Navionics Customer Service — Practical, Expert Guide

Overview: what Navionics customer service covers

Navionics (maker of Navionics Boating charts and the WebApp) provides support for chart purchases, chart updates, device compatibility, map installation on SD/CF/Chartplotters, and account/subscription issues. Since the Navionics chart ecosystem integrates with multiple hardware manufacturers and the Navionics Boating app (iOS/Android) the support function frequently coordinates between the chart/content team and hardware/vendor technical teams.

Most common service requests relate to: (1) chart updates and transfer failures, (2) license/activation problems after device or phone changes, (3) subscription billing and refunds, and (4) corrupted SD/CF cards or chartplotter incompatibilities. Being prepared with the right identifiers and logs reduces resolution time from days to hours.

How to contact Navionics (recommended channels)

• Official self-service and support portal: https://www.navionics.com — click Support for region-specific resources and ticket submission forms. The WebApp is at https://webapp.navionics.com for account/chart management and downloads.
• Phone support (example for North America): Garmin/Navionics marine support is commonly routed through Garmin’s marine support phone: 1‑800‑800‑1020 — always verify hours and regional numbers via the Navionics Support page before calling. For EU or other regions, use the regional support links on the Navionics site to find local phone numbers and office hours.
• Email / ticketing: use the “Contact us” form on the support page to file a ticket. Include purchase receipt, device model, chart card ID (or app account e-mail), and a short description; attach screenshots or WebApp download logs where possible.

Checklist — what to have ready before you call or open a ticket

• Account and purchase data: email used for purchase, invoice/order number, date of purchase (e.g., mm/dd/yyyy), and store (App Store / Google Play / Navionics store / dealer).
• Hardware identifiers: chartplotter make/model and firmware version (e.g., Simrad NSS evo3 v18.1), SD/CF card ID printed on the card or shown in device menus, and Navionics chart version number (shown in WebApp or app).
• Diagnostic artifacts: screenshots of error messages, WebApp Chart Installer logs (file names and timestamps), and whether the issue occurs across multiple devices or only on one unit.

Chart updates and installation: exact steps and tools

Navionics distributes charts through two main flows: the Navionics Boating mobile app with Navionics+ subscriptions and the Navionics Chart Installer/WebApp for SD/CF card or chartplotter-based updates. To update cards or download charts for a plotter, use the WebApp (webapp.navionics.com) and the desktop Chart Installer (available on the Navionics downloads/support page). The Chart Installer creates a log file (ChartInstaller_log.txt) in its working folder—attach that to support requests.

Common practical steps: (1) sign in to WebApp with the Navionics account that owns the chart; (2) select the chart/region and click “Download card” or “Transfer to plotter”; (3) if using an SD card, format to FAT32 on Windows/Mac before writing; (4) after writing, insert the card into the chartplotter, power-cycle the unit, and verify the card ID in the plotter’s chart menu. If transfer fails, re-run Chart Installer and save the log file for support.

Troubleshooting frequent issues

Activation failures: these usually indicate a mismatch between the account that owns the chart and the account signed into the WebApp or app. Verify the purchase e-mail on the receipt and sign in with that same address. If a chart was bought through Apple/Google, the app-store account handles the license; support will ask for the App Store receipt (Apple provides “Report a Problem” receipts; Google Play receipts are in the order history).

SD/CF card errors and compatibility: most plotters require specific card formats and file structures. If a chartplotter reports “invalid card” or the plotter shows no charts, re-format the card (backup first), re-download via the Chart Installer, and verify the card ID in the plotter menu. If the card is physically damaged, replacement SD cards with registered charts may be provided under warranty or via a card-replacement fee — expect processing times of 7–21 business days depending on region and stock.

Subscriptions, billing and refunds

Navionics+ and in-app subscriptions are managed through the platform of purchase (Apple App Store, Google Play, or Navionics directly). For App Store purchases, follow Apple’s refund procedure (Report a Problem) — Navionics support cannot directly refund Apple/Google transactions; they can advise and provide purchase verification numbers (order IDs). For purchases via navionics.com or dealers, request refunds through the Navionics support form and include the invoice number and reason; response times typically vary but expect 3–14 business days for initial reply.

Price reference: single-region annual Navionics+ subscriptions historically ranged from approximately $20–$100/year depending on promotions and region; lifetime card-based chart purchases are usually in the $50–$400 range depending on coverage (lake vs global). Always confirm current pricing in the app or on navionics.com/pricing before purchase.

Warranty, escalation and enterprise support

Hardware warranties for chartplotters are handled by the plotter manufacturer; Navionics warranties cover digital chart licensing and delivery. If you need escalation (business account, OEM integration, or bulk licensing), request enterprise support via the Navionics sales/contact page; include expected fleet size, intended region coverage, and required delivery format (SD/CF, direct-to-device, or server-side APIs). Enterprise or OEM projects may require lead times of 4–12 weeks for custom packaging, licensing, and testing.

If standard support responses don’t resolve the issue, escalate by requesting a case number and asking for a technical specialist or supervisor. Provide the case number, attach all logs/screenshots, and a concise timeline of steps already taken—this reduces duplicate troubleshooting and shortens mean time to resolution (MTR).

Best practices to minimize downtime

Maintain a spare, pre-updated SD card for your chartplotter and store purchase receipts and card IDs in a cloud folder (PDFs/screenshots). Before any major voyage, verify chart and firmware versions at least 72 hours prior and perform a full power-cycle of plotters after updates. For fleet operations, use a centralized account and document a repeatable update workflow (WebApp → Chart Installer → Image → Test) so one person can perform rollouts reliably.

When contacting support, be concise and data-driven: include account e-mail, purchase date, exact device model and firmware, chart card ID, steps to reproduce, timestamps, and logs. That level of detail typically reduces back-and-forth and leads to resolution within 24–72 hours for most ticket types.