Garmin eTrex Owner's Manual

To turn the backlighting on, press and release the POWER 

button from any screen. The backlight is timed to stay on for 30 
seconds to save battery power.  To adjust the screen contrast, press 
the PAGE button until you see the SkyView Page. Press the UP 
button to make the screen darker, press the DOWN button to 
make the screen lighter. 

Before you can actually use your eTrex for navigation, you must 

first obtain a fix on your current position. To do this, take your 
eTrex outside and find a large, open area that has a clear view of the 
sky. Press and hold the POWER button to turn the unit on. You’ll 
see the Welcome Page for a few seconds while the eTrex performs a 
self-test, followed by the SkyView Page. The eTrex needs to receive 
at least three strong satellite signals to find your location. 

When you see the “READY TO NAVIGATE” message on the 

Satellite Page, eTrex has found your location. 

NOTE: The first time you use your eTrex, it could take up 
to five minutes to find your location. After the first time 
use, eTrex only needs about 15 to 45 seconds to find 
your location. If the eTrex does not display your local 
time (bottom of the Menu Page), follow the instructions 
in the Getting Started section of your Owner’s Manual 
to set the correct time.

Button

UP  

Button

All of the information needed to operate the eTrex is found on five 

main “pages” (or display screens). These pages are the SkyView, Map, 
Pointer, Trip Computer, and Menu. Once power is applied, press the 
PAGE button to switch between pages.

“Ready To 

Navigate”

Welcome 

Page

SkyView 

Page

      

Button

Internal 

GPS Antenna

LCD Display

(with backlight)

Button

Button

External Power 

and 

 Data Connector

Battery 

Compartment

Waterproof Case

The PAGE Button:
•  Switches display pages
•  Allows you to exit/quit a function

The POWER Button:
•   Press and hold to turn the unit on/off.
•   Press to turn the display backlight 

on/off.

The eTrex operates on two AA batteries (not included), which are 

installed at the back of the unit. To install the batteries, remove the 
battery cover by turning the D-ring at the back of the unit 1/4 turn 
counter-clockwise. Insert the batteries into position observing proper 
polarity.  Attach the battery cover by turning the D-ring 1/4 turn 
clockwise. 

D-ring

Battery Cover



The ENTER Button:
• Confirms data entry or menu selections
• Displays Options on main pages
•  Press and hold the ENTER  

button to activate the Mark Waypoint 
Page

The UP/DOWN Buttons:
• Select options on pages and menus
• Adjust Contrast on the SkyView Page
• Zoom in and out on the Map Page
• Cycle through trip computer data on  
   the Pointer Page

Map

Pointer

Menu

SkyView

Trip Computer