How to Recharge a Garmin GPS

by Melissa King
Charge your Garmin at home or on the road.

Charge your Garmin at home or on the road.

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Your Garmin GPS device comes with a lithium-ion battery that gives you several hours of use on a full charge. When the battery power runs low, an indicator appears on the screen to prompt you to charge the device. If you're driving and want to keep using the Garmin, you can connect it to the vehicle's power adapter to charge it. When you are at home, work or school, charge the device by connecting it to your computer or a wall outlet.

Vehicle Charge

Step 1

Connect one end of the included vehicle power cable to the port on the side of your Garmin.

Step 2

Connect the other end of the cable to your vehicle's power adapter or cigarette lighter.

Step 3

Allow the Garmin to charge fully. It may take about four or five hours to charge a completely drained device. You can continue to use your Garmin while it charges.

Wall Outlet Charge

Step 1

Connect the small end of an AC power cable to the port on the side of the Garmin.

Step 2

Connect the other end of the power cable to an electrical outlet.

Step 3

Remove the Garmin when it finishes charging, usually in about four or five hours.

USB Charge

Step 1

Connect the small end of a mini-USB cable to the USB port on the Garmin device.

Step 2

Plug the other end of the USB cable into a free USB port on your computer.

Step 3

Disconnect the Garmin when it stops charging. It takes between eight and 12 hours to fully charge a Garmin via USB.

Tip

  • Recalibrate your Garmin to increase battery gauge accuracy. Allow the battery to discharge fully, then connect it to a power source and charge for four or five hours. Remove the Garmin when it is completely recharged.
  • Turn off Bluetooth and dim the device's screen to save battery life.
  • The Garmin Quest and Quest 2 won't charge via USB cable.
  • All Garmin models come with a vehicle charging cable. Some models also come with an AC adapter or USB cable. If yours doesn't, you can buy a cable from Garmin or use your own.

About the Author

Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.

Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images