Garmin-Asus A50 FAQs

Looking for more information about your A50? Please review our frequently asked questions below.

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Applications

What is Optus 124YES Local Search?

Optus 124YES Local Search, powered by truelocal.com.au, allows customers to search for a business type or business name listing from their A50. Search results are returned based on the location of the mobile service. Customers can then call, see the business location on the map and use the mobile's Navigation service to find their way to the business.

What if there is no results found in Optus 124YES Local Search?

If no results are found, you can click to call Optus 124YES (124937) for directory assistance. Standard Optus 124YES charges apply. You can check pricing for details.

Can I customize the main (home) screen? How?

The "Call," "Where To" and "View Map" icons cannot be changed; however, the user can reorder the icons in the application tray.

How can I organize my apps so that I can easily get to the ones I use most?

The first row of shortcuts always will be visible in the application tray on your home screen. You can select which shortcuts are displayed by dragging the application tray across the screen (to reveal all shortcuts: touch a shortcut until the unit vibrates then drag the shortcut to the desired location).

Bluetooth

I noticed that some Bluetooth (BT) headsets sound a bit crackly, is there a certain BT that is recommended to be used with this device?

We do not recommend any specific brands of Bluetooth (BT) devices; however, the following BT devices have been tested to ensure no interference:
Plantronics Voyager 835 (HFP)
SAMSUNG WEP301 (HFP)
Motorola H780 (HFP)
Sony DR-BT22 (A2DP)
iPhone Headset (HFP)
Motorola S9 (A2DP)
Samsung SBH-700 (A2DP)
Motorola T-16 (Car Kit)
Motorola H681 (HFP)

Also, try turning off WiFi, as it could improve performance for certain brands of BT devices.

Sometimes when I place a call it does not auto connect to my Bluetooth, what can I do to resolve this?

Make sure your Bluetooth (BT) device is turned on (check the BT icon symbol in the notification bar).

If it still is not working, try deleting it from the saved profiles and setting it up as a new BT connection.

If Bluetooth is active, will I hear notifications during a call, e.g. SMS, e-mail, etc.?

Notifications for SMS, e-mail, etc., are not audible during a call, whether or not you are using Bluetooth. The only audible notification would be another call coming in.

Will my Bluetooth work while the Navigation is on?

No. Voice directions during a route are not sent to the Bluetooth earpiece.

Car Mount / Cradle

I can't get my device to connect to the cradle, what should I do?

There are 3 brass pins on the left side of your A50 that should align with the 3 pins on your auto cradle. There are 2 pegs on either side of the brass pins on the cradle to help you guide the A50 into place. If your unit will not fit in the cradle easily and securely, it may need to be replaced.

Connectivity

What methods can I use to transfer media files?

Your A50 has a "File Transfer" option for you to send data from your PC. When you connect to the device via USB cable, you should be given the choices: "Sync," "File Transfer" or "Internet Sharing." Choose "File Transfer" to open a file explorer window on your PC that will show the internal files of your A50. You also will be able to see and access any data on a SD™ card in the unit.

Will all of my contacts sync to my device when I first activate? What should I do if they don't?

After setting up your e-mail accounts, your contacts will sync to your device. It may take a few minutes to receive all of your contacts, especially if your contact list is large.

If you're still having problems, go to "Settings" and make sure "Sync My Contacts" is enabled: Home > Menu > Settings > Sync > ActiveSync or Google > Ensure Contacts box is checked.

Coverage

What does the device show when it is on Edge/GPRS or 3G coverage area?

Along the top of the screen is an icon bar that will reflect your connection type: G-GPRS, 3G-3G and H-HSDPA.

Can I set my device to 2G or 3G only?

Yes.

What happens when I'm transitioning from 3G to 2G and vice versa? What if I'm using Navigation?

You may experience a change in data speeds between 2G and 3G. GPS functionality will not be affected.

Can I set my device to be only 3G?

Yes.

I live in a 2G coverage area only, what will my experience be with this device?

A50 will automatically switch to 2G. You may experience a reduced connection speed.

Data

What features can I use without adding a data plan?

