• Free Garmin Map Updates 2019
• Free Garmin Nuvi Maps Download

We use open source maps downloaded to our Garmin GPS. A friend taught us how to download free maps to our GPS when we were in Mexico. We are forever indebted to him for showing us how to do this. Note: The Free Garmin nuvi maps download is available for all the version of Garmin Nuvi device. If in case you didnt find your nuvi model number, you can directly call at +1 877.870.0420 (Toll Free ) Garmin Support Helpline to get updates for your Garmin Nuvi.

We use open source maps downloaded to our Garmin GPS. A friend taught us how to download free maps to our GPS when we were in Mexico. We are forever indebted to him for showing us how to do this. It saved us lots of money since we didn’t have to purchase the maps from Garmin and the open source maps are updated more frequently. I have passed on the how-to steps to individuals along the way and wanted to share the information more broadly. So, here we present step-by-step instructions.

Using Open Source Street Maps for use on a Garmin

Step 1: Go to Open Street Map Website: http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl

Step 2: Choose your map type – click “generic routable (new style)”

Step 3: You have two choices at this point – you can download a pre-defined country or build your own custom map.

Choice 1 – a predefined country
• Using the drop down choices pick your country and depending on size you might be able to immediately download the file
• Example, using the Asia drop down, choose “Laos” and then at step 4 (request map) you will see “download map now” link on the screen immediately. Note: download map now does not always work so see step 4.
• Click on the download map now link and another window will open
• Download the file with the name “osm_generic_new_gmapsupp.zip” and the description says “compressed file containing a single image that can be placed directly onto the SD card of the GPS”. On my MAC it downloads as an image and not as a zip file so it is easy to place in the folder; this might be different on a PC.

Choice 2 – build your own map
• Click the box “enable tile selection”

• Then using the map area below – use the up and down arrows to move around the world map and the + or – to zoom in or out – click on the tiles you want. For example, I built maps of all the Southeast Asia countries I wanted to drive through.
• Once you have selected your area then request your map

Step 4: Requesting your map

• Fill in your email address and click build my map
• After your click “build my map” another window will open that says you will receive two emails

Step 5: Receiving your map
• The first email you receive will tell you that your map is in process and provide a link that you can check when it will be ready or its status
• The second email you receive will give you a link to go download your map

Step 6: Downloading your map
• Click on the link in the email
• Download the file with the name “osm_generic_new_gmapsupp.zip” and the description says “compressed file containing a single image that can be placed directly onto the SD card of the GPS”. On my MAC it downloads as an image and not as a zip file so it is easy to place in the folder; this might be different on a PC.

Step 7: Put map on the SD card for your Garmin
• You now have the file. Do not change the file name in any way; if you do then it won’t work.
• Put your SD card in your computer and make a folder with the name “Garmin”; do not give it any other name or it won’t work
• If you are using the SD card that was already in your Garmin then open that folder marked “Garmin” and delete the image file that is in the folder. If this is a map you have purchased then save it your computer.
• Move the new file/image that you downloaded onto the SD card into the folder marked “Garmin”
• Put the SD card back into your Garmin and you now have your new map

Step 8: On your Garmin device
• Insert the SD card into your Garmin device (or turn off/on if you saved to the device hard drive).
• Turn on device
• Scroll until you find tab called “setup”, click on that
• Scroll until you find tab called “map”, click to open
• Select button that says “map information” (may also say select map) click to open
• In this field you will see all maps that are on the device. Find the map you want to use (“OSM generic routable (new style)”), select it in order to “enable it”
• Any other maps you have on your device, you need to select and choose “disable” otherwise there can possibly be mapping conflicts.

Troubleshooting:
• The main issue that can happen is that the map isn’t working. The usual issue is that the Garmin is confused because there is more than one map on the Garmin. You have already made sure that the SD card has only one image and that the folder is called “garmin” and there shouldn’t be any other folders on that SD card. If it still isn’t working then plug your Garmin into your computer and look at the files on its hard drive. If there is another file named “garmin” then this is where your conflict is occurring. Remove that file (make a copy of anything you are deleting before deletion as you may need it later).

• I did this on one person’s Garmin device that didn’t have an SD card so we were putting the new map image into a “garmin” folder on the hard drive. But, before I did that I deleted the old files (before deleting I had saved a copy onto my computer). What I didn’t realize is that the old file had contained information that would put the map image into different languages. He needed his map to be in French. I was able to go back and move over the language files onto his Garmin from the folder I had taken off. I got help doing this from a YouTube video after searching for adding languages to a Garmin.

If you’ve reached my independent advice website then you are probably the owner of a Nuvi GPS sat nav device and are asking yourself whether you can update Garmin maps for free. The answer to that common question is yes, you can. Garmin offer a program for free. software downloads called the nuMaps Guarantee – which offers free Garmin map updates to their customers.

