Do you need to update the maps on the Nextar GPS device that you own, but are unable to figure out how to, due to the lack of a proper communication channel with the manufacturers? Do not worry, Techspirited provides you a simple step-by-step guide to help you accomplish this.
Did You Know?
Earlier, Nextar GPS devices came with a removable, non-rewritable SD card, which stored all the maps that the device referred to, to guide users. Updating these maps, in case they got outdated, or in case one was planning to drive to a new country, was a hassle, because one had to purchase a new card from the website, and then had to wait until it was shipped to him or her.
Yes, we know that now is not the best time to own a Nextar GPS device. With non-compatibility of software and maps across earlier and newer model releases to the official website for customer support for their GPS devices just vanishing off the internet, sparking rumors that the company went out of business or was bought out by competing GPS device-manufacturing company, TomTom, Nextar GPS devices specifically do nothave a very good reputation, if reviews are to be trusted. Owners, apparently, also complain of the device’s screen suddenly freezing, and this occurs at the most inopportune time. Nevertheless, you are the owner of one of these devices. So what must you do if your Nextar GPS navigator’s maps are inaccurate?
Techspirited provides you a step-by-step guide to address this grave issue.
Let’s start with the basics.
You need to determine how old your device is. If it from the pre-2010 era, obtaining a compatible blank SD card for your navigator is truly going to be cumbersome.
If you are unable to locate a dealer or website where authentic compatible SD cards are available for your device, it would be more sensible to invest in a new device altogether.
Suppose you are facing technical issues with your device as well (some users have known to complain that the device hangs or freezes, and this sometimes coincides with the fact that the maps have become outdated, as the navigator displays a message asking you to update them), check if the device you own is still under warranty.
If it is, you could probably get yourself an alternate piece.
Assuming that the aforementioned conditions do not apply to you, do not despair. There is a method that can be used to update your maps on your device, if it a post-2010 model.
How to Download and Install Map Updates For Your Nextar GPS Device
Step 1
Determine the exact model of Nextar GPS device that you own. Keep the box you purchased the navigator in, along with documentation and other extras, handy.
Step 2
Fire up your laptop or PC/Mac, and open the naviextras website. Click here to open it right now.
Step 3
Enter the website as a guest user, and when the home page opens, inside the right-most block (“HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?“), you will see a number of links (orange colored text). Click the second one; “IS MY DEVICE TYPE SUPPORTED?“. It will redirect you to a page which contains a complete list of all devices supported.
Step 4
Search for the list titled ‘Nextar‘, and try to locate the model you own. If you cannot find your model number, you cannot use this method to update your NextarGPS device’s maps, and it will be pointless for you to purchase maps from this website.
Step 5
If your device is supported, return to the home page of the website, and from the list of links, click on the third one; “DOWNLOAD PC TOOL“. This redirects you to the downloads page of the website.
Step 6
The naviextras toolbox is a utility that is available only for Windows users. It acts as an interface to allow you to smoothly import maps onto your GPS device. If you do not have this software installed on your computer, you can download it from this page.
Step 7
Connect the GPS device to your computer, with the help of the USB data cable that came with the device at the time of purchase. If you have lost your cable, visit your nearest electronics dealer to purchase a compatible one.
Step 8
Register your device using the naviextras toolbox software. By doing this, you will be able to use the software as an interface, and also, you will come to know if there are any free updates available for you.
Step 9
Return yet again to the home page of the website. At the bottom of the second block from the left (“BUY UPDATES OR EXTRAS“), click on the plus (‘+‘) sign that follows “CLICK HERE“. This redirects you to a catalog of all maps available for purchase and download, compatible with your device.
Step 10
Purchase and download the maps you want, and transfer the file to your NextarGPS device with the help of the naviextras toolbox software and your USB connector.
This is the most efficient and reliable way to update maps on your NextarGPS device. A lot of online forums suggest hacking into your GPS navigator, downloading maps through torrent clients, and much more. However, trying to mess with the firmware of your GPS device is a gamble that may end up being detrimental to your device not just in terms of configuration, if something goes wrong, but also you will be nullifying the warranty if it is still valid. Always make sure you download maps from reliable sources. And do update your maps, otherwise, one wrong turn, and you run the risk of ending up lost, in the middle of nowhere!