GPS, phone, text and Wi-Fi all work without a data plan. Services, such as e-mail, weather, TrueLocal Local Search, Panoramio and Ciao!, require a data plan. Check with your provider for any restrictions inherent with a no-plan phone.

Downloads / Apps

Can I use my device while my applications are being downloaded?

Yes.

When I download an application where does it save? How can I change the location?

You can designate where downloads go by changing the default: Settings > System > Storage > Change Default Storage.

If I download content to the device then switch to a new device (due to warranty, etc.) can I download again without being charged?

If you have a warranty exchange, you will be able to download Garmin software without being charged.

e-mail

I'm trying to turn calendar notifications off on my e-mail but when I look under "Settings," it doesn't specify which calendar. Is there another way to set notifications for each e-mail account?

To access your calendar alerts and notifications: Settings > Applications > Calendar > Set Alerts & Notifications

How do I delete meeting reminders without deleting the actual meeting from my calendar?

To remove the reminder without deleting the meeting from your calendar: Calendar > choose the event > Edit > touch the reminder > None.

Sometimes I notice duplicate calendar items, what should I do about this?

To remove the duplicate event: Calendar > touch the event > Edit > Delete Event.

Can I add calendar items from my desktop and my phone?

Yes.

How can I change the e-mail sync settings?

To change the e-mail sync settings: Settings > Sync > Exchange > ActiveSync > Account Info.

I don't see the option to set up Exchange e-mail, where can I find it?

To set up Exchange e-mail: e-mail > touch the menu icon > Manage Accounts > Add Account > Exchange ActiveSync

I'm having trouble getting my Outlook calendar to sync, what can I do?

Check your settings in your PC Sync. You also may need to check your cabling.

I stopped receiving my personal e-mail, what should I do?

Check your settings on your A50: e-mail > touch the menu icon > Manage Accounts > choose the e-mail account.

I stopped receiving my work e-mail, what should I do?

Check your setting on your Exchange ActiveSync account on your A50: e-mail > touch the menu icon > Manage Accounts > choose Exchange ActiveSync. You may need to contact your Network Administrator for assistance.

Does my work calendar sync with my device? Can I make updates to meetings from my handset?

Yes it will sync. You can make updates to events you created, but not to events someone else created.

How is my e-mail on this device different than it was on my Blackberry device?

To ensure real-time syncing of e-mails, calendar and contacts, perform the following: Home > Menu > Settings > Sync > ActiveSync.

- Make sure AutoSync is selected.

- Scroll to ""Advanced"" and ensure ""when e-mail arrives"" is selected.

My contacts didn't sync to my phonebook, what should I do?

Make sure you have "Contacts" selected in your PC Sync settings. Make sure the sync setting allows transfer from phone to PC.

I can't set up my Exchange e-mail, do you know what settings I should use?

Check with your Network Administrator.

I'm receiving e-mail, but I'm not able to send e-mail, what should I do?

Check your e-mail account settings.

How do I set up my Gmail account?

From the application tray, touch: Settings > Sync > Google. Follow the prompts.

Can I set up other personal e-mail accounts like Yahoo and Hotmail? How many can I have at one time?

Yes, you can. Some accounts require you to enter more information, while some accounts like Hotmail or Gmail will import settings from your account.

You can have up to 15 accounts, but only 1 Exchange e-mail account.

Will I be charged a monthly fee to use Exchange e-mail?

Not from Garmin.

How many different e-mail accounts can I set up on this device?

Fifteen, but only 1 Exchange e-mail account.

I changed phone numbers, what do I need to do to get my Exchange e-mail set back up?

You will need to contact your Network Administrator to edit your Exchange e-mail settings.

Do I have to have ActiveSync on my computer?

The sync software used for A50 is Garmin-Asus PC Sync. If you want to sync with your PC, you will need this software. You may download from the Garmin-Asus website: https://www.garminasus.com/en_AU/support/pcsync/

Where do I get the login credentials to set up Exchange mail?

You will need to contact your Network Administrator.

Is the Exchange e-mail SMTP e-mail?

Exchange uses the SMTP and IMAP protocols.

How does my calendar get integrated?

For Google or Exchange, calendar synching will occur after the accounts have been setup. It may take a few minutes to receive all of your appointments on the device.

How do I pull over my contacts?

