Registering your GPS Maps [ PC ]
Registering your GPS maps MicroSD
Technical guide – Backroad Map Books
1. Why Register Your MicroSD?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Computer‑based map downloads | Access to the latest Computer Maps for macOS & Windows. |
| Secure license storage | Keeps your gmapsupp.unl and gmapsupp.gma files safe in your account. |
| Discounted updates | Receive future map releases at a reduced price. |
| Priority technical support | Faster response for any Garmin‑map‑related issue. |
Free Updates – After registration you can download map updates for 60 days at no charge.
If you bought an older version from a retailer, you may upgrade to the latest map release within that 60‑day window.
Important:
• A card that has already been registered cannot be registered again.
• If your card is “used” or already updated, the registration will fail.
2. Prerequisites
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the MicroSD card | • If your computer has an SD‑card slot, insert the card directly. • If not, plug the card into your Garmin GPS and connect the GPS to your computer via USB. |
| 2 | Log in to Backroad Map Books | URL: https://backroadmapbooks.com/account/login Create an account if you do not already have one. |
| 3 | Locate the license files | The required files (gmapsupp.unl and gmapsupp.gma) are in the Garmin folder on your MicroSD. |
3. Registration Workflow
All steps are performed on the My GPS Maps registration page.
3.1 Navigate to the Registration Page
-
After login, click the “MY GPS MAPS” button (top‑right).
-
On the resulting page, select “Register SD”.
3.2 Upload the Unlock Code & GMA File
| Field | File | How to select |
|---|---|---|
Unlock Code (gmapsupp.unl) |
gmapsupp.unl |
Use the Choose File button to pick this file from the Garmin folder. |
Gma File (gmapsupp.gma) |
gmapsupp.gma |
Use the Choose File button for the second field. |
Tip:
Double‑check that the files you pick are exactly the.unland.gmafiles from the Garmin folder. Any mismatch will trigger an error.
3.3 Submit
-
Once both files appear in the form, click SUBMIT.
-
A green confirmation box will appear, and your product will be listed under “My Products”.
Result: The MicroSD card is now registered to your Backroad Map Books account.
4. Post‑Registration
- Access the “Computer Maps” – Log in, go to “My Products” and download the latest PC‑compatible maps.
- Update within 60 days – Download updates for free.
- Backup your files – Although the unlock codes are stored in the cloud, keep local copies of the
.unland.gmafiles on your computer for future reference.
4. Common Error Messages & Fixes
| Error | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| “No ESN data found with unlockCode” | ESN (Electronic Serial Number) missing or corrupted. | Contact Backroad Map Books support (email: gps<at>backroadmapbooks.com). |
| “Invalid File Uploaded” | Wrong file type chosen (e.g., a .zip instead of .gma or .unl). |
Re‑select the exact .gma and .unl files from the Garmin folder. |
| “This card has already been registered” | Card was previously registered on another account or already updated. | Not recoverable – you must purchase a new card or contact support for advice. |
5. Quick Reference
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Log in | Ctrl+L (Chrome) |
| Open registration | MY GPS MAPS → Register SD |
| File picker | gmapsupp.unl → Choose File; gmapsupp.gma → Choose File |
| Submit | SUBMIT button |
Prepared by the Backroad Map Books Technical Support Team
Registering your GPS Maps Digital
1. Overview
This guide explains how to register your digital map access code so you can:
- Download computer‑compatible maps for macOS or Windows.
- Store a secure copy of your Garmin license/unlock files.
- Receive future updates at a discounted price.
- Access priority technical support.
NOTE: After registration, you receive free map updates for 60 days.
Older versions purchased from a retailer can be upgraded to the latest maps within that 60‑day window.
2. Registration Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Computer‑based map downloads | Get the latest map files for macOS and Windows. |
| Secure license storage | Your Garmin license/unlock files are safely stored in the cloud. |
| Discounted future updates | Pay less for subsequent map releases. |
Free Updates:
You can download map updates free of charge for 60 days after the first registration of the MicroSD card.
