How to update your GPS maps: Garmin edition (images)

CNET's editors show you how download and update to the newest maps for your Garmin Nuvi GPS device.

Connect via USB
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Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Connect via USB

Start by connecting your Garmin Nuvi to your PC with the included USB cable. After a brief loading screen, your Garmin should display the Garmin logo and a small image indicating the connection was successful. At this point, your PC should recognize the connected Nuvi.
Install Garmin Agent
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Install Garmin Agent

In most cases, your PC will prompt you to install an application called Garmin Agent. If your weren't prompted, don't panic. Simply visit http://www.garmin.com/agent to download the software.
Garmin Agent
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Garmin Agent

Garmin agent resides in your system tray and directs you to the MyGarmin Web site when a Garmin device is connected.
myGarmin site
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

myGarmin site

Once at the MyGarmin Web site, you'll be prompted to install another bit of software, Garmin Communicator.
Install Communicator
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Install Communicator

Garmin Communicator lets your Garmin Nuvi device interface with Garmin's Web site for software updates. Why Communicator and Agent aren't packaged into one application is beyond us. Once Communicator is installed, you may be prompted to reboot your computer.
myGarmin dashboard
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

myGarmin dashboard

Once your computer reboots, double-click the Garmin Agent icon in your system tray to be once again whisked away to the MyGarmin site where you should see that your Nuvi model has been recognized. From here, you will see if there are any available map updates. This is also where you can find firmware updates, if available.
Choose your map package
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Choose your map package

Most Garmin devices come with a new maps guarantee that entitles you to one free map update within the first 30 days of your purchase. A few newer models are sold with free quarterly map updates for the lifetime of the unit.

If you're outside of your 30 days and don't have a lifetime map subscription, you can purchase a one time map update for about $70 or, for about $120, purchase a lifetime update subscription.
Map purchase history
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Map purchase history

Once you've chosen (and paid for) your maps, you'll be taken to a map downloads page that lists product keys for your map updates. This is our second map update for this device, so there are two product keys listed here. Once you're ready to update your new maps, click the blue Download button.
Download Garmin Map Update application
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Download Garmin Map Update application

Next, you'll be prompted to download the Garmin Map Update application--that's right; it's a third application, but don't worry, this is the last one.
Garmin Map Update
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Garmin Map Update

The Garmin Map Update application handles the downloading, preparation, and installation of map data. It should automatically pull your map product key from the MyGarmin Web site. If it doesn't, you'll be prompted to input the key before the download commences.
Download and you're done
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Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Download and you're done

The maps and POIs for North America are about 2GB worth of data, so set some time aside for a big download. The Garmin Map Update application warned us that a full update could take several hours. In our experience, the process required only one hour.

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