How to Update Your Honda GPS: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your Honda’s GPS system updated is essential for accurate navigation, improved route planning, and access to the latest roads and points of interest. Roads change frequently due to new construction, highway expansions, and traffic pattern adjustments. An outdated navigation system can lead to incorrect directions, longer travel times, and frustration. Fortunately, update Honda GPS is a straightforward process when you follow the correct steps. This guide explains everything you need to know about updating your Honda navigation system safely and efficiently.

Why Updating Your Honda GPS Is Important

Your Honda’s GPS system relies on map data stored in the vehicle’s infotainment system. Over time, this data becomes outdated. Map updates typically include:

Newly constructed roads and highways
Changes to street names and traffic patterns
Updated speed limits
New businesses, gas stations, and landmarks
Software improvements for better performance

Updating ensures that your navigation system provides the most accurate and reliable directions possible. It can also improve system speed and fix minor bugs or glitches.

Step 1: Determine Your Honda Model and Navigation System

Before starting the update process, identify your Honda’s model, year, and the type of navigation system installed. Honda vehicles may use different systems depending on the model and year of manufacture.

Newer Honda vehicles often use touchscreen infotainment systems that support updates through Wi-Fi or USB. Older models may require updates via a USB drive or through a dealership service appointment.

You can check your vehicle’s navigation system type by reviewing your owner’s manual or exploring the settings menu on your infotainment screen.

Step 2: Check for Available Updates

Once you know your system type, turn on your vehicle and access the navigation system.

For vehicles with built-in Wi-Fi capability:

Connect your vehicle to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Go to the “Settings” menu on the infotainment screen.
Select “System” or “Software Update.”
Choose “Check for Updates.”

If an update is available, the system will prompt you with installation options.

For vehicles requiring USB updates:

You will need a compatible USB flash drive (usually 16GB or larger, formatted correctly).
Some systems require you to download update software onto your computer first.
Follow the prompts displayed in your vehicle to prepare the USB drive for update installation.

Step 3: Prepare for the Update

Before beginning the update process, make sure your vehicle is ready. GPS updates can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on file size and internet speed.

Important preparation steps include:

Park your vehicle in a safe, well-ventilated area.
Keep the engine running during the update to prevent battery drain.
Ensure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection if updating wirelessly.
Do not turn off the vehicle or remove the USB drive during installation.

Interrupting the update could cause system errors or incomplete installation.

Step 4: Install the Update

If updating via Wi-Fi:

After selecting the update option, follow the on-screen instructions.
The system will download the update files first.
Once downloaded, the installation process will begin automatically.
Your screen may restart during installation.

If updating via USB:

Insert the prepared USB drive into the vehicle’s USB port.
The system should detect the update files automatically.
Confirm that you want to begin installation.
Wait for the update to complete before removing the USB drive.

During installation, your navigation system may temporarily become unavailable. This is normal. Avoid pressing buttons or restarting the vehicle.

Step 5: Confirm Successful Installation

After the update is complete, the system will usually display a confirmation message. To verify:

Go to “Settings.”
Select “System Information” or “Map Information.”
Check the map version number.
Compare it to the most recent available version listed in your update instructions.

If the version number has changed, your update was successful.

Updating Through a Honda Dealership

If you are unsure about performing the update yourself, or if your vehicle requires specialized equipment, you can schedule a service appointment with your local Honda dealership. Dealership technicians have access to official update tools and can ensure proper installation.

This option may involve a service fee, but it provides peace of mind, especially for older navigation systems.

How Often Should You Update?

Most navigation providers release map updates once or twice per year. It is recommended to check for updates at least annually. If you frequently travel to new areas or rely heavily on navigation, checking every six months is a good practice.

Some newer Honda models may include complimentary map updates for a limited time after purchase. After that period, updates may require payment.