mvl
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- TomTom Model(s)
- Tomtom GO for Android
Tomtom has released the new winter maps, version 880, on November 15. We created a new thread here for discussion on these new maps.
Please see the steps here to determine which application your device is using, as Tomtom has a new/different map delivery process for newer devices:
- Tomtom HOME devices: have an application version 9.x and earlier
- MyTomtom devices: have an application version 10.x and later
In general, MyTomtom devices were launched in Summer 2010 or later, and include 4-digit GO models, all VIA models, and 2 digit Start models. All earlier devices are Tomtom HOME devices.
Before you update your maps: We recommend the following steps to prepare yourself, prior to a map upgrade:
1) Make a backup. With any change this big on a Tomtom, it's always a good thing to back up first. We recommend performing a backup as instructed here.
2) After your backup, upgrade to the latest app first. Earlier apps had issues with map installs, so you should update your app to the latest version before attempting a map upgrade. To perform an app update, follow the steps here. When prompted to update, you may be given the choice of an application update and a map update at the same time. Do not choose the map if offered (uncheck the map checkbox), instead choose and install the Application and/or Navigator downloads only. Repeat these steps until no Application and/or Navigator downloads are offered for download. Then you can proceed to install your map.
How to download your map:
- Maps must be downloaded via Tomtom HOME or MyTomtom, depending on your device. You can install Tomtom HOME from this link, and MyTomtom from this link.
- If you already have the applications above, make sure you've updated them to the latest version. To update Tomtom HOME, select Help -> "Check for HOME update" in the Tomtom HOME menu. To update MyTomtom, make sure the "Tell me when updates are available" checkbox is enabled in settings -> general, and it should alert you to updates.
- If you have issues with the HOME update, these steps can usually fix them. DO NOT attempt the steps without making a backup of your Tomtom first.
- If you're device has been used for less than 30 days and you haven't downloaded a map before: You should get a free map under the "Latest map guarantee". To use this guarantee for Tomtom HOME devices, open Tomtom HOME, and go to Tools -> Latest Map Guarantee. Latest Map Guarantee should automatically be offered on MyTomtom devices if eligible.
- If you have a new Lifetime Map device, or a device with an included map subscription: The first time you upgrade maps on a Lifetime Maps model, you need to activate your lifetime/subscription code. For Tomtom HOME devices, go to "Use my Activation Code" in Tomtom HOME, and enter the maps activation code included in the slip in your box. For MyTomtom devices, click "MyTomtom" on the taskbar icon, then click the green MyTomtom button on upper right of the webpage that opens up, and choose "Use my Activation Code". This only needs to be done once, Tomtom assigns the maps subscription to your email address, so in future quarters you can follow the steps below. Please note: Tomtom had been having problems accepting activation codes from some models. If you follow the steps above and your code is not accepted (or if you have purchased a lifetime model and didn't get a code in the box), you will need to call Tomtom phone support. They can manually activate your lifetime/subscription maps if you provide proof of purchase.
- If you have an active or lifetime map subscription:
- For Tomtom HOME devices: open HOME, log in with your email/password if not auto-logged in, and go to "Update my device". The new map should be offered automatically for download.
- For MyTomtom devices, myTomtom should alert you to the availability of new downloads. Accept the update on the MyTomtom icon and subsequent webpages, and it should download the map.
- Otherwise: If you want a new map you have to purchase one. Go to www.tomtom.com/maps. From that website, you can buy a single map, or you can buy the "map update service", which bundles current and future maps for a discounted price. Note that purchases are processed through Netherlands servers, so you often pay more than the quoted price due to foreign credit card fees. Also, you may need to call the card company first and tell them you plan to make a purchase from a Netherlands website, so that the charge won't deny.
Issues to consider when updating maps:
- You may need to disable your antivirus. Tomtom has increased anti-map-piracy efforts, and newer models run all transactions over a secure link. Some antivirus software (notably Kapersky) attempts to intercept the secure link to scan it for viruses. When Tomtom recognizes it's link has been compromised, it aborts the update.
- Reserve enough time for the map update. Maps are 1 to 2 gigs in size, and can take a long time to install. You'll need time to download 1-2 gigs from Tomtom's servers, and then you'll need an additional 20-60 minutes to copy the map from your computer to your Tomtom.
- If you try to download when everyone else is trying on November 15th or the following weekend, the download could take up to 4 hours due to server congestion. Also, it may abort due to the overload. If it aborts, go to "update my device" and the download should resume from where it left off
- If you're device has app 8.x, you'll lose favorites and settings after the map update. To restore them from your backup (as recommended above), follow these steps, and then follow these steps.
- Sometimes with app 9.x, looking up a POI or address will keep crashing/rebooting your Tomtom immediately after updating your map. To fix this, open Tomtom HOME, run Operate my Device, and look up the same POI/address on the Operate my Device emulator within Tomtom HOME. This will permanently fix the problem (at least until your next map update).
