Loading MP3 Files to a zūmo Device

Your zūmo® device can store MP3 files to play music. All music files must be in MP3 format to be playable on the device.

The MP3 files can be loaded to the internal memory of the device as well as an external SD card. All MP3 files will be displayed together on your device. 

To Load MP3 Files to your Device's Internal Memory:

1. Open the Garmin zūmo drive

   • On a PC, open Computer, My Computer, or This PC to access this drive

   • On a Mac, the GARMIN drive will be mounted on the desktop or found under Devices in Finder

     • Unless you're using an SD card reader, it is best to use a Windows computer for a zūmo® XT or zūmo® XT2 GPS navigator as files cannot be viewed when connected to a Mac computer

     • See Automotive Device Compatibility with Garmin Mac Applications on macOS for information on viewing files on a zūmo® XT or zūmo XT2

2. If the device is in MTP mode, open Internal Storage

   • When your zūmo device is connected to a PC, by default it will enter MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode, as indicated by an orange or yellow computer connection icon on the screen of the device

   • It may also enter mass storage mode, as indicated by a grey computer connection icon

   • When the device is connected to a Mac, it should always enter mass storage mode

3. Open the MP3 folder

   • If an MP3 folder is not visible, you may create one by pressing the keyboard combination Shift+Ctrl+N on a PC, or Shift+⌘+N on a Mac, and naming the new folder MP3

   • Making an MP3 folder is required for a zūmo XT or zūmo XT2 to read and play the MP3 files

     • This MP3 folder is needed both on an SD card or the internal storage.

   • This makes it easier to locate the files if/when you need to delete them and helps prevent accidental deletion of other files in the device

4. Transfer the desired MP3 files into this folder

   • This can be done by copying and pasting the files, or dragging and dropping them from their original location

5. Once the transfer is complete, if your device is in mass storage mode, safely remove or eject the device from the computer

   • If the device is in MTP mode, skip this step

6. Disconnect the device 

The MP3 files will now be playable on the device.

To load MP3 files to a blank SD card, simply insert the SD card into the device or memory card reader, open the SD card drive on your computer, then follow steps 3 and 4.

See 'No Songs were Found' Message or MP3 Files not Showing on a zūmo XT or zūmo XT2 if you're using a memory card and files are not found, or if you are getting an error message on the zumo.