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Map and Software Updates

For the best navigation experience, you should keep the maps and software on your device up to date.

Map updates provide the newest available changes to roads and locations in the maps used by your device. Keeping maps up to date helps your device find recently added locations and calculate more accurate routes. Map updates are large and may take several hours to complete.

Software updates provide changes and improvements to the device features and operation.

You can update your device using two methods.

  • You can connect the device to a Wi‑Fi® network to update directly on the device (recommended). This option allows you to update your device conveniently without connecting it to a computer.

  • You can connect the device to a computer and update it using the Garmin Express™ application (garmin.com/express).

Updating Maps and Software Using a Wi‑Fi Network

NOTICE

Map and software updates may require the device to download large files. Regular data limits or charges from your internet service provider apply. Contact your internet service provider for more information about data limits or charges.

You can update the maps and software by connecting your device to a Wi‑Fi network that provides access to the internet. This allows you to keep your device up to date without connecting it to a computer.

  1. Connect the device to a Wi‑Fi network (Connecting to a Wi‑Fi Network).

    While connected to a Wi‑Fi network, the device checks for available updates. When an update is available, Update available appears on the Settings icon in the main menu.

  2. Select Settings > Updates.

    The device checks for available updates. When an update is available, Update Available appears below Map or Software.

  3. Select an option:

    • To install all available updates, select Install All.

    • To install only map updates, select Map > Install All.

    • To install only software updates, select Software > Install All.

  4. Read the license agreements, and select Accept All to accept the agreements.
    NOTE: If you do not agree with the license terms, you can select Reject. This stops the update process. You cannot install updates until you accept the license agreements.
  5. Using the included USB cable, connect the device to external power, and select Continue (Charging the Device).

    For the best results, a USB wall charger that provides at least 2 A power output is recommended. Many USB power adapters for smartphones, tablets, or portable media devices may be compatible.

  6. Keep the device connected to external power and within range of the Wi‑Fi network until the update process is complete.
TIP: If a map update is interrupted or canceled before it completes, your device may be missing map data. To repair missing map data, you must update the maps again using either Wi‑Fi or Garmin Express.

Connecting to a Wi‑Fi Network

The first time you turn on the device, it prompts you to connect to a Wi‑Fi network. You can also connect to a Wi‑Fi network using the settings menu.

  1. Select Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. If necessary, select Wi-Fi to enable Wi‑Fi technology.
  3. Select Search for Networks.

    The device displays a list of nearby Wi‑Fi networks.

  4. Select a network.
  5. If necessary, enter the password for the network, and select Done.

The device connects to the network, and the network is added to the list of saved networks. The device reconnects to this network automatically when it is within range.

Updating Maps and Software with Garmin Express

You can use the Garmin Express application to download and install the latest map and software updates for your device.

  1. If you do not have the Garmin Express application installed on your computer, go to garmin.com/express and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
  2. Open the Express app Garmin Express application.
  3. Connect your device to your computer using a USB-C® cable.

    The small end of the cable connects to the USB-C port 1 on your Tread® 2 device, and the large end connects to an available USB port on your computer.


    Navigator connecting to a computer with a callout
  4. From your Tread 2 device, select Tap to Connect to Computer.
  5. In the Garmin Express application, click Add a Device.

    The Garmin Express application searches for your device and displays the device name and serial number.

  6. Click Add Device, and follow the on-screen instructions to add your device to the Garmin Express application.

    When setup is complete, the Garmin Express application displays the updates available for your device.


    Update available in Garmin Express
  7. Select an option:

    • To install all available updates, click Install All.

    • To install a specific update, click View Details, and click Install next to the update you want.

    The Garmin Express application downloads and installs the updates onto your device. Map updates are very large, and this process may take a long time on slower internet connections.

    NOTE: If a map update is too large for the internal storage of the device, the software may prompt you to install a microSD® card in your device to add storage space (Installing a Memory Card for Maps and Data).
  8. Follow the on-screen instructions during the update process to finish installing updates.

    For example, during the update process, the Garmin Express application may instruct you to disconnect and reconnect your device.

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July 2025
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