I recieve a garmin as a gift @ it now has a code lock on it how can i unlock my garmin 260

The Garmin Maps require a map unlock code in order for the GPS to be able to open/access it. Since the maps are copyright protected by Garmin you should of recieved the unlock code from Garmin when you purchased the new map update.

I've been trawling for unanswered questions; this information may be too late for you (or perhaps it may help you resurrect a useless machine which you have put away) but it will certainly help others searching for advice with the same problem.

You have Garmin Lock activated on your nuvi: there are only two ways you can unlock it.

1. Enter the PIN code (but you clearly don't have it or you wouldn't be reading this).

2. Take the unit to the Security Location you chose when activating Garmin Lock: it will then unlock without the PIN code and you can then either reset the PIN or disable Garmin Lock. The Security Location should not be the owner's home address, but many owners ignore this recommendation. Many owners choose their workplace or a close friend or relatives address for this purpose.

If neither option works then your unit is useless unless you send it to Garmin with proof of purchase. Garmin charge for the service and if your maps are not up to date then it's really a waste of money as the investment would be better spent on a new unit with current mapping.

I hope that you manage to either fix your problem using my advice or at least can decide whether to abandon the unit and buy another.

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If you have forgotten your PIN and Security Location please contact Product Support for assistance. Please note we will require a copy of the receipt and there will be a charge to unlock the device as this issue is not covered by the warranty.

To contact Product Support in your area go to http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/support/supportcontact

Make sure the battery is fully charged.
The on / off button is spring loaded. After pushing to the left it should spring back to the middle

Find out where your "friend" did the code. If you don't know what it is, then you have to go back to that exact location where they did it and it will automatically unlock it for you. Then you can follow the instructions below:

Answer: If you can remember the PIN Code previously set on your device you will be able to change the Pin on your device easily. You can change the PIN on the unit by doing the following:
Zumo's, Street Pilot Cxx, Nuvi 3xx, 6xx

1. Turn your device on
2. Touch the Spanner symbol
3. Touch System
4. Touch On/Off next to Garmin Lock

Within this section you can add or change a PIN.
All Nuvi's excluding 3xx and 6xx

1. Turn your device on
2. Touch Tools
3. Touch Settings
4. Touch Security
5. Touch On/Off under Garmin Lock

Within this section you can add or change a PIN.

When the Garmin security lock is set it locates the units current GPS location.
If you are trying to change the Garmin Lock and are not within the same location to where the Garmin Lock was set you will need to revert back to this GPS position.

Once at this position you will not be prompted to enter the PIN Code when starting the device up and can change the code as you please.

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All Nuvi's excluding 3xx and 6xx

1. Turn your device on
2. Touch Tools
3. Touch Settings
4. Touch Security
5. Touch On/Off under Garmin Lock

Within this section you can add or change a PIN.

When the Garmin security lock is set it locates the units current GPS location.
If you are trying to change the Garmin Lock and are not within the same location to where the Garmin Lock was set you will need to revert back to this GPS position.

Once at this position you will not be prompted to enter the PIN Code when starting the device up and can change the code as you please

I think the true purpose of the pin is for another income stream to garmin they want $110 to unlock it. If not then why not just register a pin when you register for the warranty then just use your MY GARMIN to get it when you need it???

The Garmin doesn't need to plug into anything to work normally.  Just turn it on!

Re: Not sayinstreet names.
After you turn on your unit touch the wrench icon in the bottom right of the screen, this will take you to a menu which features "Settings" in the upper left of the screen. Touch "settings" and scroll down to "language" by using the up and down buttons in the lower right of the screen (down 1 should do it). Touch "Language" and in the voice category find and select "American English - Jill (TTS)". This is the voice that will give you Text To Speech (TTS) speaking the street names in English. If you prefer Spanish or French, find the appropriate catergories with "(TTS)" beside them - "Espanol Americas - Paulina (TTS)" and "Francais Canadien - Julie (TTS)" respectively. Any other selection will only give directional instructions such as "turn left in XXX".

After you have selected your voice press "OK" and back out to your main menu showing "Where to?" and View Map".

Now, when you navigate, you should hear an American female voice giving you directions by street name - assuming your volume is high enough to hear it.

RE: The computer icon displaying when you try to use your unit in the car with the 12 VDC cord.
You probably have a problem with the cord. The pin length in the USB style connector is critical and if it doesn't match up just right the GPS thinks it is hooked up to a computer. If you know someone who has a Garmin NUVI try using their cord and see if you have the same problem. Either way, call Garmin and see if they will send you a replacement cord or otherwise help fix the problem.

Why can't you ask the person who gifted it to you?