Garmin golf handheld GPS devices and golf GPS watches add tremendous value to get accurate distances to the pin or hazards thus enabling you to shoot your lowest scores.
It is important to keep the software up to date via the simple, easy to use Garmin golf watch update process on the Garmin website.
In this article, we will explain how to update a Garmin watch with free firmware upgrades on selected Garmin units.
Updating my Garmin S10/S20/S30/S40/S60 Golf Watch
Garmin S10
The minimum system specification required for updating the software is an IBM-compatible PC running Windows 7 SP1 or later operating system and an available USB port.
To download and install Garmin Express software on either your Windows or Mac device, accept the software license agreement, and link your device to the software.
Once the install is complete you can alter the setting to run the software in the background or automatically launch when you plug the Garmin device into your computer.
Furthermore, you can schedule when updates must be downloaded.
S20
The minimum system specification required for updating the software is an IBM-compatible PC running Windows 2000 or later operating system and an available USB port.
Upgrading the S20 Garmin GPS differs from the S10 as it requires you to download the Garmin Golf app to your smartphone.
Your S20 automatically updates the most frequently played golf courses with Garmin Connect Mobile.
When you connect your device to your smartphone, the golf courses you use most frequently are updated automatically.
For more detail, read our Garmin Approach S20 review.
S30
The update process for the S30 is identical to the process used for the Garmin S10.
The minimum system specification required for updating the software is an IBM-compatible PC running Windows 7 SP1 or later operating system and an available USB port. Mac users will require Mac OSX 10.11 or newer.
S40
Upgrading the S40 Garmin GPS is similar to the S20 as it uses the Garmin Golf app on your smartphone. There is no Bluetooth connection available on the Approach S40 device.
You will need to set up a Garmin Connect account to allow the Garmin Golf app to synchronize your data with your device.
After installing the app on your smartphone, you will have to pair your smartphone to your GPS device before you can use the app for the first time. The GPS device and the smartphone must be within 33 feet to connect.
Once paired, you select the device to be connected from the main menu of the app. It is possible to link multiple devices but only one can be paired at a time.
S60
Upgrading the Approach S60 Garmin requires a Garmin Connect account for the Garmin Express application software to be loaded on your PC.
Your device alerts you when upgrades are available, and you have to link to your computer.
To start the software update process on your Approach S60 you have to connect the device to your computer using the USB cable. Logon to the website, www.garminconnect.com/start, follow the onscreen instructions.
After the update is complete, you can disconnect your S60 from your computer.
How do I update my Garmin s1/s2/s3/s4/s5/s6 Golf Watch?
S1
Updating your Garmin software and golf courses on the S1 follows a similar process to the S2 with a few differences. The S1 does not have a charging cradle but a charging clip.
Similar to the S2, you connect the devices’ USB cable to your computer USB port and align the four contacts on the back of the S1 golf watch with the four posts on the charging clip.
The remainder of the update process is the same as with the S2.
S2
Updating your Garmin software and golf courses is a straightforward process. You do need a computer to do the upgrades and Garmin S2 troubleshooting.
The process requires you to download and install Garmin CourseView Updater on your computer from the Garmin website www.garmin.com/courses.
Connect the charging cradle to the computer USB port and the other end of the charging cradle to the S2 golf watch.
Now you can commence with the updates by initiating the CourseView Updater application and follow the on-screen directions.
S3
Updating software and golf courses on the S3 follows the same process as the S2 golf watch. Both golf watches connect to a USB port on the charger.
S4
Updating software and golf courses on the S4 follows a similar process to the S1 to S3 with the exception that it now uses the software that is downloaded from www.garmin.com/express.
Connect your device to a computer using the charging cable. Connect to the Garmin Express software and follow the on-screen instructions.
Software updates on the S4 do not erase your data or settings.
S5
Upgrading the S5 follows the same process as the S4.
S6
We have looked at updating most Garmin golf watches. You may ask “How do I update my Garmin S6?”.
The quick answer is that the S6 upgrade process follows the same process as the S4.
How Often Should You Update Your Garmin GPS?
The Garmin Express application should automatically open and do a Garmin golf GPS software update when you connect your Garmin device to your computer.
If you enable automatic updates in the settings it will download available updates to your device as they bacome availble. Alternatively, you will be informed of firmware upgrades if automatic updates are set to off.
If you have not connected your device to your computer for an extended period, it is recommended to check for updates every 3-4 months.
Does It Cost To Update Garmin GPS?
Garmin offers you an option to download up to 41,000 golf courses for free or have some additional updates that you can purchase.
Can You Update a Garmin GPS Without A Computer?
It is possible to upgrade software and maps via a Wi-Fi network to keep your device up to date without connecting it to a computer.
Conclusion On Updating Garmin Golf GPS
Garmin offers a comprehensive set of applications to upgrade all of their golf GPS devices.
All devices have clear and accurate and directions for straightforward upgrades.
You can find out more about the top watch golf GPS navigation systems in our article through the hyperlink.
Alternatively, learn more about one of Garmin’s main competitors in our Golf Buddy GPS Voice review.
FAQ
How do I reset my Garmin Golf app?
To reset your Garmin Golf app, go to “Settings” then select “System.” Next, you’ll see an option that says “Reset.” Once you’ve clicked on that, you will see two options. If you want to keep your data safe, select the option that says “Reset default settings.” If you don’t want to keep your data and are okay with it being deleted, select the option that says “Delete data and reset settings”
How do I force my Garmin to update?
If you want to perform a forced Garmin update, you need to turn off the device first. Now, put in the software update card and hold the power button and Up button simultaneously. Wait for the Garmin logo and release the Power button as soon it appears and release the Up button when holding Boot Block shows up.
How do I connect my Garmin Golf to my computer?
You can connect your Garmin golf watch to your computer VIA a USB cable. Once done, go to garmin.com/express. Download and install the Garmin Express application. Open the application and select “Add Device.” Follow the on-screen instructions to add and connect your device to your computer.
