GPSrChive Discussion Forum

Garmin has released a new update for the GPSMAP H1 and H1i Plus, version 6.04. Quite an extensive change log again:

• Added Calculator app
• Added TracBack voice command
• Added night vision indicator on status page
• Added option to forward inReach messages
• Added option to rename pages on the home screen
• Added notification when attempting to declare SOS when device is not activated
• Added button to hide and show dashboard on map
• Added popularity routing settings
• Fixed navigation via points disappearing when toggling direct routing
• Fixed smart notifications sometimes being automatically reenabled
• Fixed calories not tracking
• Fixed possible issue showing some map layers incorrectly showing as enabled
• Fixed possible issue that could display some third party maps as CityNavigator
• Fixed possible display issue with Status dashboard
• Fixed possible issue with showing waypoint altitude
• Fixed possible home grid animation issue when holding keys for a long time
• Fixed possible issue with getting weather forecasts
• Fixed possible issue with wi-fi connection when requesting weather
• Fixed possible display of stale weather data
• Fixed “View Map” option when reviewing photos
• Fixed CIQ app names shown in Garmin Express
• Fixed map controls showing on Man Overboard screen
• Fixed possible issue with reset button showing before passcode fully timed out
• Fixed “Launch Course” option from Wikiloc CIQ app
• Fixed geocache items when using Garmin Share
• Fixed possible issue with reading certain Geocache files
• Fixed possible issue when reviewing a point after selecting “Use Map”
• Fixed possible issue when incrementing range in Applied Ballistics app
• Fixed possible issues with Applied Ballistics app with very low velocities
• Fixed possible issue with drawing coordinates in some position formats
• Fixed possible issue displaying course distance
• Fixed possible issue when changing CIQ datafields
• Fixed possible map drawing issue after viewing KMZ maps
• Fixed possible issue activating inReach service if you started without GPS signal
• Fixed some text drawing on waypoint average page
• Fixed wi-fi possibly not turning off when toggled on the status page
• Fixed user north reference for compass
• Fixed action button not working on the waypoint symbol select page
• Fixed satellite skyview and signal bars from constantly changing colors
• Fixed various issues with lockscreen
• Improved course and activity map drawing speed
• Improved saved app loading speed with many long activities
• Improved course creator app
• Improved auto correct behavior on keyboard
• Removed “Edit Course” option for area calculations
• Updated activity drawing to disconnect line when recording was stopped or paused
• Updated inReach service plan page and added “Check for Updates” button
• Updated tracking and activity recording to auto-resume if the device crashed
• Updated Tracking glance layout
• Updated list of proximity alarm tones
• Updated navigation to recalculate when regaining a GPS fix

Haven't been able to install and test yet, so interested in the experiences of others!

After seeing this huge list of improvements and fixes, t's apparent to me that Garmin's quality control for handheld products has gone from bad to worse.

Updated tracking and activity recording to auto-resume if the device crashed

Why does this rub me the wrong way? Is this something to be expected?

@GPSrChive - After firmware 6.04, do you still think it's not worth buying?

Discover wrote: Mon Jan 05, 2026 9:17 pm @GPSrChive - After firmware 6.04, do you still think it's not worth buying?

With only about 1/3 of the bugs and missing features reported here resolved, I would still recommend waiting unless you are someone who likes to experiment and is perfectly happy to have a less than half baked tinker toy. Certainly, eventually, these issues will be mostly resolved (I hope), but in it's current form, the GPSMAP H1 does not deliver the same experience previous models (GPSMAP 67/66sr) will, right out of the box. It certainly is better, but it still has farther to go than it has come.

GPSrChive > GPSMAP H1 > Common Issues as of v6.04:

• RED: Issue/Feature Request has been reported to Garmin, and is pending response.
• ORANGE: Garmin has acknowledged a Reported Issue/Feature Request and may be working on a solution.
• GREEN: Issue has been resolved and no longer exists. Requested Feature has been implemented.
  
  • Bugs (32/08/15): Software issues that result in a system failure or adversely affect intended functionality.
  • Crash Reports (03/00/03): Bugs resulting in unintentional hanging, freezing, resetting or powering down.
  • Hardware Failures (02/00/00): Physical issues and/or failures that limit or inhibit intended function.
  • Missing Features (14/27/14): Feature is available on a similar Garmin product.
  • Requested Features (01/01/01): Request for functionality not present with current firmware version.

Discover wrote: Mon Jan 05, 2026 9:17 pm @GPSrChive - After firmware 6.04, do you still think it's not worth buying?

If you feel adventurous and don't mind "experimenting" (as GPSrChive put it), you can always purchase from a dealer/reseller that allows returns for a full refund...retailers like REI (in the U.S.) and Amazon. That's what I did and am still evaluating my eTrex Touch 2 (H1's little brother). I have until the end of the month to return mine to Amazon (others of the same unit were purchased previously but returned due to very difficult to operate power buttons). I purchased the particular unit currently in my possession as soon as the holiday refund policy of two months (rather than one) went into effect.

Sometimes, it takes hands-on time with the unit to see if it's really right for you.

I have no problem returning the unit to Amazon as it's easy (I just walk it to my nearby UPS Store (1/2 mi./11 minutes away)) and pretty much non-eventful (aside from waiting for the funding back to the debit card). If Garmin manages to come out with another firmware update before the end of January and it somehow magically transforms the unit to what it's supposed to be (I really don't see this happening any time very soon), I will likely keep it. If not, I'll let Garmin continue on their quest without me.

Garmin Rule No.1: Wait at least 1-2 years after a new device is being released. Then most of the bugs should be fixed.

ConiKost wrote: Thu Jan 08, 2026 10:49 pm Garmin Rule No.1: Wait at least 1-2 years after a new device is being released. Then most of the bugs should be fixed.

Yes, indeed.

But by that time, they will have released the next "new and improved" device that supersedes the old one (that now works correctly for the most part). Maybe they will address the lingering bugs of the old model...or maybe not (GPSMAP 67 series is the perfect example). So you now have the old outdated model & not the shiny new model...the temptation is great and expectations are high when a new device is released.

And the cycles repeats...

One thing to keep in mind (for those that choose to stick it out) is that the H1/H1i Plus & eTrex Touch 2 units should hopefully get better with time.

I'm so glad I kept my GPSMAP 66st. I was going to sell it on eBay when I was waiting for the H1i Plus to arrive. What a mistake that would've been.