For Google, by default, your contacts will sync when you first set up the account. You can manually choose not to sync.

For Exchange, syncing of contacts will happen via a prompt once you set up.

To pull over SIM contacts: Home > Contacts > Menu > SIM Phonebook > Import contacts from SIM.

Where are the e-mails stored?

They are stored in the internal memory of the device. This section of memory is not accessible from the Mass Storage mode.

What kind of documents can I view and edit?

You can view Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents, You also can view Adobe PDFs, HTML, pictures and plain text files. None of these can be edited without additional applications.

How do I save an attachment to my SD™ card?

In the Gmail app, tap the ""Preview"" button to open the attachment in its respective viewing application.

In the e-mail app, tap the ""Attachment"" icon to open and view the file, or long press to save the attachment to the default storage location.

To change the default storage location between the SD card and the internal memory: Settings > System > Storage > Default Storage.

My IT Department said my Exchange e-mail settings are correct, but my e-mail is not working, what should I do now?

Check your data connection. Make sure your account has remote access.

How do I escalate problems to my handset if I am unable to resolve my issues with Exchange e-mail?

Check with your IT Department. Your account may not be set up for remote access.

What possible error codes will I see? What do each of them mean?

POP3, IMAP and SMTP servers have many different error codes. When you receive an error code, you should get a quick description of what the error means, and searching the Internet for that code will give you more information for troubleshooting.

Do I have to have a Gmail account to use this device?

A Gmail account is not required; however, some functions will not be available without a Gmail account.

What if I forget my Gmail login information, will I be locked out of the phone? How do I get it back?

Some functions will be unavailable if you are not signed in to Gmail. You still will be able to make phone calls and use GPS Navigation.

General

How are the numbers from my network address book, my social networking sites, etc., combined in my address/phonebook?

By default, all of your contacts are listed from your Google and Exchange account. They are sorted alphabetically by the name that appears first in the contact info. You can choose to limit the contacts displayed to groups you've set up on either account.

What are some error messages that may pop up on the device, and what should I do if I get one?

If an application is not responding, you may get an error giving you the option to "Force Close" or "Wait" for the application. If you chose "Force Close," the application will close and you will lose any data or progress that had not been saved.

Are there parental controls for this device?

No.

Does a memory card come with the device? Is it pre-installed? How big is it? Can I purchase one with more memory?

Memory cards are not included. The device supports most memory cards, up to 32GB (SanDisk, Kingston, etc.)

Can I change the sensitivity settings for the touchscreen? How?

You cannot change the sensitivity settings. The capacitive touchscreen technology that is used by A50 does not have sensitivity settings or a calibration process.

Can I listen to music via stereo Bluetooth?

Yes, A50 supports A2DP stereo Bluetooth.

Can I open Microsoft Office docs? Excel, PowerPoint (PPT), Word, etc.?

Yes, Microsoft Office documents can be opened and viewed.

Tell me some tips and tricks that make it simple to navigate around my device.

Tapping the home softkey takes you back to the main screen.

Long pressing the home softkey takes you to the widgets panel.

The back softkey will take you back 1 screen.

Dragging your finger down from the top of the screen brings down your notification panel from which you can start programs with new information.

Can I watch videos from all Websites without additional plug-ins?

No. YouTube videos will open in the YouTube application. Other Websites designed for mobile phones will have video files that will open in the video player.

What if I need to download a plug-in, but I get an error saying my device doesn't support it? Is there a workaround for this?

No. This device does not support plug-ins.

What type of memory management does this device have?

By going to Settings > Storage, you can view used memory and free memory for app storage, internal memory and SD™ card.

By going to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications, you can clear data for or uninstall individual applications.

What does running the applications do to the battery life?

Depending on what the application is doing, it will have various effects on the battery. Connected applications that repeatedly update data will drain the battery. Applications that are running in the background usually will not use much battery power, unless they are connecting to update data periodically. Apps should have settings to customize how often they are connecting.

Does anything get stored on the SD™ card automatically?

When you first insert a memory card, you are asked if you would like the SD™ card to be the default storage location. Camera photos and videos automatically are stored to the default storage location. If you choose to save an e-mail attachment or file from a browser, it will go to your default storage location, but this is not automatic since you have to chose to save the file.