- Inevitably, something breaks for certain models in the map update process. If you have an issue, check out this thread, to see if others are reporting a similar issue, and if anyone has found a workaround/fix.
Please see the steps here to determine which application your device is using, as Tomtom has a new/different map delivery process for newer devices:
- Tomtom HOME devices: have an application version 9.x and earlier
- MyTomtom devices: have an application version 10.x and later
In general, MyTomtom devices were launched in Summer 2010 or later, and include 4-digit GO models, all VIA models, and 2 digit Start models. All earlier devices are Tomtom HOME devices.
Before you update your maps: We recommend the following steps to prepare yourself, prior to a map upgrade:
1) Make a backup. With any change this big on a Tomtom, it's always a good thing to back up first. We recommend performing a backup as instructed here.
2) After your backup, upgrade to the latest app first. Earlier apps had issues with map installs, so you should update your app to the latest version before attempting a map upgrade. To perform an app update, follow the steps here. When prompted to update, you may be given the choice of an application update and a map update at the same time. Do not choose the map if offered (uncheck the map checkbox), instead choose and install the Application and/or Navigator downloads only. Repeat these steps until no Application and/or Navigator downloads are offered for download. Then you can proceed to install your map.
How to download your map:
- Maps must be downloaded via Tomtom HOME or MyTomtom, depending on your device. You can install Tomtom HOME from this link, and MyTomtom from this link.
- If you already have the applications above, make sure you've updated them to the latest version. To update Tomtom HOME, select Help -> "Check for HOME update" in the Tomtom HOME menu. To update MyTomtom, make sure the "Tell me when updates are available" checkbox is enabled in settings -> general, and it should alert you to updates.
- If you have issues with the HOME update, these steps can usually fix them. DO NOT attempt the steps without making a backup of your Tomtom first.
- If you're device has been used for less than 30 days and you haven't downloaded a map before: You should get a free map under the "Latest map guarantee". To use this guarantee for Tomtom HOME devices, open Tomtom HOME, and go to Tools -> Latest Map Guarantee. Latest Map Guarantee should automatically be offered on MyTomtom devices if eligible.
- If you have a new Lifetime Map device, or a device with an included map subscription: The first time you upgrade maps on a Lifetime Maps model, you need to activate your lifetime/subscription code. For Tomtom HOME devices, go to "Use my Activation Code" in Tomtom HOME, and enter the maps activation code included in the slip in your box. For MyTomtom devices, click "MyTomtom" on the taskbar icon, then click the green MyTomtom button on upper right of the webpage that opens up, and choose "Use my Activation Code". This only needs to be done once, Tomtom assigns the maps subscription to your email address, so in future quarters you can follow the steps below. Please note: Tomtom had been having problems accepting activation codes from some models. If you follow the steps above and your code is not accepted (or if you have purchased a lifetime model and didn't get a code in the box), you will need to call Tomtom phone support. They can manually activate your lifetime/subscription maps if you provide proof of purchase.
- If you have an active or lifetime map subscription:
- For Tomtom HOME devices: open HOME, log in with your email/password if not auto-logged in, and go to "Update my device". The new map should be offered automatically for download.
- For MyTomtom devices, myTomtom should alert you to the availability of new downloads. Accept the update on the MyTomtom icon and subsequent webpages, and it should download the map.
- Otherwise: If you want a new map you have to purchase one. Go to www.tomtom.com/maps. From that website, you can buy a single map, or you can buy the "map update service", which bundles current and future maps for a discounted price. Note that purchases are processed through Netherlands servers, so you often pay more than the quoted price due to foreign credit card fees. Also, you may need to call the card company first and tell them you plan to make a purchase from a Netherlands website, so that the charge won't deny.
Issues to consider when updating maps:
- You may need to disable your antivirus. Tomtom has increased anti-map-piracy efforts, and newer models run all transactions over a secure link. Some antivirus software (notably Kapersky) attempts to intercept the secure link to scan it for viruses. When Tomtom recognizes it's link has been compromised, it aborts the update.
- Reserve enough time for the map update. Maps are 1 to 2 gigs in size, and can take a long time to install. You'll need time to download 1-2 gigs from Tomtom's servers, and then you'll need an additional 20-60 minutes to copy the map from your computer to your Tomtom.
- If you try to download when everyone else is trying on November 15th or the following weekend, the download could take up to 4 hours due to server congestion. Also, it may abort due to the overload. If it aborts, go to "update my device" and the download should resume from where it left off
- If you're device has app 8.x, you'll lose favorites and settings after the map update. To restore them from your backup (as recommended above), follow these steps, and then follow these steps.
- Sometimes with app 9.x, looking up a POI or address will keep crashing/rebooting your Tomtom immediately after updating your map. To fix this, open Tomtom HOME, run Operate my Device, and look up the same POI/address on the Operate my Device emulator within Tomtom HOME. This will permanently fix the problem (at least until your next map update).
- Inevitably, something breaks for certain models in the map update process. If you have an issue, check out this thread, to see if others are reporting a similar issue, and if anyone has found a workaround/fix.
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