How to Update TomTom Software Manually

Keeping your TomTom software updated manually ensures your GPS device remains accurate, reliable, and equipped with the latest features. While automatic updates are convenient, manual updates give you full control over which updates are installed and when. This is particularly useful for managing storage space, updating selectively, or troubleshooting devices that cannot connect to the internet automatically. This guide explains step by step how to manually update your TomTom software safely and efficiently.

Why Manual Software Updates Are Important

Manually updating your TomTom device provides several advantages:

1. Control Over Updates – Decide which software, maps, or points of interest to install.
2. Device Reliability – Avoid unexpected automatic updates that might disrupt navigation.
3. Accurate Navigation – Ensure your maps and routing features are up-to-date for current roads and traffic patterns.
4. Performance and Safety – Manual updates allow you to include firmware improvements, bug fixes, and safety features like updated speed camera locations.

Tools Required for Manual Updates

Before starting, make sure you have the following:

• A computer with internet access to download update files.
• Your TomTom GPS device and a USB cable.
• MyDrive Connect installed on your computer.
• Sufficient storage space on your device for new software and maps.

Ensure your TomTom device is fully charged or connected to a power source during updates to avoid interruption.

Step 1: Install or Update MyDrive Connect

Even for manual updates, MyDrive Connect is required to transfer files to your device:

1. Download and install MyDrive Connect from the official TomTom website if it’s not already installed.
2. Open the application and log in using your TomTom account.
3. Check for updates to MyDrive Connect itself to ensure full compatibility with your device.

Step 2: Connect Your Device

1. Use the USB cable to connect your TomTom device to the computer.
2. The device should power on automatically and appear in MyDrive Connect.
3. If it isn’t detected, try a different USB port or cable. Avoid using USB hubs, as they may interfere with the connection.

Step 3: Back Up Your Device

Creating a backup is crucial before performing a manual update:

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

This ensures you can restore favorites, recent routes, and settings if the update fails.

Step 4: Download Manual Software Updates

1. In MyDrive Connect, check for available updates for your device.
2. Select Manual Update instead of automatic installation.
3. Download the update files to a folder on your computer. You can choose specific updates such as firmware, maps, or POIs.

Downloading updates manually allows you to control which updates are installed and when.

Step 5: Transfer Updates to Your Device

1. Once the update files are downloaded, use MyDrive Connect to transfer them to your TomTom device.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the installation.
3. The device will display progress during installation. Do not disconnect or power off the device during this process.
4. After the update is complete, your device may restart automatically.

Step 6: Update Maps and Additional Features

Manual software updates often include updates for:

• Maps – Ensures navigation reflects the latest roads and locations.
• Points of Interest (POIs) – Adds new restaurants, gas stations, and attractions.
• Traffic Information – Keeps real-time traffic alerts working correctly.
• Speed Cameras – Updated speed camera locations for safer driving.

You can select which features to include depending on your device storage and preferences.

Step 7: Verify the Update

After installing the updates manually:

1. Safely disconnect your device from the computer.
2. Go to Settings > About Device or Software Version on your TomTom.
3. Confirm the software and map versions are the latest.
4. Test navigation by planning a route or using other features to ensure everything works correctly.

Common Problems During Manual Updates

Even with manual updates, some issues may occur:

• Device not recognized – Ensure MyDrive Connect is installed and try a different USB cable or port. Restarting both the computer and device may help.
• Update fails mid-way – Check internet connection and storage, then restart the update process.
• Insufficient storage – Remove old maps or unused features to make space for new updates.
• Slow installation – Large update files can take time; avoid heavy internet usage while downloading.

Tips for Successful Manual Updates

• Regular Updates – Update manually at least every few months for optimal performance.
• Check Device Storage – Ensure enough space before starting the update to prevent errors.
• Keep Device Connected to Power – Avoid interruptions that can corrupt the software.
• Update Selectively – Only download the updates you need to save storage and time.

Conclusion

Knowing how to update TomTom software manually gives you full control over your GPS device, ensuring it remains accurate, safe, and reliable. By following these steps—from installing MyDrive Connect, connecting your device, creating backups, downloading and transferring updates, to verifying installation—you can maintain a fully functional and up-to-date TomTom device. Regular manual updates improve navigation accuracy, add new features, and keep your TomTom GPS efficient for every journey.