Maps r.485
USER GUIDE
Basics
Maps r.485 is a Connect IQ app which can be downloaded to compatible Garmin devices. Use the Garmin Connect Mobile app on your phone or Garmin Express on your computer in order to download the app on your Garmin device. Once downloaded, it will appear on the list of applications (under run, walk, bike, etc.). Here is the link to download it:
If you are new to the Connect IQ store and environment, we recommend that you check the related section in your device’s manual or look for some guides on the internet. If you need advice, this is a good one:
Maps r.485 also features an optional companion app, which is available for Android and iOS. Although it is not required, we highly recommended it if you intend to create routes.
ツ Android ★★★★★:
ツ iOS ★★★★★
Getting started
Maps r.485 is a navigation app which can be used to record activities such as running and cycling. It can also be useful for checking directions when you are driving or walking to a new place. The maps and the directions are provided by Google.
Minimum requirements
To use the full features of this app, you will need:
1) A good GPS signal
2) Internet data connection
Getting a good GPS signal
Take your device outside to an open area away from tall buildings and trees. Some features and screens will be hidden if the GPS signal is not strong enough. It will most likely not work if you are sitting at home/inside.
Internet data connection
Internet access is necessary to calculate new routes and for the map images (which are only available in the PRO version). It means that you need data connection on your phone, and your devices must be paired and syncing via the Bluetooth.
Data screens
When the app is open, use the UP/DOWN keys (non-touchscreen devices) or SWIPE (touchscreen devices) to change the views. There are three screen types:
1) Two map screens (PRO VERSION ONLY)
1.1: Without driving instructions (REQUIRES GPS FIX + INTERNET ACCESS)
1.2: With driving instructions (REQUIRES GPS FIX + INTERNET ACCESS)
2) Four route screens (always with driving instructions):
2.1: Route overview (north up, with numbered waypoints)
2.2: Route overview (north up, only the track)
2.3: Zoomable screen (north up) (REQUIRES GPS FIX)
2.4: Zoomable screen (track up) (REQUIRES GPS FIX)
3) Activity data screens (speed, distance, etc.)
The screen 2.4 is probably the best one to navigate. Of course the map images are nice to have, but they require Internet connection through your phone, they take a few seconds to load (because they must be downloaded and sent to the Garmin device via Bluetooth), and they cannot be rotated (so they always show north up).
Creating routes
Routes for Maps r.485 can be created directly via the menu by entering an address*. However, it is MUCH easier to create routes using the companion app for Android and iOS. The companion app allows you to:
1) Create routes with multiple destinations
2) Import GPX files
3) Load activities and routes from your Strava account
4) Freely draw a route by picking point by point on a map
5) A lot more…
* This feature is not available on older devices (2016 and earlier), such as the Fenix 3/3HR and the Forerunner 235. If you own one of these devices, you can check Navi r.485, which implements this feature but does not allow activity recording.
Activity recording
Maps r.485 can record various types of activities: running, cycling, walking, hiking, rowing, skiing, snowboarding, etc. The activities recorded by Maps r.485 are uploaded and displayed on your Garmin Connect dashboard in the same way as the ones recorded by the native apps. Maps r.485 has no effect on the data and on how the activities are recorded. This is completely done by the recording module of the device, which works independently from the app.
Video Tutorials
Frequently asked questions
Does the app work offline?
Partially. Once a route has been created, you can follow it even if you are not connected to the internet. But the map images (which are only available in the PRO version) will only be shown if you have internet access.
How do I unlock the apps on my watch?
For most r.485 apps ("Maps", "Outdoor Master", "Elevation Widget", etc.), the unlock information is automatically sent to the Garmin device when you buy the Android app on Google Play or the iOS app on App Store. You just have to send a route.
It works like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpunQqqGaJU&t=53
Remark how the watch shows "unlocked!" after the route is received.
Once unlocked, you'll see the maps. You must have a GPS fix (so it will not work if you are inside/at home) and Internet connection to see them.
Only for "data fields" and "watch faces" the unlock procedure is slightly different. You must open the app settings on the Garmin Connect IQ Store app on your phone in order to lear your user id and enter the unlock code.
Bluetooth connection issues
If you don't succeed in sending data from the r.485 app on your phone to the watch, it certainly means that the Bluetooth connection between your phone and watch isn't working well. It is managed by the Garmin Connect app. You can check these tips written by Garmin:
My Garmin Device is Paired but Not Connecting to the Garmin Connect App: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=9BcXLSQ4A22gasLarkUvH6
Basically they give 5 possible solutions. These 3 always work for me:
1. Close the Garmin Connect App. Then reopen it.
2. Power the Garmin device off and then power it back on.
3. Power down the smartphone and then power it back on.
To be sure that everything is fine, open the Garmin Connect app and make sure that the watch miniature image appears with a green dot on the top of the app. (Check the screenshots on the link at Garmin's support page). Then let the Garmin Connect app run in background. Finally, open the r.485 app on your phone and send the route.
