GPS Chipset Updates
   2.90
   2.81
   2.80
   2.70
   2.60
   2.50
   2.40
GPSMAP 86s Updates
   10.20
   10.10
   9.90
   9.80
   9.50
   9.20
   9.10
   9.00
   8.80
   8.50
   8.10
   7.20
   6.30
   5.90
   5.80
   5.50
   5.40
   4.30
   4.20
GPSMAP 86sc Updates
   10.20
   10.10
   9.90
   9.80
   9.50
   9.20
   9.10
   9.00
   8.80
   8.50
   8.10
   7.20
   6.30
   5.90
   5.80
   5.50
   5.40
   4.30
   4.20
Firmware
 

 


Check Firmware Version



Garmin Express

Firmware updates, map updates, Connect IQ applications and other optional software improvements for your Garmin GPSMAP 86s/86sc unit are managed with the Garmin Express application. Links to versions for both PC and Mac can be found in Software.


 

 

WebUpdater

The Garmin WebUpdater program has been reported to find and install available updates that other methods fail to locate. Versions for both PC and Mac are available in Software.

 



Wireless Updates

When connected to the internet via an active Wi-Fi connection, the GPSMAP 86s/86sc will periodically check for (non beta) firmware updates and download them seamlessly in the background when available. Once the download has completed, the GPSMAP 86s/86sc will prompt the user to install the firmware update at the next power-on event.



 

GCD Updates

Current (non beta) firmware updates are available directly from Garmin using the URL http://download.garmin.com/software/GPSMAP86s_WebUpdater__xyz.gcd or http://download.garmin.com/software/GPSMAP86sc_WebUpdater__xyz.gcd and substituting xyz with the desired three digit firmware version. For example, to download firmware version 5.40, replace xyz with 540.

GCD Update Procedure

EXE Updates

Some firmware updates (usually betas) are released as a windows executable containing a compressed gupdate.gcd file and an installer program. Regardless of OS, the *.exe can be opened with an archive tool and the gupdate.gcd file can be extracted for manual updating as outlines above under GCD Update Procedure.

EXE Update Procedure

RGN Firmware Install

Should you ever find yourself with an GPSMAP 86s/86sc that refuses to complete the boot process and all other options have failed to restore the unit to its former glory, a forced RGN Firmware Installation may be your only hope.



GPS Chipset Type M5 (3313) Software Update History

GPS
Version

Release
Date

Release Notes

2.90

 15JUN22
  • GNSS Software Release.

2.81

 26MAY22
  • GNSS Software Release.

2.80

 10AUG20
  • Fixes crash in Expedition mode with WAAS or GALILEO in use.

2.70

 04JUN19
  • Improved reliability of low power mode.

2.60

 01MAY19
  • Improved expedition mode reliability.

2.50

 26OCT18
  • Improved GPS Performance in Expedition mode.

2.40

 22OCT18
  • Improved overall GPS positional accuracy.