How do I access files on the SD™ Card?

SD™ card files can be accessed through the computer. Connect the phone to the computer using a mini-USB cable and choose "File Transfer." The SD card will appear as a drive. Additionally, file explorer applications can be downloaded from the market to explore files from the phone.

Can I view PDFs in e-mail or from Websites?

Yes and no. They cannot be viewed directly in an e-mail or Website, but they will open in the document viewer application, if selected

How do I assign a MP3 as a ringtone?

Touch and hold a song in the music application and an option to set as it as a ringtone will appear.

How do I get photos uploaded from the device?

From the application tray, touch Gallery > touch the picture you want to share > touch the envelope icon > select an option for sending. You can upload to Facebook® and Picasa from here.

I changed my SIM/MSIDN, and now I can't find my downloads/apps, what should I do?

Apps should still be available after changing a SIM.

If a Master Clear has been performed, go to Settings > Sync > Google, and you should be asked to sign into your account. You may have to download the apps again.

My device constantly is updating so my battery drains easily. Is there a way to minimize this?

To change your battery settings: Settings > Sync > Google > un-check "Background Data" > Un-check "Auto sync" (You will need to refresh your calendar/contacts/e-mail manually), Disable synchronization for specific items if you don't use them.

What is the largest memory card I can use with this device?

32GB.

What tips are there to preserve/extend battery life?

From Settings > Sync > Google > un-check "Background Data" > Un-check "Auto sync" (You will need to refresh your calendar/contacts/e-mail manually), you can disable synchronization for specific items.

From Settings > Sync > Wireless Manager, you can turn off WiFi, Bluetooth and data connectivity, but there will be a great loss in functionality.

From Settings > Display, you can lower the screen brightness.

I've been using a Blackberry primarily for Exchange e-mail. How does this device compare to the Blackberry overall?

E-mail should basically act the same. On the back end, the handset connects directly to your Exchange server while Blackberry goes through the Blackberry Enterprise server.

Can I set songs I downloaded or purchased as ringtones? Are there any restrictions?

Yes. The following file types can be converted into ringtones: .mp3, .wma, .aac, .wav, .mid

How can I upgrade my device with the latest software?

Go to the Garmin-Asus Website, https://www.garminasus.com, and check Support > Software Updates for availability.

Sometimes I see numbers (in red) in the upper lefthand corner of the top bar on my phone, what do they mean? Sometimes it's just 1, other times it is 3, 4, 5, etc.

This is an application notifying you in the notification bar. The numbers mean there is more than one of the same type of notification.

You can open the notifications panel by swiping your finger down from the top of the screen to get more information about which application is notifying you and what the notification is.

I notice across the top of the phone is a notification bar. Can I minimize (hide) this or change the order of appearance?

No. The notification bar cannot be customized.

Can I make phone calls over WiFi?

Phone calls cannot be made with your phone number over WiFi. There are some voice over IP applications available for download from the application market, but the call will be made through the service used by the downloaded application.

If my device is on, will it show that I'm "online" on my social networking sites?

Any Android applications that support a sign-in feature may cause you to appear online for their service.

Can I use the chat feature in Facebook® and MySpace? How?

The phone does not come with this functionality, but Android apps from the market may add it.

Can I lock the phone so it can only make and receive calls to the numbers in the phonebook?

You can lock the phone, but you only will be able to make emergency calls without unlocking it again.

Is there an extended battery available for this device?

No.

I am trying to take pictures and it keeps saying the memory is full. I deleted a couple of pictures, but it still says it. What do I do now?

You need to verify the pictures are saving to your internal memory or your memory card and that there is room in the location you are trying to save the pictures. You can view free space on both as well as set the default storage location by clicking Settings > System > Storage.

How do I get my videos to YouTube from the device?

Use the camera application to record a video. Go to the gallery either from your application list or by tapping the gallery icon from the camera application. Tap the video you would like to upload. Tap the envelope icon. Tap YouTube at the bottom of the list. You may be asked to sign into your YouTube account, but from this screen you can upload the video to YouTube.

How many Premium Services will come preloaded on my device? Are these free or will I have to pay for them if I use them?

