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Loading the New Software on a Memory Card Using Garmin Express

You can copy the software update to a memory card using a computer with the Garmin Express™ app.

Use of an 8 GB or larger memory card with speed class 10 is recommended. As of software version 34.00, the internal card readers on GPSMAP® 9000 series chartplotters support up to 1 TB memory cards, formatted to exFAT with speed class 10 or higher.

Downloading the software update may take from a few minutes up to a few hours.

You should use a blank memory card for software updates. The update process erases the content on the card and reformats the card.

  1. Insert a memory card into the card slot on the computer.
  2. Install the Garmin Express app (Installing the Garmin Express App on a Computer).
  3. Select your vessel and device.
  4. Select Software Updates > Continue.
  5. Read and agree to the terms.
  6. Select the drive for the memory card.
  7. Review the reformat warning, and select Continue.
  8. Wait while the software update is copied to the memory card.
    NOTE: Copying the update file onto the card may take from a few minutes up to a few hours.
  9. Close the Garmin Express app.
  10. Eject the memory card from the computer.

After loading the update onto the memory card, install the software on the chartplotter (Updating the Device Software Using a Memory Card).

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October 2025
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