Garmin map updates download 2023 for free

the good news is that if you own a Garmin GPS device, there’s a way to get free Garmin GPS maps. And in most cases, the free maps are much better than the expensive Garmin maps. I’m a big fan of Garmin GPS devices, but I always found it disappointing that they charged extra for maps. Garmin doesn’t publicize it, but most of their GPS units are setup to take any maps in the correct format. Here’s how to get and install these free hiking maps in an easy, step-by-step process. We have done the hard work for you to bring the latest map updates from garmin for free in the year 2022.

In retrospect, I think the price for Garmin maps for 2023 is too high. There are some as good, or better, alternatives available at no cost online. This product is overpriced for what it is. I would recommend other software.– Garmin Map Review on Amazon

Why Garmin map updates download 2023 for free?

So let me start by saying there are a lot of ways to get free Garmin GPS maps, and a lot of different methods to install them. You could create whole websites devoted to the subject, and people have (see below). This article focuses on installing my favorite free Garmin GPS maps for hiking in the USA, using OpenStreetMaps. If these don’t work for you, try exploring the other map services that I have listed below.

You can also create your own highly-customized maps and download them to your Garmin device. and the best part is that garmin 2023 maps are also supported with new map updates download.

OpenStreetMaps are the Wikipedia of maps. The public contributes to, confirms, and edits the data on the map. This curation goes for hiking trails too. The maps are regularly updated, and over the last few years have seemed the most accurate in my experience. You can even become a contributor if you like.

free maps for garmin gps
Here’s a side by side comparison of the Garmin base map with these free topo maps.

The free hiking maps that I’m recommending are great because:

  • They are good topographic maps with elevation contours.
  • They have a large number of hiking trails on them.
  • They are “routable,” which means that you can use free tools like Garmin Basecamp to automatically create routes and tracks that you can follow (without having to plot each point of the trail yourself).
  • The colors and detail work well for me. That is, they look good on the device.
  • USA regions are packaged together.
free maps for garmin gps
This screenshot gives you an idea of the level of the detail in these free maps. You can also search the maps for points of interest. Here I searched for the Great Smoky Mtn NP.

Video Instructions

If you are on Windows, there are some special instructions below.

Which Garmin GPS devices do the maps work with?

First off, the Garmin unit you have might have maps already. You probably know this, but if you’re shopping for a GPS, go to the Garmin website page for the unit. If it maps come with the unit, it will say it has “preloaded topo maps.”

If you already have a unit and want to find out if these free maps work, go to the unit’s page on the Garmin website, and then check out the “specs” section. There is a line for “ability to add maps,” if you have a check there, you’re good to go.

Downloading the Free Garmin GPS Maps

The first thing you’re going to want to do is visit the GMapTool website, specifically the USA OSM Topo Routable page.

free maps for garmin gps
The nice thing about this site is that they’ve bundled the maps up into large regions.

Then pick the region you want, and download the appropriate map package (link way at the bottom of the page). The files are pretty big. The download might take a while.

Installing the Free Maps on Your Computer

The instructions are different for Mac and PC. The map website has a link for installation instructions, click on that. My instructions cover the installation on a Mac, but I have some general that fill in the gaps for installing on Windows below .

For the Mac, you’ll need three (free) programs to install the maps. You can download and install these programs while you wait for your maps to download.

free maps for garmin gps
First is a 7z extractor. The map downloads are in 7z format, which is a fancy compressed ZIP file. Download and install this program. There are also other free and paid 7z options in the Mac App Store.
free maps for garmin gps
Then download the free Garmin MapInstall and MapManager programs. They make installing the maps easy and non-technical.
free maps for garmin gps
Once you download the map file, open it with your 7z application. It will unzip the files and put them into a folder.
free maps for garmin gps
After unzipping, you’ll have a few files in the folder. Double-click on the large file with the “gmap” extension on the end.
free maps for garmin gps
That should launch Garmin MapManager, which will ask you if you want to install the maps. Hit “yes” and it will copy the maps into your Garmin directory. When you’re finished, delete the map download and the unzipped folder.

That’s it. The maps are on your computer. If you’re not already using the free Garmin Basecamp tool, I highly recommend getting it. It will allow you to browse maps, create tracks, and is invaluable in planning hikes. You can make it simpler by also using Garmin express for free Garmin map updates

free maps for garmin gps
Pairing Garmin Basecamp with these free maps for Garmin GPS gives you.a powerful planning tool. Here I’m browsing detail around Icehouse Saddle in California.

Installing the Free Maps on Your Garmin GPS

Once your map is downloaded and installed, you’re all set to install them on your GPS unit.

free maps for garmin gps
Connect your Garmin GPS unit to your computer and make sure it’s on. Give it a minute or two to load and register with the computer.
free maps for garmin gps
Load the Garmin MapInstall application. It should show your GPS unit in the top box. Hit continue.
free maps for garmin gps
MapInstall will show you what maps you have installed already (if any), what’s on your computer, and how much room you have on your device (at the bottom). Click on the maps you want to install while watching the space on your device. My eTrex 20x has 3.7gb of internal memory, no need to add a MicroSD card. Click “send maps.”
free maps for garmin gps
Now you wait. It can take a while for the maps to load onto your device. Don’t do this if you’re in a rush.
free maps for garmin gps
Now confirm that the maps are loaded. Go into your settings for maps and poke around. The process is different for different units, but you should be able to see something like this.
free maps for garmin gps
Boom! Maps! Enjoy the maps on your Garmin GPS. And if there is too much detail or the map rendering seems slow, go to settings and try decreasing the detail level.

