- 1). Visit the website for the manufacturer of your GPS unit, such as Garmin or Magellan.
- 2). Go to the "Support" section of the site and then the "Downloads" area. This is where the latest upgrades are available for download.
- 3). Log in if you already have an account or key in the serial number of your GPS unit. Typically you get one free upgrade on your unit, which is tracked by the serial number, which is why you have to enter it or have an account.
- 4). View the latest software updates once you are logged in or have entered in the serial number. If you are eligible for the free upgrade, you will see it listed with no cost. If not, you will see a price listed by the upgrade. Prices vary by manufacturer and upgrade, but average around $80 as of 2010.
- 5). Download the upgrade to your computer or order the upgrade disk. According to CC Electronics & Gadgets, there is no difference between the two upgrade files. If you want to do an immediate update to the unit, you should download the upgrade instead of waiting for the disk to arrive by mail.
- 6). Connect your GPS unit to your computer with the USB cable that came packaged with it. When you do, the GPS update software will launch on your computer. If you have never installed the GPS software onto your computer, you will need to use the disk that came with the unit to install it so that it will launch for you.
- 7). Confirm that you want to sync the unit with the upgrade file that you download, or on the disk if you are using a disk. This will install the upgrade to your GPS unit. When it completes, you will get a message on your screen letting you know that it is done. You can now disconnect the GPS from the computer.
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