Jan 17, 2017 Update Garmin Nuvi Maps for Free! Posted on January 16, 2017 January 16, 2017 by Robin No you don’t have to have either Windows or Mac in order to update your Garmin Nuvi GPS (or Magellan, TomTom, and a few others).
Facing trouble in updating your Nuvi maps or Nuvi software? Here is a complete solution system which you can apply by yourself to resolve Garmin Nuvi issues.
An Easy Way To Update Garmin Nuvi Software Free
It might be possible that you are having issues like device freezing, unable to detect signal and such because you have not updated your Garmin Nuvi software in a long time. Having a latest software makes sure to eradicate issues like security errors or any such incompatibilities. Here is a step-by-step process guide you can follow to update your Nuvi device to latest software version.
Read here how do i update my garmin maps for free
Step 1
Download Garmin Express in your system and install it. Garmin Express app is the easiest way to software update and maps download right in your Garmin GPS device.
Step 2
Run Garmin Express and connect your Nuvi device via USB cable.
Step 3
Go to the option of ‘Add A Device’ in the application and register your Nuvi device with Garmin Express.
Step 4
If there is a software update available for your Nuvi, select it.
Step 5
Allow the software update to install and your Garmin Nuvi device will be updated.
Read here: Follow These Steps To Easily Update Your Garmin GPS
An Easy Way To Update Garmin Nuvi Maps
It is crucial that you keep on updating your Garmin Nuvi maps in order to know about the latest route added in any region. You can update Garmin Nuvi maps by two ways. One is with the help of Garmin Express and the other is myGarmin Account. Updating latest maps and software with Garmin Express you can download here.
Update Garmin Nuvi Maps Via Garmin Express
- Make sure you have a high-speed internet connection and download and install Garmin Express in your computer.
- Connect your Garmin Nuvi GPS device with the computer using a USB cable.
- Register your device with Garmin Express by clicking on ‘Add A Device’.
- After registration, go to the Express Dashboard.
- A list of available map updates will prompt. Just click on the map you want to update and select the ‘Install’ option. Your selected map will be updated in your Nuvi device.
Update Garmin Nuvi maps Via myGarmin Account?
- Sign-In in your Garmin account.
- Connect your Garmin Nuvi GPS device with the computer using a USB cable.
- Go to the ‘Add A Device’ option in your Garmin account.
- Register your Nuvi device with the help of your email ID.
- A list of available map updates will prompt. Just buy the ones you need or select the ‘Get Free Update’ option to receive free map updates.
- Download the file in your computer.
- Delete the ‘gmapsupp’ file from your device folder and replace it with the new one.
Download & Install Garmin Via MapConverter
- Download ‘Map Manager’ in your computer and install the software.
- Connect your Garmin Nuvi GPS device with the computer using a USB cable.
- Select your GPS device from the drop-down box.
- Just click on the ‘Confirm’ button to download a map update from the software.
- Install the downloaded file in your Garmin Nuvi device.
Garmin Nuvi Issues And Troubleshoot Guide
Here are some common issues and their simple fixes which you can easily try if you are facing such trouble:
Garmin Nuvi GPS Audio Not Working
![Garmin Nuvi 255w Map Updates Downloads Garmin Nuvi 255w Map Updates Downloads](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125618531/103947706.jpg)
Make sure you have not clicked the Mute option unintentionally. Press the volume UP button and check for voice issues. You can also try soft reset and hard reset on your Nuvi GPS to overcome this issue. If the audio is still not enables, check that your device is not by any chance broken or faulty.
Unable To Update Garmin Nuvi
Check that your Nuvi device is connected to PC correctly. If you are unable to update your Garmin Nuvi, verify that your system is meeting the basic requirements. You can also try power cycling your Nuvi device as small issues get resolved pretty quickly using it.
Issues In Device Touchscreen
Calibrate the Nuvi device by holding and pressing the power button. Power boot your device after 10 seconds and check if it is working or not. If not working, there are high chances that your screen is having some major issue. Go to the nearest Garmin center to check.
Garmin Nuvi Device Freezing
This is very common issue with Nuvi devices. If you face this issue, press the power key for 10 seconds and restart your device. Make sure you are operating on latest Nuvi software as older versions starts having device problems.
Garmin Nuvi Signal Issues
If your device is unable to acquire signals, check that no hard object is shielding the device and strip any protective coatings. The weather also plays a vital role so make sure you do not have a cloudy sky in your region. Keep your device in an operating condition and use it from time to time. When a device is used after a long period, it takes some time to get satellite signals.
