How to Change the TomTom GPS Display

by Aurelio Locsin
You can change the TomTom display to suit your style.

You can change the TomTom display to suit your style.

Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

Your TomTom car navigation device can give directions through the spoken word, but it primarily uses a moving colored map to guide you where you want to go. You can tailor the appearance of the map display to your specifications. Customizable options include colors, status information and the symbol that represents your car on the map. Actual procedures and options can vary slightly by model.

Step 1

Tap the center of the map display to show the Main menu. Tap “Change Preferences” to display the Preferences screen. Use the right arrow to page through the options as needed. After you change each option, you may need to tap the map display to return to the Main menu, so you can choose “Change Preferences” again. If you want to leave the Main menu after defining all your changes, tap “Done.”

Step 2

Tap “Use Night Colors” to switch to the darker and more subdued colors of the night display. Tap “Use Day Colors” to switch back to the brighter colors of the day display. Tap “Yes” to confirm your selection.

Step 3

Tap “Turn On 2D Display” to change the map display to an overhead view of a flat map. Choose “Change 2D/3D Display” to return to the standard 3-D map.

Step 4

Tap “Change Colors” to specify new colors for the display. You can select from one of four pre-defined day schemes and four night schemes. Click “Advanced” to display more color combinations.

Step 5

Tap “Change Car Symbol” if you want to use a different symbol for the vehicle that represents your car on the map display. The Change Car Symbol screen appears. Tap the symbol you want to use. TomTom confirms your choice with a message.

Step 6

Tap “Status Bar Preferences” to change the appearance of the blue information bar. You can specify its position by choosing “Horizontal” or “Vertical,” define the information to display by tapping a check into such check boxes as “Current Time” or “Speed,” and choose additional graphics with “Show Compass” and “Show Lane Guidance.” Tap “Done” when you're finished with the status bar changes.

Step 7

Tap “Reset Factory Settings” if you want to erase your option settings and return the unit to its original settings.

Warning

  • Do not define display preferences while you're driving your car. Instead, choose your preference before you drive, or after you pull into a parking lot or shoulder.

About the Author

Aurelio Locsin has been writing professionally since 1982. He published his first book in 1996 and is a frequent contributor to many online publications, specializing in consumer, business and technical topics. Locsin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scientific and technical communications from the University of Washington.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images