Both programs are available as free downloads for Windows PCs and Macs. While some TomTom updates are paid, you can update your device for free with the company's “Latest Map Guarantee” if you've purchased it recently or if you have a device or app that includes Lifetime Maps.
Free Lifetime TomTom Map Downloads
If you purchased a TomTom with lifetime maps, these updates are free for as long as your device remains supported by TomTom. Once you have the software installed, plug your TomTom into your computer using a USB cable and wait. The map download should start automatically.File size versus download time
| Download speed / File size | 512 Kb/s | 1.5 Mb/s |
|---|
| 2 GB (2,000 MB) | not recommended | 3 hours |
| 4 GB (4,000 MB) | not recommended | 6 hours |
| 8 GB (8,000 MB) | not recommended | 12 hours |
| All values in this table are theoretical values. External influences lower the actual download speeds. |
The moment you connect your TomTom device to a computer, your device asks Do you want to connect to 'computer'. If your device does not connect to the computer, it could be caused by your device not responding, TomTom HOME not recognising your device, or your computer not recognising your device.
Upload Map to TomTom SD Card
- Insert the memory card into the card slot on the TomTom device.
- Plug the device into the computer using the USB cable.
- Power on the GPS device.
- Click the Windows “Start” button and select “Computer.” Click the entry for the TomTom device under the Removable Devices section.
- Visit TomTom.com. To update the software and maps on your TomTom GPS, you'll first need to visit TomTom.com and download the TomTom Home software.
- Install and run TomTom Home.
- Connect via USB.
- Latest map guarantee.
- Choose your update.
- Download and install.
- Other updates.
Open the "Which TomTom device do I have?" page (link in Resources) and type the first two letters of the serial number into the field. Click "Find" to display the model. The result does not provide any technical specifications or features, so use the search box to the right to find more information about the model.
Adding a device to your account
- Download MyDrive Connect.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to link the connected navigation device to your TomTom account.
- You can add another device to your account by clicking My Devices on the home screen of MyDrive Connect, then ADD A DEVICE.
TomTom has announced a new free app for Android called TomTom Go Mobile. The new app replaces TomTom's previous satnav app and completely changes the fee structure, giving you free navigation, speed cameras and traffic for 50 miles a month, every month.
To activate and use your Lifetime Maps, connect your device to your PC and create a MyTomTom account at www.tomtom.com/getstarted. Once you have registered, we will send you an email every time a new map is released.
To obtain an activation code, the first thing you need to do is find the product code of your TomTom product. This product code consists of 3 groups of 5 letters and digits, and is located on a sticker on your CD-box.
TomTom Traffic is TomTom's premium real-time traffic information service. It pinpoints exactly where delays start and end so you always know your fastest route. Lifetime TomTom Traffic can only be used on the TomTom device that you have purchased and cannot be transferred to another TomTom device or smartphone app.
How to update your TomTom device?
- Make sure MyDrive Connect is installed on your computer. Download for Windows®
- Connect your sat nav to your PC via the USB cable. MyDrive Connect will start automatically.
- A new screen will open, login and choose the updates you would like to perform.
TomTom has reached out to customers with older Sat Nav models to inform them their hardware will no receive new map updates. It told customers that active subscriptions for map updates will continue until the subscription expiry date, but customers will not be able to renew maps or receive new software updates.
While some TomTom updates are paid, you can update your device for free with the company's “Latest Map Guarantee” if you've purchased it recently or if you have a device or app that includes Lifetime Maps.
In order to quickly receive a GPS fix, your device needs to have the latest software installed. Connect to TomTom HOME or MyDrive Connect and download any software and QuickGPSfix updates. In some cases, if the software on your navigation device is not working as expected, you may need to reset the device.
In most cases simply trying to download the update again and leaving the navigation device connected to the computer resolves the problem. If you get an error during an update, try the following: Try downloading and installing the updates again using MyDrive Connect.
Your device comes with Free Lifetime Maps. To activate and use your Lifetime Maps, you need to go to www.tomtom.com/home to download and install TomTom HOME, create a TomTom account and connect your device to your PC. We will then send you an email every time a new map is released.
Devices no longer supported:
*Your TomTom device includes regular software updates, fixed speed camera updates, and seasonal (4x per year) map updates, as well as traffic and mobile speed camera services. These updates and services will remain available for the lifetime of this device.Wearables are a hard business, and TomTom is getting out of it. It's likely that you know it best for its GPS software and products, but TomTom has been in the wearables game for years as well. But as we know, and as previously proven by both Jawbone and Fitbit, that's a difficult game to win.
QuickGPSfix - no additional cost
* Your TomTom device comes with regular software and fixed speed camera updates and seasonal (4 times per year) updates for maps.It begins with this post: I have a TomTom XL and have map updates. I routinely do the map updates. Typically they take one to three days.
To update your TomTom navigation device, you need to install the MyDrive Connect application on your PC or Mac computer. Once installed, please simply connect your TomTom navigation device to your PC or Mac and the application will start automatically.
The TomTom Start 25 offers essential navigation and lifetime map updates. Finding destinations is simple from the Search menu or by touching a point on the map.
Map Update Service - Paid service
Roads change by as much as 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, you need to keep your map up-to-date with these changes. That's why TomTom has created the Map Update Service.To reset your TomTom device, do the following:
- Check that the battery is charged properly. Charge your device for at least 2 hours before trying to turn it on again. Make sure the charging light on your device is on.
- Reset your device. Press and hold the On/Off button until your device restarts.
Check map version on device
Your current map version can tell you if your map is up-to-date. See the FAQ Check map and application version for the instructions to find the current map version on your navigation device. The version of the map is listed next to the name of the Map: 'Europe' v1000. 1234, for instance.LM: Free Life Time Map Updates. Garmin GPS units with LM on its model number means once you buy the device, you will also get a free life time map updates service, which can always keep our map update-to-date. and LMT, means Life Time Map and Traffic Updates.