How to Reset My Garmin GPS

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If your Garmin freezes, a soft reset can unfreeze the screen and take you back to the main menu. If you wish to delete all the saved information, a hard reset can be performed. A hard reset restores the a GPS to its original, factory settings. Once this is done, all saved and stored information will be deleted and will not be able to be restored.

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Soft Reset

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Step 1

Locate the "Reset" button. The button might be located on the side or back of the unit. On the Garmin Nuvi 300/350 models, the reset button is under the antenna. Note: Not all Garmin GPS models have a reset button.

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Step 2

Push the "Reset" button and hold it for 10 seconds. If it is a recessed button, such as you would find on a Garmin Nuvi 200 series, insert a straightened paperclip into the hole to press the button down.

Step 3

Slide the "Power" key as far to the left as the button will go. Hold in place for eight to 10 seconds before sliding back to the "On" position. This resets units, such as the Garmin Nuvi 700 series, that do not have a separate "Reset" button.

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Hard Reset

Step 1

Slide the "Power" switch to "Off."

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Step 2

Place your finger on the upper-right corner of the Garmin's display screen. Keep your finger firmly pressed down while you slide the "Power" switch to "On."

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Step 3

Release your finger from the display screen when the reset pop-up window appears. Tap the "Yes" button to confirm that you wish to reset all settings and restore the unit to the factory default settings.

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