GPSMAP 86s (3452) Firmware Update History

Firmware
Version		 Release
Date

Release Notes
10.20 ---
  • Bug fixes and improvements.
10.10 11MAR25
  • Fixed issue causing missing letters in marine map feature names.
9.90 03SEP24
  • Unknown.
9.80 08SEP23
  • Fixed possible issue where data may persist after a factory reset.
9.50 25APR23
  • Added seconds to waypoint timestamp.
  • Added option to enable or disable course alerts.
  • Added advanced routing setup menu.
  • Improved waypoint date format for some languages.
  • Fixed possible shutdown on mark waypoint page.
  • Fixed possible shutdown for CIQ apps.
  • Fixed possible issue with course navigation where the wrong course would be navigated.
  • Fixed possible device shutdown during GPX export.
  • Fixed collections manager layout with large numbers of points.
  • Fixed possible issue preventing active weather data from being downloaded.
  • Fixed layout of Active Route page.
  • Fixed possible issue with searching for waypoints near a city.
  • Fixed possible issue where POIs wouldn’t appear on the map.
  • Fixed issue preventing the user from cancelling a power on master reset.
  • Fixed issue preventing spell search results from being useable.
  • Fixed several inReach Remote issues.
9.20 03JUN22
  • Fixed a possible issue where POIs wouldn't appear on the map.
9.10 01JUN22
  • Fixed a possible shutdown when entering expedition mode.
  • Fixed a possible issue with editing a Geocache filter.
  • Fixed a possible issue with removing an item from the page sequence.
  • Fixed a possible issue with modifying the coordinates of Multi-Caches.
  • Fixed a possible issue with editing a Course name.
  • Fixed unit settings not being profile-dependent.
9.00 26JAN22
  • Fixed issue with main menu as base page.
  • Fix shutdown when downloading BirdsEye imagery when SD Card is inserted.
  • Improved Find key to search near map cursor position when appropriate.
  • Fixed possible issues with expedition mode.
  • Fixed possible issues with Search Near option.
  • Fixed possible issue with Cancel button when saving a course.
  • Fixed incorrect option menu items when reviewing a course.
  • Fixed incorrect option menu items when reviewing the current recording.
  • Fixed possible issue when changing long course names.
  • Fixed incorrect English text when deleting a profile.
  • Fixed possible issue where course review page could show stale data.
  • Fixed routing prompt appearing twice when adding a via point.
  • Fixed possible issues with menus in Connect IQ applications.
  • Fixed possible unexpected behavior when saving or clearing an activity.
  • Fixed adding via points to on road routes to a single point.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when downloading Birdseye Direct images.
  • Fixed missing lap data in course files generated on the device.
  • Fixed incorrect tone for on and off course alerts.
  • Fixed issue with on and off course alerts appearing when they should not.
  • Fixed possible issue syncing courses with Explore mobile.
  • Fixed issues searching for address numbers with more than 6 characters.
8.80 17NOV21
  • Added support for creating courses. Courses can be navigated point to point like a track, or using map data like a route.
  • Added support for syncing courses with Garmin Explore. Requires updated Garmin Explore app.
  • Added ability to convert routes and tracks to courses.
  • Added ability to pair to Garmin Explore without first pairing to Garmin Connect Mobile. Requires updated Garmin Explore app.
  • Added option to search for POIs near a selected city.
  • Added on course and off course alerts to track navigation.
  • Improved status bar to show paired sensors instead of only enabled sensors.
  • Improved Bluetooth device names in sensor setup.
  • Fixed possible issues with live geocache lists.
  • Fixed possible issues returning to the adventure review map from another page.
  • Fixed time data when copying tracks in reverse.
  • Fixed issue where route list would not update after route was deleted.
  • Fixed issue with keyboard language not persisting through power cycles.
  • Fixed an issue deleting adventures that contain routes.
  • Fixed possible issue with elapsed time when recording is paused.
  • Fixed possible shutdown selecting Current Activity from the Recorded Activities app.
  • Fixed issue where messages would appear during power-down.
  • Fixed possible issue with missing track stats in GPX files.
  • Fixed issue selecting the first point on the active route page.
  • Fixed possible shutdown on keyboard page.
  • Fixed display issue on photo viewer page.
  • Fixed recording with expedition mode when auto-start is off.
  • Fixed issue where archived tracks could not be deleted.
  • Fixed issue with LiveTrack data not being sent correctly.
  • Fixed issue with displaying a blue background on the Weather hourly details page.
  • Updated low battery alerts to display when remaining battery is 25%, 10% and 5%.
8.50 N/A
  • Fixed possible issues with Explore sync.
  • Fixed possible issue with incorrect track distances when using expedition mode.
  • Fixed issue where the text and keyboard languages could get out of sync.
  • Fixed possible invalid track GPX files after changing color.
