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Why does map updates work on Garmin Express Windows but not Garmin Express Mac for same GPS device

6520985

I have moved from a Windows laptop to a MacBook and cannot get Garmin Express to update maps.  I have followed all the steps in the video including switching on the removable volumes in Files and Folder settings.  I also tried all the steps available online for my device.  I did notice the Manage Maps button is not showing in Garmin Express.  Because it updates without any issues on my husband's Windows 11 laptop that still has USB A ports, I assuming it is a MacBook issue.  I tried using a USB A to USB C adapter on the MacBook using same GPS cable used in the Windows 11 laptop.  I also bought a new USB mini to USB C cable for the MacBook but it had the same results as the adapter.  My husband has considered moving to Mac too so I would like to try to determine what the difference is so I can resolve it.

MacOS 15.7.4

Garmin Express 7.28.0

  • 0

    Hi. I assume your MacBook has an M series chip and has USB-C sockets only. 

    Unfortunately, some (many?) Garmin devices have problems connecting to these new(ish) MacBooks.  I have the same problem with my M2 MacBook which is just over a year old, but I'm able to use an older Intel-based MacBook to get around it.  I don't believe it's related to the type of connector, as a simple adaptor is sufficient to match the wiring of an A port to a C port.  

    For now, using your husband's Windows computer is the only viable option, and we can but hope that Garmin will address this without undue delay.  Given that Windows-11 has badly misfired, causing many organisations, individual users (and a few EU governments) to migrate to Linux or Mac, Garmin really needs to get its act together and sort this out before they start losing customers.  I'm not sure I want to buy another Garmin satnav if I can't use it with my MacBook.  

  • 0

    What type of device are you trying to update, and what type of message are you getting on the Mac? 

  • 0 in reply to Garmin - SP

    When I insert the Garmin cable USB-A using an adapter into my Macbook's USB-C, the Garmin and inserted SD card appear in the Macbook's Finder application.  I am able to select the Garmin GPS in Garmin Express Mac to update maps and the SD card is also detected during the steps.  The problem is the downloading files during updating maps does not make any progress (no errors) within Garmin Express Mac.  After letting it run all day, the percentage completed and estimated time never changed unlike updating using Garnim Express Windows on a Windows 11 laptop with USB-A ports which constantly showed progress (both percentage increases and time decreases) with no issues.  Our Nuvi 265W is a very old GPS but we only use it for navigation when we have no internet service during vacations in remote areas.  I know this Garmin device is online only and I've tried everything listed on the Garmin website to resolve the Garmin Express Mac issue but my only resolution was using windows  The steps are very similar for Garmin Express Windows and Garmin Express Mac but it seems there is an issue with Garmin Express Mac which is why I created this post (Garmin software support).  It appears that something on the new MacBook (macOS security updates) or in the GPS removable device is blocking the files being sent.  

    BTW, my MacBook is less than a year old with an Apple M4 processor running Sequoia 15.7.4 and has the removable volumes switched on in Files and Folders settings.  I have not updated the madOS to Tahoe.  I have no antivirus software on it and the Windows 11 laptop iwhtoug issues is using the same WiFi network as the Mac.

  • 0 in reply to 6520985

    "using an adapter"

    Use a different adapter or cable to negate the adapter.

  • 0 in reply to 9534007

    "…MacBook has an M series chip and has USB-A sockets only."

    No such thing.

  • 0 in reply to SloMTBR

    Before I created the original post, I did buy a USB mini to USB-C cable from Best Buy because I suspected the adapter too but the results were the same.  Do I need to buy a Garmin cable with a USB-C connector assuming one exists that is compatible with my old nuvi 265W?

  • 0 in reply to 6520985

    It does not have to be a Garmin cable, but it must be capable of transmitting data - some cables are for charging only.

  • 0 in reply to SloMTBR

    Looking at the box, it has charging cable in the title. I do plan on returning it to Best Buy.  I guess I will need to search for another cable.  Thanks

  • 0 in reply to 6520985

    This was the item description on Best Buy for what I bought.  "The Insignia 6 ft USB-C to Mini-B Charge-and-Sync Cable connects to your digital camera, music players, and other devices for charging or transferring files. Its USB 2.0 connection allows data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps. This 6 ft cable features a durable, braided nylon jacket for long-lasting use."  The box has 6 ft USB-C to Mini-B Charging Cable 480Mbps on it.  With this information, I'm uncertain if it is a data transmission cable or not.

  • 0 in reply to SloMTBR

    I just tested copying a small PDF file from my MacBook to the Garmin GPS using the adapter and Garmin cable.  The file copied without any errors and I was able to open it from the GPS location and delete it afterwards.  I also tried it to the SD card with no issues.  It just seems the Garmin Express Mac is not able to download files for the map updates onto the GPS using the adapter or the new cable that I bought.