How do you set up Garmin Speak with your smartphone

Step 1: Install the Garmin Drive App

The Garmin Speak device requires the Garmin Drive app to function properly as the original Garmin Speak app has been deprecated. The first step is to download and install the Garmin Drive app from the app store on your smartphone. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

- Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone.
- Search for "Garmin Drive."
- Download and install the app.
- Once installed, open the Garmin Drive app and allow any necessary permissions.

Step 2: Power the Garmin Speak Device

Before pairing, the Garmin Speak device needs to be powered on:

- Locate a power outlet in your vehicle, typically the cigarette lighter socket.
- Route the included power cable from the Garmin Speak device to the power outlet, hiding the cable along the windshield's edge if desired for a clean installation.
- Plug the power cable into the vehicle's power outlet.
- If needed, turn on the vehicle ignition to provide power to the outlet.
- When the device turns on for the first time, it should automatically enter pairing mode, which is indicated by a spinning orange LED ring.

If the device does not enter pairing mode automatically, you can manually activate it by holding the action button on the Garmin Speak device for about 5 seconds until the LED ring shows the spinning orange light.

Step 3: Pair the Garmin Speak to Your Smartphone

With the device powered and in pairing mode, the next step is to pair it with the smartphone via the Garmin Drive app.

- Open the Garmin Drive app on your smartphone.
- From the app's device menu, select "Garmin Speak Series."
- If a pairing code appears on the Garmin Speak screen, verify that it matches the code shown on your smartphone.
- Press any button on the Garmin Speak device to accept the pairing request.
- On your smartphone, authorize the pairing.
- Once authorized, the Garmin Speak device will establish a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone.

Step 4: Complete the Device Setup in the Garmin Drive App

After pairing, the setup process continues in the Garmin Drive app with on-screen instructions.

- Follow the prompts in the app to complete initial configuration such as vehicle profile, preferences, and any permissions.
- The device may also prompt you to register it to your Garmin account for warranty and software update purposes.
- The Garmin Drive app will check for and install any necessary software updates on the Garmin Speak device. Do not turn off the vehicle or disconnect the device during this update process.

Step 5: Additional Pairing and Usage Information

- If multiple people need to use the Garmin Speak device, it supports pairing with multiple smartphones. Additional smartphones can connect via Bluetooth settings, but only one device can have an active connection at a time.
- If you own multiple Garmin Speak devices (for multiple vehicles), you can pair each device to your smartphone but only connect one device at a time.

Step 6: Using Garmin Speak with Your Smartphone

Once setup is complete, Garmin Speak uses natural language processing with Amazon Alexa to help you with navigation, playback, weather, and other smart tasks.

- Activate Alexa by saying "Alexa" or pressing the action key on the device.
- Speak your commands or questions clearly towards the device.
- For navigation, say commands like "Alexa, ask Garmin to take me to work."
- You can control playback, get weather updates, send messages, and more, all hands-free using your voice.

Tips for Optimizing Your Setup

- Install the Garmin Speak device on your windshield using the included adhesive disc for the best GPS reception and microphone performance.
- Make sure your smartphone's Bluetooth is enabled and that the Garmin Drive app is running to maintain the connection.
- If the device is not connecting, verify in your phone Bluetooth settings that Garmin Speak is paired and active.
- Regularly check the Garmin Drive app for updates to ensure your device software and maps remain current.

Device Care and Maintenance

- Avoid dropping the Garmin Speak device or exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture.
- Clean the windshield and adhesive disc when installing or repositioning to maintain a secure mount.
- Keep the device powered during use to ensure continuous GPS and Alexa operation.

This extensive setup and usage guide ensures that Garmin Speak is properly connected to your smartphone, providing seamless voice-activated navigation and smart assistant functionality while driving. Following these steps carefully will give you the best experience with your Garmin Speak device integrated with your smartphone.