I am not happy with my purchase and I would like to get a refund
If you purchased the app on the App Store, follow these instructions if you want a refund:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204084
If you purchased the app on the Play Store, follow these instructions if you want a refund:
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2479637?hl=en
Apple and Google maintain the record of the users, collects taxes, keep their share and only gives us the monthly total of our share. We don't have access to individual purchases and we can't issue refunds ourselves.
I have unlocked the app. Why is the app asking me to unlock it again?
This may happen when you update the app via the Garmin Connect Mobile app. All information is deleted, including the unlock key. It is not our fault, it's how Connect IQ works (https://forums.garmin.com/forum/into-sports/running/forerunner-935-aa/1378557-connect-iq-data-field-settings-reset-after-update). Of course we would prefer if it worked in another way.
All you have to do is to repeat the procedure you took to unlock the app for the first time. For example, if you have purchased the premium version of the companion app, you just have to send a route from the phone to the watch.
Is it possible to save locations and routes on the watch memory?
Yes, there are options on the menu for that. Routes, however, cannot be saved not on older devices, from 2016 and earlier. Remark, also, that the locations and routes are saved locally on Maps r.485 and are independent from the ones saved on the companion app and on the device. They will be erased if you update the app via the Garmin Connect Mobile app.
Why do we have so many routing apps in the companion app besides Maps r.485?
We often hear this question from users and friends. And we often ask ourselves that too. It's confusing for you, and it's a lot of work for us to maintain all of them.
Here are the two main reasons:
1) CIQ Limitations. The Connect IQ environment doesn't allow apps to use a lot of memory. This constraint is especially tight on older devices. So we had to split the functionalities into different apps. On some apps you get map images, other apps show more information and/or allow more customization.
2) Different app types. We wanted to offer navigation features (and more!) in different app types. By "app types" we mean applications (also called watch-apps), widgets and data fields. Some users prefer to use native apps to record activities. So they can plan routes using r.485 data fields (Route Data Field / Waypoints). Some watches also allow you to access widgets while an app is open. So these users can also use r.485 widgets (Directions Widget, Maps Widget, My Places - Widget).
[Android 12+ only] Why can't I load Strava activities or routes using the r.485?
As many have noticed, Android 12 changed the handling of links significantly. Therefore, we cannot ensure that the Strava authorization link will open the Strava app and we cannot ensure that our authorization link opens the r.485. The links may just open Chrome or other web browser, so the r.485 does not receive the authorization tokens to read your activities or routes on Strava.
We are working on a solution. Meanwhile, we found a worklaround which uses a third-party app. Use it at your own risk.
Install https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aboutmycode.betteropenwith
Go to your phone Settings - Apps - Default apps, and set this app as your default web browser.
Go to Default apps - Opening links, and disable "Open supported links" for each and every app that has "verified links".
Now you can always select an app/browser for every link that you open, like in previous versions of Android.
The app was developed by https://reddit.com/user/mcnamaragio
XDA discussion: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/app-4-0-better-open-with.2831738/
EDIT: Another app that can also be used for this: https://f-droid.org/packages/kuesji.link_eye/
APPENDIX A: Menu options on Connect IQ 2+ devices:
(Click here to download a printer-friendly version on PDF format)
MENU A
Google
directions...
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always,
except when a data screen is in the foreground.
ACTION:
Open
Google Directions menu.
Start
sport
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Not
recording an activity
ACTION:
Start
recording activity. It requires GPS fix.
Select
sport
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Not
recording an activity
ACTION:
Select
type of activity which will be recorded.
Keep
recording
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Recording an activity (if not paused)
ACTION:
No
action. It's the first option on the menu when an activity is being
recorded. It just avoids that any other action is performed if you accidentally
click the action button twice.
Stop
and save
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Recording an activity
ACTION:
Stop
and savs the current activity.
Pause
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Recording an activity (if paused)
ACTION:
Pause
the current activity.
Resume
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Recording an activity (if not paused)
ACTION:
Resume
the current activity.
Discard
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Recording an activity
ACTION:
Discard
the current activity.
