How to Update Garmin Maps and Software

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Use these easy steps to get the latest maps for your Garmin device

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: May 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Updating Garmin Maps & Software
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• Troubleshooting Garmin Map Updates
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• Video
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• Q&A

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Installing the latest map updates on your Garmin-compatible GPS device will help ensure you have the most accurate geographical information when traveling to and from your destination. To update Garmin maps and the software on your Garmin device, you'll need to use Garmin Express, an app that's easy to download and install. Read on to learn how to update Garmin maps and software, and for quick troubleshooting tips to help you if anything goes wrong.

Quick Steps

1. Download Garmin Express from www.garmin.com/express.
2. Double-click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Open Garmin Express and connect your GPS device with a USB cable.
4. Click Add device to add your device to Garmin Express.
5. Click Install Maps, Install Software, or Install All to update.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Updating Garmin Maps & Software

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1. 
   1
   Navigate to the official Garmin Express website at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/software/express/windows/. You'll need to install Garmin Express on your PC or Mac to update the maps and software on your Garmin GPS device.
2. 
   2
   Save and run the installer file. Click the Download for Windows or Download for Mac button to download the installer. Then, double-click the .exe or .dmg file to launch the installer wizard.
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3. 
   3
   Agree to the terms and click Install. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Garmin Express on your computer.
4. 
   4
   Click Launch Garmin Express when the installation is complete. Garmin Express is now installed and can be used to update maps and software on your GPS device.

   • You can also open Garmin Express by clicking it in your Windows Start menu or your Mac's Applications folder.
5. 
   5
   Connect the Garmin GPS device to your computer using a USB cable. Use the cable that came with your Garmin device or a compatible replacement.
6. 
   6
   Add your Garmin device to Garmin Express. If your device already appears in Garmin Express, click to select it, and skip to step 3. If not, here's how to add it:

   • Click Add a device.
   • Wait for Garmin Express to detect your device.
   • Click Add device.
   • Garmin Express will then prompt you to register your device if you haven't already. Enter your email address if you'd like to do so now, or leave the field blank and click Next to continue.
   • Name your device and click Next.
   • Choose whether to share data with Garmin to improve their products.
7. 
   7
   Check for updates. When you select your device or add a new device, Garmin Express will search for map and software updates automatically. If a software or map update is available, you'll see the update type and an estimate of how long it will take to download and install it.
8. 
   8
   Click the Install button to install the available updates. The button may say Install Software, Install Maps, or Install All, depending on the type of updates available.

   • Your device may require a software update before you can update the maps, so if there's only a software update now, be sure to install it. Once the update is complete and you restart your device, Garmin Express may then prompt you to install map updates.
   • Depending on the updates available, you may need to review the terms and conditions before the installation begins.
9. 
   9
   Follow the on-screen prompts to finish updating maps. If you've just installed a software update, follow the on-screen instructions to check for and install map updates. Because map files are large and must be downloaded, it can sometimes take more than an hour to update maps.

   • Disconnect the Garmin GPS device from your computer when updates are complete. Your GPS device is now updated and ready for use.
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Section 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting Garmin Map Updates

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1. 
   1
   Use a microSD card if you run out of space. If you see a message that says, "The latest version of these maps have so much information that we're not going to be able to fit it all on your device's internal memory," you can insert a microSD card into your Garmin device to expand the available space. If you have one, insert it, then click Continue to install the map updates on the card. Garmin recommends a 16 GB microSD card.

   • If you don't have a microSD card, you can buy one from Amazon.
2. 
   2
   Restart your devices if you cannot update maps after a software update. If you are not prompted to update maps after installing a software update, restart your Garmin GPS device, and restart your computer for good measure.
3. 
   3
   Check the USB port if your device isn't recognized. If Garmin Express doesn't recognize your GPS, try a different USB port. Also, make sure the USB cable is securely connected to your computer and to your Garmin device, and that your Garmin device is turned on.
4. 
   4
   Disable the firewall on your computer if you can't download updates. If the updates never download, your computer's firewall settings may interfere with the software. Disable your firewall temporarily to resolve the problem.
5. 
   5
   Uninstall and reinstall Garmin Express if it cannot update maps. An outdated or corrupt installation of Garmin Express can prevent your maps from being properly updated.
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