Lowrance GPS & Chartplotter Update Guide
A plain-language resource on how boat owners keep marine navigation equipment current — covering device firmware, onboard software, and nautical chart data. Written to help you understand the general process before you check the specific instructions for your own device.
GPS Map Update Guide
How Lowrance GPS Updates Work
A general marine GPS update or GPS firmware update follows a similar overall pattern across most brands, though the exact screens, file formats, and menu names vary by manufacturer and model. Use this as a mental map, then confirm the specifics against your device's own documentation.
Identify the exact device model
Look for the model name and number printed on the unit or shown in its system menu. Many product families include several variants with different update requirements.
Check the currently installed software version
Open the system or "about" menu to record the current firmware or software version before doing anything else. This is what you'll compare against after the update.
Determine what type of update you need
Decide whether you need a firmware update, a software update, a chart update, or a map-data update — they are not always the same file or process.
Confirm compatibility
Check that the update package is built for your exact model and hardware revision. Installing a mismatched package is a common source of problems.
Prepare the correct storage media
Many chartplotters use a microSD card, SD card, or USB drive for updates. Confirm the required capacity, format, and file structure ahead of time.
Back up settings and data where supported
Some devices let you export waypoints, routes, and settings before an update. Do this if your model supports it, in case anything needs to be restored.
Obtain the update through the manufacturer's official channel
Download the update package from the appropriate manufacturer resource for your device rather than a third-party mirror or unfamiliar link.
Transfer the files correctly
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for file placement and folder structure — many updates fail simply because files were copied to the wrong location.
Install the update
Insert the media if required and start the installation from the device menu, following the on-screen prompts for your specific model.
Keep the unit powered throughout
Do not disconnect power or remove the storage media while an update is installing. Interrupted installations are one of the most common causes of update failure.
Restart if required
Some devices need a manual restart after installation completes; others restart automatically. Wait for the process to fully finish either way.
Verify the installed version
Return to the system menu and confirm the version number now matches the update you installed.
Confirm charts and features work as expected
Open the chart view and confirm navigation data displays correctly, especially if the update included chart or map data.
Chart Update Guide
Nautical Chart & Map Updates
One of the most common points of confusion is the difference between updating a device's firmware and updating the nautical chart data it displays. A firmware update does not automatically refresh your charts, and a chart update does not necessarily change the device's operating software.
Device Firmware & Software
Controls how the unit itself operates.
- Runs the menus, screens, and onboard features
- Fixes bugs and adds device-level functionality
- Usually installed via a system menu update process
- Does not by itself update nautical chart content
Nautical Charts & Map Data
Controls what geographic and navigational data is displayed.
- Includes depth contours, hazards, and coastline detail
- Often organized into regional chart packages
- May involve a separate chart subscription or license
- Installed independently of firmware, on many devices
Basemap data
A built-in, general reference layer that ships with the device and is typically updated far less often than detailed regional charts.
Regional chart coverage
Detailed chart packages are usually sold or distributed by region, so confirm your update actually covers the water you navigate.
Chart compatibility & licensing
Some chart formats are tied to a specific card, account, or subscription and won't display correctly on an unsupported device.
Device Software
Update Types by Category
These categories cover the general kinds of updates that apply across most marine GPS and chartplotter systems, regardless of manufacturer.
GPS map updates
Refresh the underlying map layer a device uses for positioning and route display.
Chart updates
Update detailed nautical chart data, including depth and hazard information for a given region.
Firmware updates
Update the low-level operating software that controls how the device functions.
Software updates
Update onboard applications, menus, and user-facing features on the device.
SD & microSD-based updates
A common method for transferring update files to a chartplotter that lacks direct internet access.
USB-based updates
Some models accept firmware or software packages loaded from a USB drive instead of a memory card.
Version checking
Confirming the currently installed version is a required first step before deciding what to update.
Backup & recovery considerations
Understanding what can be backed up, and how to recover if an update doesn't complete cleanly.
Before You Begin
Device Preparation Checklist
Working through this list before starting an update reduces the chance of an interrupted or failed installation.
Popular Lowrance GPS & Chartplotter Systems
Manufacturer Comparison
Manufacturer names below are mentioned only as examples for orientation. This is a general educational comparison, not a support channel for any of these companies, and details can change between models and product generations.
| Manufacturer | Common update method | Typical update type | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowrance | microSD card or direct download depending on model | Firmware, software, and separate chart packages | Product families (including Eagle, HDS, Elite FS, Hook Reveal, and Hook2 lines) can each have distinct update files |
| Garmin | microSD card or companion desktop/app tool | Software updates and chart subscriptions | Chart updates are often tied to a separate subscription service |
| Raymarine | microSD card or USB, model-dependent | Operating software (LightHouse-type systems) and chart data | Newer and older product lines can use different update tools |
| Simrad | microSD card, shares tooling with related brands | Firmware and regional chart packages | Update packages are typically model- and region-specific |
| Humminbird | microSD card via a downloadable update utility | Firmware and chart/map card updates | Some chart content ships on dedicated proprietary cards |
| Furuno | SD card or CF card, depending on product generation | System software and chart data | Commercial and recreational lines may follow different update paths |
Product Family Notes
Lowrance & Eagle Update Information
Lowrance and Eagle navigation products span several product families, and software or chart-update procedures can differ from one model to the next. This section is general orientation only — always identify your exact model and consult the appropriate official documentation for the correct update package and installation steps.
Eagle systems
Entry-level fishfinder and chartplotter units; check the exact model name, since update files are not interchangeable between generations.
HDS systems
A multifunction display line spanning several hardware generations, each with its own compatible software packages.
Elite FS
A combined fishfinder/chartplotter series; confirm screen size and hardware revision before selecting an update.
Hook Reveal
A recreational chartplotter/sounder line with model-specific update packages by screen size and sonar configuration.
Hook2
An earlier recreational line; check whether a given update package still applies to your specific unit and firmware baseline.
Troubleshooting
Common Update Problems
Most update issues fall into a handful of recurring categories. These general explanations can help you narrow down the cause before consulting model-specific documentation.
Update file not detected
- Incorrect file or folder structure on the media
- Unsupported storage media type
- Wrong update package for the model
- Incompatible hardware revision
- Corrupted or incomplete download
Device does not recognize the memory card
- Unsupported card capacity
- Incorrect or unsupported formatting
- Physically damaged card
- Card inserted incorrectly
- Unsupported filesystem type
Update stops unexpectedly
- Verify a stable, continuous power source
- Avoid repeatedly interrupting the installation
- Recheck compatibility with your exact model
- Re-review the manufacturer's installation instructions
Old version still appears after installing
- Restart the device fully
- Recheck the software-version screen
- Confirm the correct package was actually installed
- Verify whether it was a firmware update or a chart update
Charts are not showing
- Wrong regional chart package installed
- Chart data not installed correctly
- Unsupported chart format for the device
- Subscription or licensing issue
- General device compatibility issue
Safe recovery steps
- Power the device off and on fully before retrying
- Re-download the update package to rule out corruption
- Reformat storage media using the supported filesystem
- Consult official documentation for a model-specific reset process
Frequently Asked Questions