How to update Garmin Nuvi (with pictures)

This article will show you how to update your Garmin Nuvi using a Windows or macOS computer. You can update Garmin Nuvi using the official free Garmin Express software; you can also install maps created by third-party users.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Using Garmin Express

Step 1. Open the Garmin Express website

Go to https://www.garmin.com/en-US/software/express/ in a computer browser.

Step 2. Click Download for Windows

It's a blue button in the middle of the page. The Garmin Express installation file will download to your computer.

• If you are installing Garmin Express on a Mac computer, click Download for Mac instead.
• Some browsers mark the Garmin download page as insecure. This is a false positive - the Garmin Express installation file is virus-free.

Step 3. Install Garmin Express

For this:

• Windows - Double-click the downloaded installer, follow the directions to the Install page, check the box next to I have read and agreed to the terms and conditions, click Install), and then click “Yes”.
• Mac - Open the downloaded DMG file, allow third-party software to be installed (if necessary), drag the Garmin Nuvi app icon to the Applications folder icon, and follow the onscreen instructions.

Step 4. Connect Garmin Nuvi to your PC

Connect one end of the Garmin Nuvi charging cable to your navigator and the other end to a USB port on your computer.

Your Mac may need a USB 3.0 to Thunderbolt adapter

Step 5. Start Garmin Express

To do this, double click on the icon of this application.

Step 6. Click Get Started

It's a blue button at the top of the Garmin Express window.

Step 7. Click on Add device

This large “＋” symbol is in the upper-left side of the window.

Step 8. Click Add device when prompted

The Garmin Nuvi setup process begins.

Step 9. Complete the setup

Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the Garmin Nuvi setup and open the dashboard.

The toolbar is the tab marked with a house icon in the upper left corner

Step 10. Click Install All

It's an option at the top of the window. The Garmin Nuvi update process begins.

Step 11. Wait for Garmin Nuvi to update

This can take several hours. When the process is complete, safely disconnect Garmin Nuvi.

To update Garmin Nuvi at any time, launch Garmin Express, click the house icon, select Garmin Nuvi and click Install all

Method 2 of 2: How to install third-party cards

Step 1. Understand how this method works

The OpenStreetMap Project is a community-driven site where information and maps can be found. Download maps from this site and install them on Garmin Nuvi if you cannot use the Garmin Express software.

• Maps are downloaded as IMG files. Rename the downloaded file to gmapsupp.imgif the file has a different name.
• Usually only one file can be stored on the navigator gmapsupp.img, but some newer Garmin models allow multiple IMGs.

Step 2. Download a free map

For this:

• Go to https://planet.openstreetmap.org/ in a web browser.
• Click on one of the links under “Complete OSM Data”.
• Wait for the file to download.

Step 3. Connect Garmin Nuvi to your PC

Connect one end of the Garmin Nuvi charging cable to your navigator and the other end to a USB port on your computer.

• Close Garmin Express if installed on your computer.
• If you have an SD card inserted into your navigator, remove it and then insert it into a card reader on your computer.

Step 4. Put Nuvi in USB Mass Storage mode

In this mode, files can be copied from / to the navigator. Some Garmin models will automatically enter this mode when they are connected to a computer.

• Open the Nuvi main menu.
• Select "Customize" or a similar option.
• Click on "Interface".
• Select "USB storage" or "USB".

Step 5. Open the Garmin storage on your computer

For this:

• Windows - Press ⊞ Win + E to open the Explorer window, click on This PC in the upper left corner of the window, and double-click on the Garmin Nuvi name under Devices and Drives.
• Mac - the Garmin Nuvi icon should be displayed on the desktop; if not, open a Finder window and then click Garmin Nuvi on the left side of the window.

Step 6. Open the "Garmin" or "Map" folder

The location of this folder depends on the navigator model; if you can't find this folder, create a new folder and name it Map.

You will most likely need to create a folder in Nuvi 1xxx models

Step 7. Copy the downloaded map to the "Map" or "Garmin" folder

Click on the map file to select it, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or ⌘ Command + C (Mac), click inside the folder and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or ⌘ Command + V (Mac).

The copying process can take up to an hour depending on the file size

Step 8. Disconnect Garmin from your computer

When the process is complete, safely disconnect Garmin Nuvi from your computer.

Step 9. Load a new map when Garmin reboots

When you disconnect your navigator from your computer, it will restart. Now select a new map and turn off the main map if they overlap.

• Open the Tools menu and select Preferences.
• Choose Map> Information.
• Uncheck the old card.
• Check the box next to the new card.

Advice

Most modern Garmin Nuvi models can insert an SD card. This way you can expand the internal memory of your navigator or store several maps on different SD cards