  • Fixed issue with not displaying the track line color indicator in Recording Controls.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when using a right-to-left language keyboard.
  • Fixed possible shutdown in Waypoint Manager after deleting all waypoints.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when viewing the Current Activity from the Find menu.
  • Fixed possible issue with inReach Remote message notifications.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when sending Quick Text messages with inReach Remote.
8.10 11MAR21
  • Improved recent finds list to include navigation started from the map.
  • Improved functionality of navigation features with Explore.
  • Improved round trip routing setup experience.
  • Improved naming of sensors to make ANT vs BLE more clear.
  • Fixed issue with weather map not defaulting to active weather position.
  • Fixed possible issues with items missing during Explore Sync.
  • Fixed an issue where certain submenus could be drawn off screen.
  • Fixed issue setting custom waypoint offsets using filename.
  • Fixed possible issues that caused the main menu to draw over the current page.
  • Fixed possible shutdown related to BirdsEye direct downloads.
  • Fixed possible issue getting stuck on a page after powerup.
  • Fixed possible issues with postal code searches.
  • Fixed issue where proximity alerts would only alert once.
  • Fixed missing alerts from points loaded using POI loader tool.
  • Fixed adding hidden SSID networks.
  • Fixed possible issues with time restricted speed limits.
  • Fixed navigation to a geocache to always continue until ended by user.
  • Fixed geocache file list to wrap.
  • Fixed some issues with geocache photos.
  • Fixed issue where certain pages could incorrectly appear to have tabs.
  • Fixed issue where fit activities could be missing start time data.
  • Fixed issue where bearing line would not appear on map in CDI compass mode.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when sending a Quick Text from inReach Remote.
7.20 24NOV20
  • Added support for starting navigation from the Explore app.
  • Added support for displaying emoji in inReach Remote text messages.
  • Added an emoji keyboard for use when composing text messages in inReach Remote.
  • Improved the process of deleting .ggz files.
  • Fixed issue with geocache proximity alarm slowing down start up times.
  • Fixed issue that could occur when clearing geocaching live data while navigating to a geocache.
6.30 15SEP20
  • Added support for blinking the red LED to indicate low battery
  • Added support for the additional waypoints part of a geocache to be downloaded via geocaching live
  • Added geocache proximity alerts
  • Added Auto Save to recording setup, replacing Auto Archive
  • Added Garmin Explore collections manager
  • Improved BirdsEye Direct download speeds
  • Improved use of Menu > Menu so that page sequence positioning is not lost
  • Improved Chirp icon to indicate when Chirp is active
  • Improved behavior of navigation of the active track after a power cycle
  • Fixed possible issues with entering Expedition Mode with GPS + GALILEO or WAAS/EGNOS enabled
  • Fixed possible issues with using Share Wirelessly to transfer pictures or custom maps
  • Fixed possible shutdowns related to BirdsEye Direct
  • Fixed possible issues with Chirp pages
  • Fixed possible issues with geocache filters
  • Fixed possible display issue on the review page for right to left languages
  • Fixed incorrect location data on geocache logs
  • Connect IQ security improvements
5.90 10JUN20
  • CIQ security update
  • Fixed issue with viewing three-digit temperatures on the Active Weather page
5.80 28APR20
  • Fixed CIQ applications not being able to download content
  • Fixed coordinates display on the Satellite page when in demo mode
  • Fixed sending XERO locations to another device
  • Fixed rendering of overlapping BirdsEye maps
  • Fixed track review map not always centering on the track
  • Fixed native spelling of languages in the language selection list
  • Fixed missing Man Overboard entry in main menu after settings reset
  • Improved cold temperature battery capacity monitoring
  • Updated World Magnetic Model to 2020 release
5.50 30JAN20
  • Added ability to display FIT Activities on the map
  • Improved hiking route calculation performance
  • Improved text message composition in inReach Remote
  • Fixed issue with using Spell Search to find cities in BirdsEye Direct
  • Fixed issue with editing coordinates
  • Fixed issue with deleting routes
  • Fixed issue with erroneous Track Archive Error dialog displaying at startup
  • Fixed keypad input issue preventing Wi-Fi networks from being added
  • Fixed issue with Bluetooth pairing to an iPhone 11
  • Fixed issue with displaying invalid positions in some position formats
  • Fixed issue with mismatched durations in Trip Computer and Recording Controls when using Expedition Mode
5.40 31OCT19
  • Added support for adjusting volume of device tones
  • Improved Active Weather user interface
  • Fixed issues with downloading BirdsEye imagery
  • Fixed issue with not properly resetting Ascent, Descent, and Elevation fields in Trip Computer
4.30 30AUG19
  • Added support for verified inReach Remote connections
  • Fixed issue when creating proximity alarms
  • Improved Bluetooth reliability
4.20 05AUG19
  • Fixed issue with downloading BirdsEye imagery

