Update the Garmin Nuvi

Before you go on a road trip, you may want to update the maps on your Garmin Nuvi GPS device so you have the latest map data and won’t get lost. If you've purchased a map update or lifetime membership from Garmin, you can download map updates through the Garmin Express program. If you prefer your maps free, you can use open source maps from OpenStreetMap.

Steps

Getting Official Garmin Map Updates

1. Purchase your map updates (if necessary). You can purchase map updates for your Garmin Nuvi from the Garmin website. There are two basic options: a lifetime purchase or a one-time upgrade. The lifetime purchase gives you access to any new updates for the life of your device, while the one-time upgrade will provide you with the latest current maps, but you'll need to purchase again if you want to upgrade again later.
   • You can only upgrade the preloaded maps on your device. For example, if your Nuvi came preloaded with North American maps, you won't be able to update to a Europe map. If you want to add additional areas to your Garmin, Update-the-Garmin-Nuvi.
   • Make sure to log in with your myGarmin account before purchasing the map upgrade. You can create a myGarmin account for free during the checkout process.
   • If you want to use free maps, you can use community-made maps from OpenStreetMap. Update-the-Garmin-Nuvi.
2. Connect your Garmin Nuvi to your computer via USB cable. You can only update the maps through connecting to your computer. You can use any Mini USB cable to connect the device to your computer.
   • Wait for your Garmin to boot up, indicated by the progress bar on the Nuvi's display.
3. Open the "myGarmin" website and sign in with your Garmin account. Make sure to sign in with the account that you've purchased the map updates on.
   • You can access the myGarmin page at my.garmin.com/mygarmin/login.htm.
4. Click the "myMaps" tab on the myGarmin dashboard. This will load a list of all of your purchased map upgrades.
5. Click the drop-down menu in the "Recent Map Purchases" section. Select your Garmin Nuvi from the list of devices.
6. Install the Garmin Communicator Plugin when prompted. This is required in order for the Garmin website to transfer the map files to your Garmin software on your computer.
   • You must be using Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. The plugin does not support Google Chrome.
7. Download and install Garmin Express. This is the program that allows your computer to interact with your Garmin Nuvi.
   • If you weren't automatically prompted to install Garmin Express, you can download it from http://software.garmin.com/en-US/express.html.
8. Register your device in Garmin Express. If you haven't already registered your device, you'll be prompted to when you start Garmin Express. You'll need to register in order to update the maps.
9. Click the "Updates" tab in Garmin Express. This will show all of the available updates for your Nuvi, including the new map update you just purchased.
10. Click the "Show Details" option next to your Map Update. Click the "Install" button that appears. You will need to accept the agreement before the update installs.
11. Wait for the maps to download and install. Once you agree to the terms, the map update will begin downloading to Garmin Express, and will then be transferred to your Nuvi. This will likely take several minutes to complete.
12. Close Garmin Express and unplug the Nuvi when the update is complete. The Nuvi will reboot and begin installing the updated software on the device. This may take another couple of minutes.

Using Maps from Other Sources

1. Download a free map image file. OpenStreetMap is an open-source, community-driven tool that allows users to create their own street maps. These can then be imported into your Garmin Nuvi, giving you updated maps for free.
   • You can browse the user-made maps at wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OSM_Map_On_Garmin/Download. The maps are sorted by region and have descriptions of their functionality and how often they're updated. Click the user that has made the map you want, and then select the most recent version from the list.
   • Maps download as an .img file. Rename the file to gmapsupp.img if it has a different name.
   • You can only have one custom gmapsupp.img file on your GPS at a time. Some newer Garmin devices allow for multiple .img files.
2. Plug your Garmin Nuvi into your computer using a USB cable. You can close Garmin Express if it opens.
3. Put your Nuvi into "USB Mass Storage" mode. This will allow you to copy files to and from the GPS. Some Garmin devices automatically start in USB Mass Storage mode when connected to the computer. If your Garmin has an SD card, insert the SD card into your computer's card reader instead.
   • Open the Nuvi's main menu and select "Setup".
   • Select the "Interface" section.
   • Select "USB Mass Storage".
4. Open the Garmin's storage on your computer. In Windows, you can find the Garmin in your Computer/My Computer window (⊞ Win+E). If you are using a Mac, the Garmin will appear on your desktop.
5. Open the .Garmin or Map folder on your GPS. If you don't have a Garmin or Map folder, create a Map folder.
   • This will be most common in Nuvi 1xxx models.
6. Copy the .gmapsupp.img file into the Map or Garmin folder. The copying process will likely take a few minutes.
   • If your GPS unit has an SD card, you'll want to copy the gmapsupp.img file into the Garmin folder on the SD card. Create one if there isn't one.
7. Disconnect the Garmin from your computer. Make sure the transfer process has completely finished before you unplug it.
8. Load the new map on your Garmin after it reboots. The Garmin will reboot after it is disconnected. Once it finishes booting, you'll need to select your new map and disable the base map.
   • Open the "Tools" menu and select "Settings".
   • Select "Map" and then "Map Info".
   • Check the box for your new map, and uncheck the box for the base map (only necessary if they overlap).

Tips

• If you purchased a one-time map update for your Garmin Nuvi, you may be entitled to another free update within 30 days of your purchase. Before the 30-day period expires, go back to the MyGarmin website to see if any new updates are available for your device.

Sources and Citations

See also

• GPS Track a Cell Phone
• Get Better Accuracy with a Handheld GPS