Installing Garmin map updates is easy, and whether you have downloaded free Garmin map updates, or have paid for the nuMaps Onetime or nuMaps Lifetime, the install process for getting the latest version of City Navigator NT is a very simple one. Below are some guidelines and support files which should help you to get the most up to date and refreshed mapping content on your Garmin Nuvi or Zumo GPS device.
Garmin Nuvi Update is software used by Garmin GPS for the purpose of navigation. It is satellite-based and allows the GPS system to carry. North American Map Regions. During a map update, Garmin Express may prompt you to install a map region to your device. We recommend that you use a compatible SD card when installing the maps with your device to receive the largest map region possible. When purchasing or receiving a map update, unless otherwise stated, the updates you receive.
How to Upgrade Garmin Nuvi Maps. Garmin's line of nuvi GPS devices gives business users the ability to plot their routes and get directions for all automotive trips. However, a GPS unit is only as.
How to Update Garmin Nuvi GPS Devices
Owners of Garmin Nuvi and GPS devices will firstly need to check for Garmin map updates, some of which will give you free maps for Garmin GPS, others will need to be paid for.
Once in the myGarmin online tool you will be prompted to select your device and model. If you click on the Automotive option you then might need to install an small application called the Garmin Communicator Plugin which is set out in easy to understand on-screen instructions and prompts.
Once Garmin Communicator is installed you will then need to connect up your Garmin Nuvi to your PC or Mac using the compatible USB cable that came inside the packaging box when you first purchased your GPS product. If you have lost yours then you can buy a new Garmin USB cable direct from the manufacturer’s website.
You might also be prompted to enter in the serial number of your Nuvi in order to continue with the Garmin map install. Serials numbers can typically be found on the rear of the GPS near the barcode sticker.
If your Garmin Nuvi or Zumo is now connected via USB, then it should appear as a “Device Connected” in the left hand box on the image above. If it doesn’t then you will need to enter the serial number into the right hand box instead. On both options though, make sure you click on “Find Map Updates”. What happens next is pretty cool, as the website will check your product and then return a list of Garmin map updates that are applicable to you and your GPS.
What Garmin Maps Download is Right for Me?
There will be a maximum of free options available to you, but in most cases you will probably one see the last two. The full list is as follows:
- nuMaps Guarantee Updates (the free version)
- Purchase a One-Off Map Update
- Purchase Lifetime Map Updates
The free Garmin map updates option is only available for users who have owned and used the GPS for less than 90 days during the period when the product first received a satellite signal. What follows are instructions on how to download Garmin GPS updates on all the three different options.
Installing nuMaps Guarantee Free Map Updates
Select this option and then click on “Update Now” which will then let you choose the format of the Garmin Nuvi update that you want to take – you can either download or request a CD version in the post.
I recommend that you select the download option though, because this way you are guaranteed that what you are getting is the latest and most up to date version of the City Navigator NT software for the region you drive in.
Simply click on “Continue” and the “Download” and the whole Garmin map install process will begin. You can then save the application to somewhere on your PC (remember where you save it for future reference). You are now ready to run the map update installation so read on how to do the next steps.
Running and Installing the nuMaps Guarantee Application
Assuming that you remembered where you saved the map install application, you will now need to double-click on it to continue with a Garmin maps download. You probably only have one Garmin device connected, but assuming you have more than one you will need to select the Nuvi GPS that you want the new maps to appear on from the prompt screen.
Click “Continue” wherever prompted and carefully read the License Agreement if you want to – although I admit I don’t tend to read these type of things, so if you are like me just click the “Accept Agreement” dialogue box.
If the application determines that it is safe to update Garmin Nuvi maps then it will state “Ready to Update Your Maps” – click “Continue” at this point. If you don’t have enough room on your Nuvi, then the application will ask you to back-up and remove some data from the product. Don’t worry, because this is completely safe to do and will simply move any photos or music over to your PC for the time being until a later date.
You might now see a number of further options that are related to the desired coverage region you want maps for. For American users you will need City Navigator NT for North America, and people based in Europe will need City Navigator NT for Europe.
Clicking on “Install to Device” will start the Garmin map download process off and you can leave it do itself to complete the Garmin GPS updates. It typically takes under an hour on a reasonable home-based Internet connection.
Once the map install is completed you will then need to click “Continue” again and then “Exit” – and that’s it! You are now ready to start driving and navigating again with your free Garmin map updates.
Installing Garmin Lifetime Map Updates or a One-Off Map Refesh
Essentially the process for buying Garmin map updates and installing them is exactly the same as it was for the free map update I described above. However, there are some key differences on how to update your Garmin Nuvi – all of which involve stepping out of the process in order to make a payment online.
It’s very user-friendly though, and the application and map download will not be disrupted by the purchase. All I can say is that Garmin seem to have made the whole process very easy to understand and use. They also have a very impressive online support section which you can consult in addition to my independent online guide.
All that’s left for you to do at this point is to decide on what type of map update it is you want. Click here to check if you are eligible for free Garmin map updates on their website. If you aren’t then you will instead be presented with options to pay a small and cost-effective charge instead.