There are 2 Garmin Premium Services - fuel prices and safety cameras - preloaded on the A50, and we provide Optus users 1 year free usage for these 2 services. Data access charges still apply. Please contact Optus for the data access pricing.

What is the content provider of the safety cameras?

The content is provided by Cyclops.

What do the safety cameras cover (speed cameras, school zones, etc.)?

The safety cameras include red light camera data in addition to the safety camera data. It does NOT include school zone cameras.

How often are the safety cameras updated?

Cyclops maintains an FTP site where they host their latest data. Once a day, Garmin queries that site for new data and builds new Cyclops coverage files for the regions that have changed.

Hardware

What are some ways I can conserve battery life on my device?

From Settings > Sync > Google > un-check "Background Data" > Un-check "Auto sync" (You will need to refresh your calendar/contacts/e-mail manually), you can disable synchronization for specific items.

From Settings > Sync > Wireless Manager, you can turn off WiFi, Bluetooth and data connectivity, but there will be a great loss in functionality.

From Settings > Display, you can lower the screen brightness."

I don't think my charger is working; it takes longer than any other phone I have had. Is this normal?

Ensure that you're using the charger included with the device. Other chargers may not charge the device at the same rate. For instance, you can charge the phone from a USB cable connected to your computer, but it will not charge as quickly as it does not provide the same amount of power.

Instant Messaging

Can I download Yahoo, MSN Messenger, etc.?

Check "Market" for the latest social widgets available on Android phones.

Media

When I play media, e.g. YouTube videos, I don't hear any sound, what should I do?

Press the volume keys to check the Media Player sound level. Verify your phone is not sending sound via Bluetooth.

I can hear sound when I use my earphones, but not through my device, what should I do?

Disconnect the earphones from the phone. Volume settings are the same through the device speaker or through the headphones.

Memory

How do I check the memory status on my device? On my memory card?

Go to Settings > System > Storage. This will list used and free space on the internal memory and memory card.

My device is running slow, says the memory is full or it doesn't let me save more applications, what can I do?

Remove some rarely used apps or install a larger MicroSD™ card.

I have downloaded applications from a third party, where are they stored?

Select Browser > Menu > View Downloads to view downloaded applications and files.

Messaging

When I'm using the keyboard to type a text message, I often hit the wrong letter by mistake? What can I do about this?

Make sure you are trying to use your finger and not your finger nail to type. The capacitive touchscreen used cannot be calibrated.

What are some tips and tricks you can share to make my SMS/MMS experience the quickest and easiest possible?

When new messages come to your phone, you will be notified on the notification panel at the top of your phone. Drag down from the top to view the notification, and tap the notification to view and reply to the message. You can do these steps from any screen on the phone.

Navigation

When in Navigation mode, what is the simplest way to bring up my home screen if I want to make a call?

Press the home key by the direction pad.

How will I know when new/updated maps are available? Will I be charged for these?

Users can opt for notifications about mapping updates during registration on the Garmin-Asus webpage.

How much is it going to cost when I update my maps?

Garmin offers FREE map updates forever on the A50.

You must register your product at http://www.garminasus.com/en_AU/support/ to receive these free lifetime map updates.

nüMaps Lifetime entitles you to receive at least 2 map updates per year during the useful life of your Garmin product. This service is not transferable to another person or Garmin product. See http://www.garmin.com/numapslifetime for complete terms and conditions.

Are there any settings that can be changed to make day time driving more visible?

Change display to night mode: Settings > Display > Color Mode.

In Navigation mode, is there a way to set the screen so it won't dim?

When in the cradle and connected to external power, the screen will not dim.

When not connected to a cradle, the screen will dim based on the timeout setting under Settings > Display

How do I save a location for future use?

Search for a location using any of the methods found on pages 30-34 of the Manual.

Can I use Navigation without my SIM card in the device?

You will be able to use GPS for Navigation as maps are installed on the phone; however, dynamic content, such as fuel prices and flight statuses, will not work without a data connection.

What are the 4 different signals the Navigation runs off?

Qualcomm GPSOne, Assisted GPS, Aided GPS and standalone GPS.

How do I get turn-by-turn directions when using Navigation?