Garmin Nuvi Not Starting
Check the battery and make sure it is above the emergency level. The device does not gets charged completely if it is kept in direct sunlight. Keep your device temperature below 113 degrees.
Garmin Nuvi Reset Button Issue
This normally happens when you have a faulty Nuvi device. So, check it completely and make sure it has enough power in the batteries. If the issue remains, sent it for repair work.
Garmin Nuvi Bluetooth Issue
Bluetooth issue occurs when you do not have the latest software. Also check your device’s minimum Bluetooth requirement. If you are using a Nuvi device with older version, update it to run it smoothly.
Read More: Best 15 Garmin Watches Of 2019: Whats Your Favorite Pick?
![Garmin Nuvi 255w Map Updates Downloads Garmin Nuvi 255w Map Updates Downloads](http://static.garmincdn.com/shared/emea/custom/numaps/img/garmin-nuvi.png)
Some Other Garmin Nuvi Issues
- Garmin Nuvi GPS locked out
- Insufficient space to update maps
- Unable to enter coordinates in Garmin Nuvi
- Garmin Nuvi reset
- Continuous Nuvi device rebooting
- Not charging properly
- Not getting any signal
- Update notice frozen on screen
- Dashboard map error
- Touch panel not responding
If you are facing any of the above mentioned issues, contact Garmin support and resolve your queries immediately.
Garmin Nuvi Update FAQs
How can I update maps for free on my Garmin Nuvi?
You can download free maps with the help of Garmin Express application. But you should keep in mind that not all apps are free. There are some maps which you can only acquire by buying them.
In how many days I expect an update on my Garmin Nuvi?
Usually, Garmin release 2 to 3 updates for a particular device. So, you can expect an update in every 3-6 months. Download and install Garmin Express in order to receive immediate updates.
How do I get signals on my Garmin Nuvi device?
It is possible that your device does not receive satellite signal when you use it after a long time. Try to reset it and if the signals do not come even after, change the location from the menu.
My Garmin Nuvi Screen Is Not Working?
Update your device software to the latest and make sure you have appropriate battery levels. If the screen is damaged on any place, repair it to make it work smoothly.
Can I update my Nuvi without a computer?
Most of the device require a computer and the best way to update a device is via Garmin Express. Some devices like DriveSmart 51 come with an inbuilt WiFi so they can be updated without the use of computer.
Global positioning system units – such as the Garmin unit you keep in your car – can make driving to unknown locations as simple as cruising your own neighborhood. The unit determines your exact position using GPS satellites and compares your location to its stored maps to determine points of interests around you – whether roads, restaurants or rivers. With accurate maps, the unit will provide concise instructions to reach your destination, but if its maps are out of date, it could send you the wrong way down a one-way street, use inefficient routes or call for a turn where none exists. Garmin gives you the chance to download a free map update with the purchase of a new unit to ensure accurate instructions and proper performance of your new device.
Step 1
Connect your Garmin GPS to your computer using the USB cable provided with the device.
Step 2
Use a Web browser to visit Garmin's Find Map Updates page (see link in Resources).
Step 3
Select 'Automotive' and click 'Download Map Updater.' Save the file to your desktop. If the download button does not appear, your device is not eligible for free updates.
Step 4
Double-click the downloaded file to install the Garmin Map Updater on your computer. You may need to update your Microsoft .NET Framework before you continue. The application provides the necessary information if this is required.
Step 5
Click 'Search for device' when the application is installed. When your device is recognized, read the disclaimer and click 'Continue.'
Step 6
Click 'Continue' if the application prompts you with 'A free map update is available!,' 'nüMaps Lifetime update is available!' or 'A map update is available!' If you see the prompt 'Your maps are up to date,' then no update is required. If you see 'A map update is available for purchase,' then your device is not eligible for a free update.
Step 7
Click 'Continue' when prompted with 'Ready to update your maps.' If your device lacks the storage space required to install the update, you'll be guided through removing pictures and music to make room.
Leave the device plugged in while the update downloads and installs. It can take multiple hours to finish.
Tips
- A Garmin device is eligible for a free update within 90 days of the first time it connects to a satellite.
- Garmin units with LMT, LM or LT in their model names are eligible for free lifetime map updates.
- Map updates can be purchased through the Garmin update site or by using the Garmin updating application mentioned above.
- You can purchase a lifetime update subscription for your device for an additional fee on the Garmin site.
Warning
- It is not safe to program your GPS while driving. Pull over for the safety of everyone on the road.
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