Installing on GPS Devices With MTP Mode

Garmin added a connection mode called MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) to transfer files, which makes the Garmin appear as a “media device.” And of course, Apple doesn’t support it. Most Garmin devices allow you to switch the USB mode to “mass-storage” and you should find that in the settings and give it a try. Make sure the device firmware is updated to get the latest settings. Once in “mass-storage” mode, you should be able to follow the steps laid out earlier.

If you’re stuck in MTP mode, I’ve found a solution. It’s not the most graceful one in the world, but it works (confirmed on a Fenix 5x Plus).

  • Get your maps from here: http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl
  • The site will send you an email with a download link.
  • Download the ZIP file that is described as “Compressed file that contains a single image that can be placed directly onto the SD-card of the GPS.”
  • Unzip the file. You should have a file with a “.img” extension.
  • Now we need to connect the Garmin to the computer. Download the free Android File Transfer program from Google. Install it on your machine as per the instructions.
  • If you have Garmin Express running, make sure it’s not running and you have disabled any “automatically launch when device is connected” settings.
  • Plug in your Garmin to the computer and launch the Android File Transfer program. You should see a screen like this:
    Fenix 5x Plus File Transfer
  • Simply drag the “.img” file that you downloaded into the Garmin folder. You might want to rename the “.img” file to make sure it doesn’t whack any maps already on there.

That’s it. Go to your map settings and turn the OSM map on and off.

Osm Maps On Fenix 5x Plus
OSM maps on my Fenix 5x Plus

Tips for Windows Installation

The directions on GMapTool site aren’t very descriptive for Windows. Here are some tips from fellow hiker Dave T. on how to install the free maps on Windows.

  • Run the “bat” file as described on the GMapTool site.
  • Open Garmin Basecamp to ensure that the maps have been installed.
  • Use the free Garmin MapInstall program to send the maps to your device. OR you can also install them directly from Basecamp. Right click on the internal storage and selected install maps (thanks to John S for the tip).
  • Or use the maps at garmin.openstreetmap.nl, Download your map first. This will create a single “img” file for each map you download.  Then copy that map file to your Garmin (the drive if you have a micro SD card, not the device) in the “Garmin” folder (which you must create first if it doesn’t already exist).

Get latest map updates free download

Garmin Express Icon

Need to update maps, update software or manage a device from your desktop?

GET GARMIN EXPRESS™<p>Looking for information on activating or downloading a BirdsEye product?</p>

BirdsEye Icon

Looking for information on activating or downloading a BirdsEye product?

LEARN MORE

Garmin Communicator Plugin Icon

Want to update your PACCAR device, transfer geocaches or unlock maps in BaseCamp software?



Get the Garmin Communicator Plugin:

DOWNLOAD FOR MAC

®DOWNLOAD FOR PC

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? Our Support Center will point you in the right direction.

VISIT SUPPORT CENTER

Maps and Map Updates

Select your device category.AUTOMOTIVEGOLFMARINEAVIATIONOUTDOORCYCLINGWEARABLES

Streets change. Businesses open and close.

Make sure you have the latest detailed street maps and points of interest to ensure fast, accurate navigation. Whether you have a navigator that includes map updates or you need to purchase an update or you aren’t sure — get started by downloading Garmin Express software.

DOWNLOAD GARMIN EXPRESS


Need to purchase a map for a different region? Shop Now

Have a navigation system built-in to your dash? Find updates for your in-dash system.

If These Free Garmin GPS Maps Don’t Work For You

There are other free maps for your Garmin GPS, and again, they might have different instructions for installation. Check the website where the maps are offered for directions on how to install them.

If you’re having trouble finding the GMAP folder, this tip has helped some folks (thanks to Liz S!).

how do i update my garmin maps for free in 2023?

Click the maps tab. The currently installed maps and the available updates are listed next to each of your registered devices. NoTe: If “Free Update Available” for 2023, appears next to a device, that device is eligible for a free map update. You can download the free update from my Garmin. This text is taken from the official site.

Some Final Thoughts

I recommend planning your hike and creating a GPX file beforehand. Most Garmin GPS units are too small for anything more than impromptu navigation planning. I have a tutorial on how to plan a hiking route for your Garmin GPS here.

And I could use your help. I don’t download these maps every day, so if these directions don’t seem up to date, please contact me and let me know. I’ll update the directions here accordingly.

Lastly, a note if you’re having tech issues. Unfortunately, I can’t help everyone who emails me. I recommend posting your question online in the Garmin Reddit, the Garmin Forums, or in a Garmin group on Facebook. That’s probably you’re quickest path to success.

Have an idea on how to make these guides better? Leave me your thoughts here..

How to download free maps for a Garmin GPS: step-by-step instructions

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.