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Pairing a GPSMAP Series Handheld With a Phone or Tablet

The GPSMAP 641/65/66/86 series devices can use two mobile applications when paired to a phone or tablet. These two apps serve different purposes listed below.

Garmin Explore App

  • Required for GPSMAP series handhelds with inReach capability to sync account changes to the device.
  • Download free maps to the phone or tablet.
  • Sync data (waypoints, routes, tracks and activities) to and from your Garmin Explore web account.
  • Allows for Smart Notifications (such as calls and messages) to display on the Garmin device from the paired phone or tablet.
  • With an active inReach plan, you can also send/read inReach messages, request inReach weather forecasts, and trigger an SOS.

Garmin Connect App

  • Allows for Smart Notifications (such as calls and messages) to display on the Garmin device from the paired phone or tablet.
  • Sync recorded activities to your Garmin Connect account.

Pairing a GPSMAP Series Handheld to a Phone or Tablet

NOTE: In order to pair your GPSMAP series handheld, a data connection is required and the app(s) on your phone or tablet and the software on the handheld must both be up to date. Apps on your phone or tablet can be updated via the app store. For instructions on updating the GPSMAP software, see - Installing Software Updates to Outdoor/Marine Handhelds.

Pairing With the Garmin Explore App

First Time Users

  1. Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
  2. Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
  3. Below the sign in option, select Create One and follow the prompts to create an account.
  4. Select Pair Device.
  5. Select Add Device.
  6. Select your specific GPSMAP model from the list.
  7. On the GPSMAP handheld, press MENU twice to reach the Main Menu.
  8. Select Setup.
  9. Select Bluetooth.
  10. Select Pair Mobile Device or Continue.
  11. In the Garmin Explore app, select the GPSMAP handheld and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

The GPSMAP handheld should now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.

Existing Garmin Explore App Users

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.
    • If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
  2. Select Device icon Devices.
  3. Select either Pair Device or + if you already have a Garmin device paired.
  4. Select Add Device.
  5. Select your specific GPSMAP model from the list.
  6. On the GPSMAP handheld, press MENU twice to reach the Main Menu.
  7. Select Setup.
  8. Select Bluetooth.
  9. Select Pair Mobile Device or Continue.
  10. In the Garmin Explore app, select the GPSMAP handheld and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

The GPSMAP handheld should now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.

Pairing With the Garmin Connect App

First Time Users

  1. Install and open the Garmin Connect app.
  2. Select Sign In.
    • Below the sign in option, select Create One and follow the prompts to create an account if you do not already have a Garmin account.
  3. Read and agree to the EULA and terms, then tap Next.
  4. On the GPSMAP handheld, press MENU twice to reach the Main Menu.
  5. Select Setup.
  6. Select Bluetooth.
  7. Select Pair Mobile Device or Continue.
  8. In the Garmin Connect app, select Connect It after Garmin Connect finds your GPSMAP handheld, then follow the prompts.
    • If it does not display, select Browse all compatible devices and search for your model.

The GPSMAP handheld should now be paired with the Garmin Connect app.

Existing Garmin Connect App Users

  1. Open the Garmin Connect app.
  2. Select Three Lines Menu Icon (Android) or More (iOS).
  3. Select Garmin Devices.
  4. Select Add Device.
  5. On the GPSMAP handheld, press MENU twice to reach the Main Menu.
  6. Select Setup.
  7. Select Bluetooth.
  8. Select Pair Mobile Device or Continue.
  9. In the Garmin Connect app, select Connect It after Garmin Connect finds your GPSMAP handheld, then follow the prompts.
    • If it does not display, select Browse all compatible devices and search for your model.

The GPSMAP handheld should now be paired with the Garmin Connect app.

1 The GPSMAP 64 and 64x cannot be paired with a phone or tablet. Only the GPSMAP 64s/sc/st/sx/csx devices feature Bluetooth connectivity.

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