Maps updated via Garmin Express, but watch says “Update Available”

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This page discusses an issue with Maps and the way the Map Manager App works on Garmin smartwatches.

The issue has been reported by user reporting wide range of Garmin watches including Fenix 7 editions, Epix Gen 2 editions, Enduro 2 user, Enduro 3 users and other models as well.

If your watch model is not stated, it does not imply that the issue may not manifest on your watch.

Before discussing the possible solutions, let us list the issue description below. The Map Update Available issue may show up on your Garmin watch and show one or more of the following error messages:

  • Maps updated via Garmin Express, but watch says “Update Available”. Downloads via wifi fail at 100% with “Map Sync Failed”
  • MapManager – “Map Sync Failed” (Maps updated via computer but watch still reflects updates available with one still “queued”.)

These issues may arise while update Topo Maps or Outdoor Maps. So, we look into few possible steps for a resolution.

Solution for Map Update Available or Map Sync Failed

The following solutions have been shared by Garmin users on the Garmin support forums.

Update firmware

A user has reported resolution of Map Update issue through the latest firmware version 23.18 rolled out for Enduro 2, Fenix 7, and Epix Gen 2 watches.

In any case, it makes sense to ensure that the firmware on your smartwatch is updated to the latest version.

So, the first step in our troubleshooting would be to ensure that the Garmin watch has the latest firmware on it.

Remove maps from the Map Manager

The second option for resolving ‘Map Update Available’ or ‘May Sync Failed’ involves using the Map Manager on Garmin to remove the maps from the watch.

The exact sequence of steps is something like this:

  • Hold MENU.
  • Select Map > Map Manager.
  • Select an option:
    • Select TopoActive Maps, select a map, press START, and select Remove.
    • Select Outdoor Maps+, select a map, press START, and select Delete.

Once the maps have been deleted from the watch, restart the watch. Allow the watch to reboot.

Now, get the maps to be downloaded and updated on the watch again.

The map refresh method is a simple and non-intrusive method to get maps to update fully on the Garmin smartwatch.

Reset the Garmin Device XML File using Garmin Express

Another user reported resolution of the issue by resetting the garmindevice.xml file using the Garmin Express application.

(before proceeding with this alternative, do understand that accessing and making changes to Garmin’s folder on the watch may result in unpredictable results)

So, you need a computer and the Garmin Express application on your computer to perform these steps below.

  • Connect the watch to the computer.
  • Use Garmin Express to go through the Garmin folders on your computer.
  • These folders represent data files and other Garmin specific files that reside within your watch’s storage.
  • Delete the file “garmindevice.xml” via the windows file explorer.
    Remove the watch from the computer and restart the watch.
  • If the issue remains unresolved after watch restart, reconnect the watch to the computer and re-launch the Garmin Express application for a refresh of the folders.

The instructions to remove garmindevice.xml file for Windows computers are shared below.

Delete GarminDevice.xml file on Windows computers

  1. Connect the Garmin handheld to the computer using the USB data/charging cable.
  2. Press Windows key () + E on the keyboard to open Windows/File Explorer.
  3. Select This PC (Windows 10 and Windows 11 only).
  4. Open the Garmin drive labeled as your device model.
  5. Open the GARMIN folder.
  6. Right-click the GarminDevice.xml file and select Copy.
  7. Return to the desktop screen.
  8. Right-click on the desktop and select Paste.