While viewing the map, tap the Navigation banner on the top of the Navigation screen. It will be displaying your next turn. Tapping it will bring up a list of all turns.

When I use the "Where Am I?" app, it doesn't always locate me, what should I do about this?

Check your notification bar to see if the phone has a GPS signal. Then try leaving the app and re-entering from the home screen.

I seem to be getting directions that are not taking me on the fastest route, what should I do?

Go to Settings > Navigation > Automotive. Verify routing preferences are set to fastest time.

What will happen if I'm using GPS and my Bluetooth (BT) and I get a call? Will I hear the Navigation directions in the BT while I'm on a call?

No.

How do I set the GPS to remember my parking spot?

Settings > System> General > Saved Parking Spot > Check Enabled. When enabled, your parking spot is saved automatically when you remove the phone from the cable.

How do I change the Navigation voice to a different one?

This setting can be changed from Settings > Navigation > Voice.

Australian, American and British accents are available.

I connected my device to the cradle, but it's not connecting, what should I do?

Remove the phone. Insert the bottom of the phone with the contacts into the cradle first then push the top until it snaps into place. The cradle will not transmit data to the computer; it is only for charging the battery.

I turned the GPS off, but I still see the icon across the notification bar, what should I do?

Verify GPS is turned off: Settings > System > Security & Location > uncheck Enable GPS Satellites.

Will anything happen to interrupt GPS if I receive and answer a call while using it?

GPS will continue to run in the background. Voice Navigation prompts will return once the call is finished.

I am travelling internationally and want to use the Navigation feature? How do I download maps, and will I be charged for this?

Additional mapping can be purchased from http://www.garminasus.com. Follow on-screen prompts for the download.

Can I use GPS without plugging my device into the cradle? How fast does this drain the battery?

You may use GPS without the phone plugged in to the cradle. Estimate 1-3 hours of GPS usage on a full charge.

I get a question mark (?) when I go to navigate, what does this mean?

The phone does not have a GPS fix. Take the phone outside with a clear view of the sky.

How do I get back to my directions if I need to use the phone in route?

Select "View Map" from the main screen.

I'm taking the phone overseas, what charges can I expect if I only use the GPS?

There are no charges to use normal GPS. Dynamic content, such as gas prices and flight statuses, use data service and charges would apply when used.

The device won't stick to my dashboard, is there anything I can do?

If the suction cup does not stay attached to your windshield, you can try the following:

Clean the suction cup and the mounting area of the windshield with an alcohol-based solution such as rubbing alcohol.

Dry both surfaces with a lint-free cloth.

Apply moisture to the suction cup before placing it on the windshield. This creates a better seal and helps the unit stay in place.

Open the lever on the suction cup.

Place the suction cup on the windshield.

Apply pressure on suction cup mount.

Flip down the lever to secure the suction cup in place.

Note: During extreme temperature changes, the suction cup may fall off.

Privacy

Where does the handset store all my user information for Facebook®, Twitter®, MySpace? How can I be sure all my private information sent from my phone is secure?

Privacy levels can be managed within each application.

Roaming

How do I make sure I'm not charged for data while roaming?

Verify Data Roaming is disabled: Settings > Wireless Manager > Data > Data Roaming.

How can I turn off data while roaming, and then turn it back on?

You may enable or disable data roaming at any time: Settings > Wireless Manager > Data > Data Roaming.

Software

What are the capabilities of ActiveSync? Does it support any exchange policies like remote wipe or password enforcement?

ActiveSync will synchronize e-mails and contacts, create a back up on the computer of files currently on your phone and allow you to restore files if the phone becomes corrupted or reset. There is no information about remote wipe or password enforcement at this time.

I keep getting random "Force Close" errors, what do I do to prevent them?

Restart the phone or close out some apps working in the background.

Web

What other social networks can I install? MySpace? Twitter®? Anything else?

Facebook®, MySpace, YouTube and Twitter® are preloaded into A50. Check "Market" for the latest social widgets available on Android phones.

Some of my contact images are not loading from Facebook®, what should I do?

It may take a few moments before all information loads. If images do not appear after a few minutes, go to Menu > Refresh.

How do I refresh a Web page?

Press the green refresh button to the right of your address bar.