Like most electronics manufacturers, Garmin offers a range of useful services to registered owners of its GPS devices. Registering the product means you'll be able to get warranty service even if you've lost your purchase receipt, and if your unit is stolen Garmin will be able to locate it when it is used again. Registered users also receive regular firmware updates, keeping the unit current. Registration is a simple process that takes only a few minutes.
Garmin made its name with GPS direction devices and has expanded its offering to a variety of tracking services. Monitoring where your GPS device goes can.
Step 1
Navigate to the My Garmin website (link in Resources) and click 'Register.' On the Registration page, click the appropriate icon for your Nuvi product and a new page loads, prompting you to sign in or create a Garmin user account. Click the 'Create One' link.
Step 2
Sign in using an existing social media profile; choose from Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. Alternatively, create a new account just for Garmin by entering your name, email address and your choice of username and a password. Read the Terms of Use and Privacy Agreement, then click 'Create Account.'
Step 3
Connect the Nuvi to your computer using the supplied USB cable. You are be prompted to install the Garmin Communicator plugin for your Web browser. The specific process varies among browsers, but boils down to following the onscreen prompts.
Step 4
Wait while Communicator detects your device. When it's done, your GPS model is identified on the screen. Click 'Continue' to confirm that the information is correct.
Enter the serial number of your device and, if prompted, your contact information. Click 'Next' to finish registration. The following 'Registration Complete' page informs you if any updates are available for your Nuvi.
Tip
- The registration process varies slightly, depending on the type of Nuvi device you're registering. The details may also change over time as Garmin updates its website.
Items you will need
- Nuvi USB cable
- Serial number for your device
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The Garmin Nuvi guides you through city streets and down rural roads with accurate directions, traffic updates and a list of points of interest. All Nuvis have a model number that enables you to identify your product. You'll need to know this model number if you want to look up documentation for your device, download updates or contact Garmin for support. If you know your model number, you can also quickly get service for your device in the event of a product recall. If your Nuvi is attached to a vehicle cradle, you need to remove it to find the model number.
Step 1
Disconnect the Nuvi from the vehicle charger, if applicable.
Step 2
Press the tab on the front of the vehicle cradle to unlock the Nuvi, and pull the device toward you to remove it.
Flip the device over. Look for the model number on the back or bottom of the Nuvi. The model number always starts with 'Nuvi' and is followed by three or four numbers or letters.
Tips
- Garmin has recalled several Nuvi models because of a battery that may overheat and cause a fire hazard. These models include the Nuvi 200W, 250W, 260W and 7xx, where 'xx' is a two-digit number.
- Garmin also provides the model number on your product's packaging and owner's manual. You may also find the number inside the battery compartment.
- You can find more information about your Nuvi in the System menu. To access it, go to 'Tools,' select 'Settings,' select 'System' and choose 'About.' This menu displays your Nuvi's model number, unit ID and software version. You will need to know this information if you update the device's maps or software.