Damaged

  • A replacement cable can be purchased from a Garmin dealer or the Garmin Online Store.

    • See Buying Automotive Accessories Directly from Garmin.

  • Contact Product Support if a replacement cable does not resolve the issue and/or any damage is visible on the device's USB-C port.