 

 


GPSMAP 86sc (3453) Firmware Update History

Firmware
Version		 Release
Date

Release Notes
10.20 ---
  • Bug fixes and improvements.
10.10 11MAR25
  • Fixed issue causing missing letters in marine map feature names.
9.90 03SEP24
  • Unknown.
9.80 08SEP23
  • Fixed possible issue where data may persist after a factory reset.
9.50 25APR23
  • Added seconds to waypoint timestamp.
  • Added option to enable or disable course alerts.
  • Added advanced routing setup menu.
  • Improved waypoint date format for some languages.
  • Fixed possible shutdown on mark waypoint page.
  • Fixed possible shutdown for CIQ apps.
  • Fixed possible issue with course navigation where the wrong course would be navigated.
  • Fixed possible device shutdown during GPX export.
  • Fixed collections manager layout with large numbers of points.
  • Fixed possible issue preventing active weather data from being downloaded.
  • Fixed layout of Active Route page.
  • Fixed possible issue with searching for waypoints near a city.
  • Fixed possible issue where POIs wouldn’t appear on the map.
  • Fixed issue preventing the user from cancelling a power on master reset.
  • Fixed issue preventing spell search results from being useable.
  • Fixed several inReach Remote issues.
9.20 03JUN22
  • Fixed a possible issue where POIs wouldn't appear on the map.
9.10 01JUN22
  • Fixed a possible shutdown when entering expedition mode.
  • Fixed a possible issue with editing a Geocache filter.
  • Fixed a possible issue with removing an item from the page sequence.
  • Fixed a possible issue with modifying the coordinates of Multi-Caches.
  • Fixed a possible issue with editing a Course name.
  • Fixed unit settings not being profile-dependent.
9.00 26JAN22
  • Fixed issue with main menu as base page.
  • Fix shutdown when downloading BirdsEye imagery when SD Card is inserted.
  • Improved Find key to search near map cursor position when appropriate.
  • Fixed possible issues with expedition mode.
  • Fixed possible issues with Search Near option.
  • Fixed possible issue with Cancel button when saving a course.
  • Fixed incorrect option menu items when reviewing a course.
  • Fixed incorrect option menu items when reviewing the current recording.
  • Fixed possible issue when changing long course names.
  • Fixed incorrect English text when deleting a profile.
  • Fixed possible issue where course review page could show stale data.
  • Fixed routing prompt appearing twice when adding a via point.
  • Fixed possible issues with menus in Connect IQ applications.
  • Fixed possible unexpected behavior when saving or clearing an activity.
  • Fixed adding via points to on road routes to a single point.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when downloading Birdseye Direct images.
  • Fixed missing lap data in course files generated on the device.
  • Fixed incorrect tone for on and off course alerts.
  • Fixed issue with on and off course alerts appearing when they should not.
  • Fixed possible issue syncing courses with Explore mobile.
  • Fixed issues searching for address numbers with more than 6 characters.
8.80 17NOV21
  • Added support for creating courses. Courses can be navigated point to point like a track, or using map data like a route.
  • Added support for syncing courses with Garmin Explore. Requires updated Garmin Explore app.
  • Added ability to convert routes and tracks to courses.
  • Added ability to pair to Garmin Explore without first pairing to Garmin Connect Mobile. Requires updated Garmin Explore app.
  • Added option to search for POIs near a selected city.
  • Added on course and off course alerts to track navigation.
  • Improved status bar to show paired sensors instead of only enabled sensors.
  • Improved Bluetooth device names in sensor setup.
  • Fixed possible issues with live geocache lists.
  • Fixed possible issues returning to the adventure review map from another page.
  • Fixed time data when copying tracks in reverse.
  • Fixed issue where route list would not update after route was deleted.
  • Fixed issue with keyboard language not persisting through power cycles.
  • Fixed an issue deleting adventures that contain routes.
  • Fixed possible issue with elapsed time when recording is paused.
  • Fixed possible shutdown selecting Current Activity from the Recorded Activities app.
  • Fixed issue where messages would appear during power-down.
  • Fixed possible issue with missing track stats in GPX files.
  • Fixed issue selecting the first point on the active route page.
  • Fixed possible shutdown on keyboard page.
  • Fixed display issue on photo viewer page.
  • Fixed recording with expedition mode when auto-start is off.
  • Fixed issue where archived tracks could not be deleted.
  • Fixed issue with LiveTrack data not being sent correctly.
  • Fixed issue with displaying a blue background on the Weather hourly details page.
  • Updated low battery alerts to display when remaining battery is 25%, 10% and 5%.
8.50 N/A
  • Fixed possible issues with Explore sync.
  • Fixed possible issue with incorrect track distances when using expedition mode.
  • Fixed issue where the text and keyboard languages could get out of sync.
  • Fixed possible invalid track GPX files after changing color.