In order to find out whether you can download free maps for Garmin click on the button below and this will take you to their online map section which will show you the different options available and tell you whether or not you are eligible for free Garmin map updates.

Who Should Download Free Garmin Map Updates?

Anyone who owns a Nuvi GPS or Zumo (the motorcycle GPS model) should aim to check for free Garmin GPS maps. Having the latest mapping and routing is essential because each and every day there are new roads being built, new junctions appearing, business are changing addresses, and many other changes on the nation’s roads; all of which necessitate you having the latest routes and directions available.

Due to the Garmin maps being physically stored on the memory of the Nuvi GPS it is possible that as soon as you buy your Nuvi and put it in your vehicle for the maps to already be out of date. Because of this Garmin offer something called the nuMaps Guarantee which is their quality commitment to all of their new customers.

Can I Update Garmin Maps for Free?

Yes you can get Garmin updates free. Typically though they will only be offered to GPS owners who have registered the Nuvi or Zumo GPS within the first three months of ownership. Garmin state that their nuMaps Guarantee must be accessed within 90 days of the device first receiving a satellite signal.

In order to check if you are eligible all you need to do is visit the Garmin website using the button and link below. By clicking that you will be transferred to their online map update tool which shows you all the different Garmin Nuvi map updates, including free Garmin GPS maps plus all of the paid options – all of which represent great value for money.

The Garmin Map Install Process

If you do decide to download free Garmin map updates or any other form of new GPS maps then you will need to know how to install them correctly. The Garmin user experience is a very good one, but if you do need any help or assistance with installing your new maps then please read my handy online guide on learning how to install Garmin map updates. If you would rather have a very quick overview then please refer to the official manufacturer video below:

How to Update Garmin Nuvi Maps – Official Video

Why You Should Download Free Maps for Garmin GPS

There’s nothing worse than being in a strange town or city and getting lost, then needing to ask someone for directions – this is one reason why downloading free Garmin map updates is so essential. You could be a person who relies on the Nuvi GPS for their living – for example cab and truck drivers, delivery staff, or the emergency services.

Or perhaps you are planning on a driving vacation and holiday this year? Since the economic downturn more and more people are switching instead to inbound vacations rather than travelling abroad with their Garmin Nuvi. By having the latest mapping, routing, and directions on the GPS you can ensure that you not only save money and time, but also reduce the risk of stress associated with getting lost.

Maps for Travelling Abroad with your Garmin

This doesn’t just apply to driving in your own country though? If you are planning on a trip abroad then having the latest maps on your Garmin Nuvi is even more essential. Many countries drive on the opposite side of the road and have different rules and regulations including speeding cameras – so knowing that you have the most up to date Garmin GPS updates on your device will give you the peace of mind that you can drive in a foreign country with confidence and the help from your Nuvi.

The Different Options Available for Garmin Map Updates

Garmin offer three different map update options all of which are described below including how much they cost – in my opinion all three options offer cheap map update options and are very cost effective considering how much use you should get from your Nuvi GPS over the lifetime of the product.

nuMaps Guarantee – Update Garmin Maps for Free

This is the main option outlined on this website and is available to customers who have been using their GPS for less than 90 days of it receiving a satellite signal. You will need to register your details online with the company and then associate your Nuvi device to your account. At this point the online tool will give you all the options available to you for free Garmin Nuvi updates.

nuMaps Onetime – Costs $49.99

The Garmin Onetime update gives the user a one-off download of the latest version of City Navigator NT North America or City Navigator NT for Europe meaning that all their routes are as up to date as Garmin’s latest map database release. You will have access to millions of POIs as well – which are Points of Interest files giving you access to items such as ATM locations, tourist attractions, shopping malls, and many other useful points near your location that you can navigate to.

nuMaps Lifetime – Costs $89.99

Despite the name don’t be confused into thinking that you will be getting Garmin map updates for life. In fact what this refers to is the lifetime of the Nuvi GPS whilst it is in your possession and registered to your myGarmin account. Garmin release a new version of the their mapping data every quarter and four times a year, so if you buy the nuMaps Lifetime map updates option you can get the freshest and latest database direct onto your GPS each and every time this new software download is released.

If you consider that you might use and own your Nuvi GPS for three or four years then the Lifetime offer is in fact very cost effective and possibly the best choice for you to go for.

Free Garmin Map Updates 2019

For all Garmin map update options click on the button and link below in order to check the best maps available for your product.

Free Garmin Nuvi Maps Download

Please note that I also offer advice on other GPS manufacturers. Please browse the rest of the website for TomTom map updates as well as all the leading companies that produce and sell in-car GPS satellite navigation products or click here to continue and get free Garmin map updates from another online resource that also appears to offer great deals and offers on updating your Garmin Nuvi GPS.