The Garmin Nuvi 205w navigator is a wide-screen GPS that consistently wins four out of five star ratings on websites such as Amazon. There are map updates available for the Nuvi 205w and this guide has been designed to help you understand all of the options available plus tells you where and how you can download Garmin Nuvi 205w updates. Do not be daunted by the concept of having to install new Garmin maps because the process is simple and everything you need to know is detailed below.
Downloading Garmin Nuvi 205w Updates
If you decide that the maps on your Nuvi 205w need updating then your first port of call should be the official Garmin website. They do have some very intuitive map download guides on their site, but we’ve managed to place everything into a more concise format here on this page meaning that you can find out whether you can download free Garmin Nuvi 205w map updates – and if not, what the cheapest Garmin map updates are.
What Type of Maps are Installed on the Nuvi 205w?
By default, users based in America and Canada will have City Navigator NT maps already on the GPS which contain routes, directions, and address on for the whole of North America. These maps are only as up to date as the point they were installed on the device so the chances are yours are already out of date.
This is why you should always check for Garmin map updates because the nature of the technology dictates that the maps will be out of date as soon as a new road is built or any new junctions appear anywhere in the country.
Free Garmin Nuvi 205w Map Updates
Not all owners of Garmin Nuvi 205w GPS devices will be able to download free Garmin map updates. This is because generally they are only available to newer customers within a 90 day timeframe of the navigator first receiving a satellite signal.
Due to the age of the product now it is probably unlikely that you will qualify for free Garmin map updates on a Nuvi 205w, however that’s not to say you won’t have one available.
If you wish to check then please click on the button you see to the right of this website which will take you to Garmin’s mapping section and once logged in you can check for free map upgrades and any special offers.
![Garmin Garmin](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vTqj6QL9Gjo/maxresdefault.jpg)
Can I Use My Garmin Nuvi 205w Abroad?
Yes you can, and if you are thinking about travelling to Europe or anywhere else outside of North America then you will need to purchase a new map region for the Garmin Nuvi 205w GPS. New maps for new regions cost around $60 or so, but it all depends on the type you go for.
For example you could purchase City Navigator NT for the United Kingdom and Ireland, or if you are planning on a longer road trip to other European countries then expand your purchase and instead look to buy City Navigator NT for Europe mapping – which, whilst more expensive, will mean that your Nuvi 205w can be used in many different countries.
Updates for Garmin Nuvi 205w
Why just stop at map updates though? You were probably not aware of this but there’s a raft of different software updates that fit the Nuvi 205w and we’ve detailed a selection of them below so you can truly enhance your GPS with some additional rich content that will make any journey a little bit more interesting.
Garmin Voice Studio
This great little application is a free download and means you can record your own voices to speak the directions on the Nuvi GPS. The software gets installed on your PC and as long as you have a microphone then can you speak the directions when prompted into your computer and then edit them ready to be loaded onto the Garmin 205w GPS.
Download New Voices
If you don’t fancy hearing you own voice but are still bored of the voices that come pre-installed on the device, then instead you could download new ones direct from the Garmin website. Some are free, and some need to be paid for, but irrespective of the price it means your kids might be entertained on a long road journey – especially if you choose from some of the many cartoon characters available.
New Vehicle Icons
You know that little blue car that you see on the Nuvi 205w’s display? Well I bet you thought wouldn’t it be great to change it? Well the good news is you can. Visit the Garmin Garage and select from many different free vehicle icons including sports cars, speed boats, the emergency services, and even monster trucks.
All of these updates for Garmin Nuvi 205w GPS devices can be simply installed by using the compatible GPS cable that comes packaged up in the box that the product came with. They are very easy to install and many of them are free to download.
Garmin Nuvi 205w Software Updates
So you’ve updated the maps on your Garmin 205w, and added new vehicle icons and voices… but what next? Well there are also POIs available, which are also known as Points of Interest files. These are one of the most useful software updates available after new mapping data because they can truly help you on your travels and vacations.
Upload New Maps Garmin Nuvi
Many POI files are actually created by third party software developers so make sure you Google for them so you can get a better idea of the wide range that is available.
How To Install Free Maps On Garmin Nuvi
So for example, it’s possible for you to download a POI file containing items such as tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping malls, gas stations and much more. Once the POI file is loaded onto the Garmin Nuvi 205w as a software update then as you travel you will see the relevant icons appear on the display – which notify you of a local POI destination – for example a Mexican restaurant, or a WalMart store.
Conclusion on the Updates for the Garmin 205w
As you can see there are so many ways in which you can not only customize a Garmin 205w GPS, but also opportunities for you to update the maps and software on the unit.
Update My Garmin Nuvi Free
Thankfully all of these options are very straight-forward to install and full instructions are available on the official manufacturer website so go and check them out today – if you are planning on a driving vacation this year as many Americans and Europeans are then it could really enhance your journey, keep your safe – and even keep your children entertained!