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Outdoor Device Not Detected by Garmin Express on a Mac

USB communication issues can prevent your Garmin device from being detected by Garmin Express. 

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Verify that your device displays the connection icon

Most devices will display an icon on the screen indicating that the device is communicating with your computer.  

These icons vary, but some examples include:

    

Ensure that the Mac recognizes the USB connection

When a device is properly connected to an Mac computer, it will be displayed as a removable disk drive in Finder. 

To check whether OS X recognizes the connection:

  1. Connect the Garmin device to the computer
  2. Open Finder
  3. Click Go in the menu bar
  4. Click Computer

The Garmin device will display as a disk drive icon and will generally be labeled GARMIN

Device does not display the connection screen or display as a drive in Finder

 Try a different USB cable
  • Try a Garmin branded cable if available
  • If a new cable must be purchased, ensure that the cable is a USB Data Cable and not a USB Charging Cable.
  • See Related Content for information about what size of USB cable your device requires
Mini USB CableMicro USB Cable
 Ensure that the USB port is working properly
  • Try a different USB port on your computer and/or test the USB port with a different USB device
  • Avoid connecting through a USB hub, USB extension cable, keyboard, or monitor
  • On desktop computers, use the USB ports on the back of your computer
  
LaptopDesktop

Ensure the contacts are clean on a wrist-worn device

The following non-abrasive substances can be used to clean the contacts:

  • Rubbing alcohol/Isopropyl (Recommended method)
  • Eye glass cleaner
  • Electronic screen wipes
  • Pencil eraser
 
 

Restart the computer and try again

  1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar
  2. Click Restart...
  3. Click Restart to confirm

  

 

Garmin device is recognized by the computer but not by Garmin Express

 

Ensure that Garmin Express is up to date:

  1. Click Garmin Express in the menu bar
  2. Click About Garmin Express
  3. Click Check for Updates to Express
  4. If there is an update available, click Install Now and follow the prompts to complete the update.

 

 
 

 

If your device has already been added to Garmin Express, try removing the device and adding it back again.

  1. Click Home
  2. Ctrl + click your device
  3. Click Remove from Express
  4. Click Remove
  5. Click Add a Device
  6. When the device is found, click Add Device
  7. Follow the on-screen prompts to add your device back to Express

 

  

 

If these steps did not resolve the issue

Visit the Garmin Express section of Support Center and you will find the available Product Support contact options in the Contact an Expert section. 

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