How to Download Maps to a Garmin GPS

By Dan Howard

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Garmin International produces a wide range of global positioning systems that can help you navigate while driving, hiking or boating. Each Garmin GPS device comes pre-loaded with a set of maps for your region. Garmin also periodically provides updated maps to users who register on the myGarmin support website. If you want to download map updates you'll need to plug your Garmin into a computer and download maps from the myGarmin site via Garmin's Communicator applet.

Step 1

Plug a USB cable into your Garmin GPS unit. Plug the other end of the cable into an available USB port on your computer.

Step 2

Install the Garmin Communicator plugin for your Web browser. Navigate your browser to Communicator plugin download page. The Garmin website will automatically try to install the program; click the "Allow" button at the top of your browser window if this process is blocked by your browser's security settings.

Step 3

Click "Install" when the software installation window appears to install Garmin Communicator. Close and restart your browser once the installation is complete.

Step 4

Navigate to the myGarmin website to download map updates available for your Garmin GPS device.

Step 5

Sign into the myGarmin website on the right side of the screen. Create a free account with myGarmin by clicking on the "Create Account" link.

Step 6

Click on "MyDashboard" and then click on the "Map Downloads" link. Select your operating system and the Garmin Communicator will detect all map updates available for your GPS.

Step 7

Download any available updates that are detected by the Communicator plugin. Click "Lanch Download Manager" and save the update file to your hard drive. Once the file is downloaded, double-click on it to install the update to your connected Garmin GPS unit. The installation program will install all downloaded map data to your GPS unit.

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