How to Update TomTom Software

Keeping your TomTom software up to date is essential for optimal navigation, device stability, and access to the latest features. Whether you own a traditional TomTom GPS device or a TomTom app, software updates improve routing accuracy, fix bugs, and enhance performance. This guide explains step by step how to update your TomTom software, including maps, firmware, and additional features.

Why Updating TomTom Software Is Important

Updating your TomTom device or app ensures:

1. Accurate Navigation – New roads, traffic patterns, and locations are included in software updates, preventing wrong turns and outdated routing.
2. Improved Performance – Firmware updates can fix bugs, speed up the device, and improve overall responsiveness.
3. New Features – Updates often add functionalities such as lane guidance, traffic alerts, and enhanced map options.
4. Safety Enhancements – Updated speed camera locations, road restrictions, and hazard warnings make driving safer.
5. Compatibility – Ensures your device works seamlessly with the latest maps, POIs, and connected services.

Tools You Need for a Software Update

To update your TomTom software, you will need:

• A computer with an internet connection.
• Your TomTom GPS device or the device running the TomTom app.
• MyDrive Connect software installed on your computer (for GPS devices).
• Sufficient storage space on your device for new software and map files.

Ensure your device is fully charged or connected to power during the update process to prevent interruptions that could damage the device.

Step 1: Install or Update MyDrive Connect

Even if you plan a manual update, MyDrive Connect is required for most TomTom GPS devices:

1. Download and install MyDrive Connect from the official TomTom website on your computer.
2. Open the application and log in using your TomTom account.
3. Check for any updates to MyDrive Connect itself and install them to ensure compatibility with your device.

Step 2: Connect Your Device

1. Connect your TomTom device to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Your device should power on automatically and appear in MyDrive Connect.
3. If your device is not detected, try a different USB port or cable. Avoid using USB hubs, as they may interfere with detection.

Step 3: Backup Your Device

Before performing a software update, always back up your device:

1. In MyDrive Connect, select your device.
2. Click on Backup & Restore.
3. Follow the prompts to create a full backup on your computer.

A backup protects your favorites, recent routes, and other personalized settings in case something goes wrong during the update.

Step 4: Check for Software Updates

1. In MyDrive Connect, select your device and look for available software updates.
2. Updates can include firmware improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced navigation features.
3. If updates are available, choose Update Now or select Manual Install if you prefer to control the installation process.

Step 5: Download and Install Updates

1. Download the updates to your computer. Large updates may take several minutes depending on the size and your internet speed.
2. Transfer the downloaded updates to your device using MyDrive Connect.
3. Your device will display the installation progress. Do not disconnect or turn off the device during this process.
4. Once the installation is complete, your device may restart automatically.

Step 6: Update Maps and Additional Features

Software updates often allow you to update related features:

• Maps – Keep your navigation accurate.
• Points of Interest (POIs) – Includes new restaurants, fuel stations, and tourist attractions.
• Traffic Information – Ensures real-time traffic updates function correctly.
• Speed Cameras – Updated speed camera locations improve safety.

You can choose which updates to install depending on your preferences and storage space.

Step 7: Verify the Update

After completing the update:

1. Safely disconnect your device from the computer.
2. Navigate to Settings > About Device or Software Version.
3. Confirm that the software version matches the latest release.
4. Test your device by planning a route or using navigation features to ensure everything works correctly.

Common Issues and Solutions

Even experienced users may encounter problems during updates:

• Device not recognized – Ensure MyDrive Connect is installed, try a different USB cable, or restart both your computer and device.
• Update fails mid-way – Check your internet connection, available storage, and retry the update.
• Slow installation – Large software updates can take time; avoid using the internet heavily during download.
• Insufficient storage – Delete old maps or features to make room for the new update.

Tips for Smooth Updates

• Regular Updates – Update your TomTom software at least every few months for best performance.
• Check Storage – Make sure your device has enough free space before starting an update.
• Avoid Interruptions – Keep the device connected to power and do not disconnect during updates.
• Selective Updates – If storage is limited, choose only the updates you need to optimize space usage.

Conclusion

Knowing how to update TomTom software is essential to maintaining accurate navigation, device reliability, and safety. By following these steps—from installing MyDrive Connect, connecting your device, backing up data, downloading and installing updates, to verifying the installation—you can keep your TomTom device current and efficient. Regular software updates ensure your navigation remains precise, new features are available, and your device performs optimally on every journey.