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How to Install and Update Garmin Marine Charts

Quick answer: to install a Garmin BlueChart g3 or Garmin Navionics+ chart, insert the chart card into the card slot on your compatible Garmin chartplotter or marine handheld and leave it there. To activate a Navionics+ subscription and update your charts afterwards, Garmin provides two free tools: the ActiveCaptain app on a phone or tablet, and the Garmin Express app on a computer with a memory card.

ActiveGPS is an authorised Garmin retailer, not Garmin. The steps below follow Garmin's own chartplotter manuals. Menu names can vary between models, so check your device's manual, and contact Garmin support for help with ActiveCaptain or Garmin Express.

Installing a New Garmin Chart Card

‣ Check the chart is compatible with your device. Each chart page on ActiveGPS lists the compatible devices.
‣ Insert the microSD card into the card slot on your chartplotter or marine handheld. No computer is needed to install the card.
‣ Leave the card in the device. The charts are read from the card, so they are only available while it is inserted.
‣ Do not copy other files onto a preloaded chart card. This can overwrite the charts, and they cannot be recovered.

If the chart does not appear, the most likely reason is that the chartplotter needs a software update. Both ActiveCaptain and Garmin Express can update Garmin chartplotter software.

Activating a Garmin Navionics+ Subscription

Every Garmin Navionics+ and Navionics Vision+ chart includes a one-year subscription to daily chart updates. Garmin's manuals say the subscription must be activated with the ActiveCaptain app before you can use the full features of the charts:

1. Insert the chart card into the chartplotter.
2. Open the ActiveCaptain app on your phone or tablet and connect it to the chartplotter.
3. Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the internet.
4. In the app, open My Charts and check that the subscription is shown as active.
5. If needed, connect the app to the chartplotter again to complete the activation.

Updating Garmin Marine Charts

With the ActiveCaptain app: register your charts in the app, then download chart updates to your phone or tablet while it has internet access. You can choose to download only the areas you need. When you reconnect the app to the chartplotter, the update is transferred.

With Garmin Express: install the free Garmin Express app from garmin.com/express on a computer and use a memory card to download chart and software updates, then insert the card into the chartplotter. Garmin recommends Garmin Express for large downloads, as it is quicker and avoids possible mobile data charges.

When a Navionics+ subscription ends, the chart card continues to work with the last chart data you downloaded.

Chart Update Cards for Built-in Charts

If your chartplotter came with charts built in, an update card is another way to bring them up to date. The Garmin BlueChart g3 UK and Ireland update card and the Garmin Navionics+ UK, Ireland and Holland update card pages explain which chartplotters each card suits and how to install it.

Looking for the Navionics Chart Installer?

For Garmin BlueChart g3 and Garmin Navionics+ charts used in a Garmin chartplotter, Garmin's chartplotter manuals describe ActiveCaptain and Garmin Express for activating and updating charts. If you are not sure which tool your chart card needs, contact Garmin support or call us on 01733 777623 (Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a computer to install a Garmin marine chart card?

No. Insert the chart card into the card slot on your compatible Garmin chartplotter or marine handheld and leave it in place. A computer is only one of the ways to update charts later, using the free Garmin Express app.

How do I activate a Garmin Navionics+ chart subscription?

Insert the chart card into the chartplotter, connect the free Garmin ActiveCaptain app on your phone or tablet to the chartplotter, and make sure your phone or tablet has an internet connection. The app activates the subscription and shows its status in its My Charts list. If needed, connect the app to the chartplotter again to complete the activation.

How do I update Garmin marine charts?

Garmin provides two free tools. The ActiveCaptain app downloads chart updates to your phone or tablet and transfers them to the chartplotter when you reconnect. The Garmin Express app on a computer downloads updates onto a memory card, which Garmin says is quicker for large downloads and avoids possible mobile data charges.

What happens when the Navionics+ subscription ends?

Every Garmin Navionics+ and Navionics Vision+ purchase includes a one-year subscription to daily chart updates. When it ends, the chart card continues to work with the last chart data you downloaded.

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This page was last reviewed on: 4th November 2026