Configure
data screen
VISIBLE
WHEN:
A data
screen is active
ACTION:
Open
the data screen editor menu
Recalculate
route
VISIBLE
WHEN:
GPS
fix and route is set. Not displayed if a data screen is in the foreground.
ACTION:
Recalculate the route to the last point in the route using Google
directions. The current transportation mode is used.
Navigate
to start
VISIBLE
WHEN:
GPS
fix and recording an activity. Not displayed if a data screen is in the foreground.
ACTION:
Recalculate the route to the point where the activity recording started
using Google directions. The current transportation mode is used.
Go to
next waypoint
VISIBLE
WHEN:
GPS
fix and route is set. Not displayed if a data screen is in the foreground.
ACTION:
Changes the targeted waypoint
Go to
previous waypoint
VISIBLE
WHEN:
GPS
fix and route is set. Not displayed if a data screen is in the foreground.
ACTION:
Changes the targeted waypoint
Go to
nearest waypoint
VISIBLE
WHEN:
GPS
fix and route is set. Not displayed if a data screen is in the foreground.
ACTION:
Changes the targeted waypoint
More
options…
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Open Menu B
MENU B
Save
current location
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Open
the save location menu to store the current location. Requires GPS fix.
Save
destination
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Open the save location menu to store the last point in the route. Only works if
a route is set.
Show
destination
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Show
the map of the last point in the route. Only works if a route is set.
Clear
route
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Clear
the current route.
Update
map
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Google
Maps screen is open
ACTION:
Force
an update of the map image.
Change
to zoomable
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Recording
an activity. Google Maps screen is open and showing the recorded track
ACTION:
Google
Maps will show your current location. You can choose the zoom level manually.
Change
to track
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Recording an activity. Google Maps screen is open and showing the
current location
ACTION:
Google
Maps will show the recorded track. Due to technical limits, not all the
recorded points are used to draw the track. The zoom level is automatically
adjusted to fit the line.
Zoom
in (map)
VISIBLE WHEN:
Google
Maps screen is open. If recording, it should not be showing the recorded track
ACTION:
Zoom
in
Zoom
out (map)
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Google
Maps screen is open. If recording, it should not be showing the recorded track
ACTION:
Zoom
out
Zoom
in (route)
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Route
set. Zoomable route screen is open (North up or track up)
ACTION:
Zoom
in
Zoom
out (route)
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Route
set. Zoomable route screen is open (North up or track up)
ACTION:
Zoom
out
Keep
backlight on
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always, except if this option has previously been chosen
ACTION:
Keep
the backlight always on. It increases battery consumption. This option is reset
when you exit the app.
Turn
backlight off
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Only
if the option “Keep back light on” has been chosen
ACTION:
Cancel
the effect of “Keep back light on”. The backlight will still work as it does
according to the device settings (gesture, backlight button, etc.)
Advanced
settings
VISIBLE WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Open
Advanced Settings menu
More
options…
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Open
Menu A
GOOGLE
DIRECTIONS
… to
saved location
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Choose
a saved location as destination
… to
address
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Enter
an address as destination
… to
coordinates
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Enter
the coordinates of the destination manually. The required format is:
“48.858;2.294". Pick digit by digit and select * END * to finish.
Mode
of transport
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Choose
the transportation mode: car, walk or bike
EDIT
DATA SCREEN
Choose
fields
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Choose
the data displayed in a field on the data screen which is currently shown.
First you choose the position of the field and then its content.
Change
layout
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Switches the layout of the data screen which is currently shown. This
change takes place immediately.
Invert
colors
VISIBLE
WHEN: Always
ACTION:
Invert the colours of the data screen which is currently shown.
ADVANCED
SETTINGS
Turn
auto-advance off
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always, except if auto-advance is off
ACTION:
The
targeted waypoint will not change automatically when you approach the current
point being targeted
Turn
auto-advance on
VISIBLE WHEN:
Always,
except if auto-advance is on
ACTION:
The
targeted waypoint will change automatically when you approach the current point
being targeted
Hide
instructions
VISIBLE WHEN:
Always, except if instructions are hidden
ACTION:
Hide
route instructions for better visibility of other items on the screen. This
option is reset when you exit the app.
Show instructions
VISIBLE WHEN:
Always, except if instructions are shown
ACTION:
Show
route instructions (if they are available).
Number
of data screens
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always
ACTION:
Choose
the number of data screens between 0 and 4
Enable
map image
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always, except if map image is enabled
ACTION:
Enable
the download of map images
Disable
map image
VISIBLE
WHEN:
Always, except if map image is disabled
ACTION:
Disable the download of map images. This will save battery on both
devices (phone and wearable) and consume less internet data.