  • Fixed issue with not displaying the track line color indicator in Recording Controls.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when using a right-to-left language keyboard.
  • Fixed possible shutdown in Waypoint Manager after deleting all waypoints.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when viewing the Current Activity from the Find menu.
  • Fixed possible issue with inReach Remote message notifications.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when sending Quick Text messages with inReach Remote.
8.10 11MAR21
  • Improved recent finds list to include navigation started from the map.
  • Improved functionality of navigation features with Explore.
  • Improved round trip routing setup experience.
  • Improved naming of sensors to make ANT vs BLE more clear.
  • Fixed issue with weather map not defaulting to active weather position.
  • Fixed possible issues with items missing during Explore Sync.
  • Fixed an issue where certain submenus could be drawn off screen.
  • Fixed issue setting custom waypoint offsets using filename.
  • Fixed possible issues that caused the main menu to draw over the current page.
  • Fixed possible shutdown related to BirdsEye direct downloads.
  • Fixed possible issue getting stuck on a page after powerup.
  • Fixed possible issues with postal code searches.
  • Fixed issue where proximity alerts would only alert once.
  • Fixed missing alerts from points loaded using POI loader tool.
  • Fixed adding hidden SSID networks.
  • Fixed possible issues with time restricted speed limits.
  • Fixed navigation to a geocache to always continue until ended by user.
  • Fixed geocache file list to wrap.
  • Fixed some issues with geocache photos.
  • Fixed issue where certain pages could incorrectly appear to have tabs.
  • Fixed issue where fit activities could be missing start time data.
  • Fixed issue where bearing line would not appear on map in CDI compass mode.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when sending a Quick Text from inReach Remote.
7.20 24NOV20
  • Added support for starting navigation from the Explore app.
  • Added support for displaying emoji in inReach Remote text messages.
  • Added an emoji keyboard for use when composing text messages in inReach Remote.
  • Improved the process of deleting .ggz files.
  • Fixed issue with geocache proximity alarm slowing down start up times.
  • Fixed issue that could occur when clearing geocaching live data while navigating to a geocache.
6.30 15SEP20
  • Added support for blinking the red LED to indicate low battery
  • Added support for the additional waypoints part of a geocache to be downloaded via geocaching live
  • Added geocache proximity alerts
  • Added Auto Save to recording setup, replacing Auto Archive
  • Added Garmin Explore collections manager
  • Improved BirdsEye Direct download speeds
  • Improved use of Menu > Menu so that page sequence positioning is not lost
  • Improved Chirp icon to indicate when Chirp is active
  • Improved behavior of navigation of the active track after a power cycle
  • Fixed possible issues with entering Expedition Mode with GPS + GALILEO or WAAS/EGNOS enabled
  • Fixed possible issues with using Share Wirelessly to transfer pictures or custom maps
  • Fixed possible shutdowns related to BirdsEye Direct
  • Fixed possible issues with Chirp pages
  • Fixed possible issues with geocache filters
  • Fixed possible display issue on the review page for right to left languages
  • Fixed incorrect location data on geocache logs
  • Connect IQ security improvements
5.90 10JUN20
  • CIQ security update
  • Fixed issue with viewing three-digit temperatures on the Active Weather page
5.80 29APR20
  • Fixed CIQ applications not being able to download content
  • Fixed coordinates display on the Satellite page when in demo mode
  • Fixed sending XERO locations to another device
  • Fixed rendering of overlapping BirdsEye maps
  • Fixed track review map not always centering on the track
  • Fixed native spelling of languages in the language selection list
  • Fixed missing Man Overboard entry in main menu after settings reset
  • Improved cold temperature battery capacity monitoring
  • Updated World Magnetic Model to 2020 release
5.50 30JAN20
  • Added ability to display FIT Activities on the map
  • Improved hiking route calculation performance
  • Improved text message composition in inReach Remote
  • Fixed issue with using Spell Search to find cities in BirdsEye Direct
  • Fixed issue with editing coordinates
  • Fixed issue with deleting routes
  • Fixed issue with erroneous Track Archive Error dialog displaying at startup
  • Fixed keypad input issue preventing Wi-Fi networks from being added
  • Fixed issue with Bluetooth pairing to an iPhone 11
  • Fixed issue with displaying invalid positions in some position formats
  • Fixed issue with mismatched durations in Trip Computer and Recording Controls when using Expedition Mode
5.40 31OCT19
  • Added support for adjusting volume of device tones
  • Improved Active Weather user interface
  • Fixed issues with downloading BirdsEye imagery
  • Fixed issue with not properly resetting Ascent, Descent, and Elevation fields in Trip Computer
4.30 30AUG19
  • Added support for verified inReach Remote connections
  • Fixed issue when creating proximity alarms
  • Improved Bluetooth reliability
4.20 05AUG19
  • Fixed issue with downloading BirdsEye imagery