3. Update & Upgrade Policy
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| First‑time registration | 60‑day free update period begins on the day you click Submit. |
| Subsequent upgrades | If you purchased a previous map edition from a retailer, you may upgrade to the newest edition within 60 days of the first registration. |
| After 60 days | Updates become paid and must be purchased through the Backroad Map Books website. |
4. Important Warnings
⚠️ Unit ID & Access Code
The 10‑digit UnitID is required for digital‑map registration. It can be found under Settings → About on your GPS device.
3. Prerequisites
| Item | Requirement | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
|
MicroSD Card (Optional) |
If you choose to use a microSD card (not the physical memory). | Insert into a GPS or computer with an SD reader. |
| ACCESS CODE | A unique alphanumeric code printed on the MicroSD packaging. | Look for the “ACCESS CODE” sticker on the card’s label. |
| UnitID | A 10‑digit number that identifies your Garmin GPS. | Open the GPS → Settings → About (or Device Info) to view the UnitID. |
| Internet Connection | Required to submit the registration form and download computer maps. | Any reliable broadband or Wi‑Fi connection. |
4. Step‑by‑Step Registration
The following steps assume you have already plugged in your GPS so it is available and ready.
4.1 Log In to the Backroad Map Books Portal
- Open a web browser and navigate to
https://backrockodmapbooks.com - Click Sign In (top‑right) and enter your account credentials.
4.2 Navigate to the Digital Map Registration Page
- Once logged in, click My Account → Digital Maps → Register Your Digital Map.
4.3 Enter the Registration Data
| Field | Input | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Access Code | The code printed on the MicroSD card label. | BCBC-7r3325caa-8cec-483d-97db-059d88f78f29 |
| UnitID | 10‑digit GPS unit identifier. | 1234567890 |
The UnitID can be found under Settings → About on your GPS.
Access Code: BCBC-7r3325caa-8cec-483d-97db-059d88f78f29
UnitID: 1234567890
4.4 Submit the Form
- Review the values you entered.
- Click SUBMIT.
- If registration succeeds, a green success message will appear and the new product will be listed under your account.
5. After Registration
- Your digital maps are now registered and available for download.
- The new product appears in the My Gps Maps section of your account.
- You can immediately start downloading the computer‑ready map files.
6. Post‑Registration Tasks
-
Download the computer‑map files:
- From your account, click Download next to the registered product.
- Choose macOS or Windows as required.
- Follow the on‑screen prompts to install.
-
Backup your license files:
- You can also download a copy of your Garmin license/unlock files from the portal for local backup.
-
Schedule future updates:
- Within the 60‑day free window, simply click Get Updates in the portal.
7. Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fails with “Invalid Access Code” | Wrong Access Code or UnitID entered | Re‑check the GPS UnitID. |
| Registration fails with “UnitID already registered” | The same UnitID was registered previously | Contact support; you may have a duplicate product or need to unlink the old registration. |
| Unable to download updates after 60 days | The free update window has expired | Purchase the latest map edition through the portal. |
| Green success box never appears | Browser security block (e.g., pop‑up blocker) | Disable pop‑up blockers or try a different browser. |
8. FAQ
Q1. Can I use the Digital maps on multiple GPS devices?
A1. No – the registration is tied to your GPS UnitID, You can only load the maps on the registered GPS.
Q2. Do I need to install the Digital maps to a MicroSD card ?
A2. No, the Digital maps allow you to install the maps on the internal memory or your own microSD card.
9. Contact & Support
| Channel | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon‑Fri 9:00‑17:00 PST | gps<at>backroadmapbooks.com | |
| Phone | Mon‑Fri 9:00‑17:00 PST | (877)-520-5670 |
For urgent issues, reference the UnitID and Access Code in your support request.