TomTom GO ESSENTIAL User Manual
TomTom GO ESSENTIAL
User Manual
18.2
Contents
Welcome to navigation with TomTom 8
Features 9
Your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL ......................................................................................................... 9
Video workshops .............................................................................................................................. 10
Get going 11
Installing in your car ......................................................................................................................... 11
Positioning your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL .................................................................................... 11
Switching on and off ........................................................................................................................ 12
Safety Notice .................................................................................................................................... 12
Setting up.......................................................................................................................................... 12
GPS reception ................................................................................................................................... 12
Sending information to TomTom .................................................................................................... 13
Memory card slot ............................................................................................................................. 13
Device not starting ........................................................................................................................... 13
Charging your device ....................................................................................................................... 13
Caring for your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL ...................................................................................... 14
TomTom services 15
About TomTom services ................................................................................................................. 15
Connecting a smartphone 17
Why do I want to connect a smartphone to my device? ................................................................ 17
Connecting a smartphone ................................................................................................................ 17
Disconnecting a smartphone ........................................................................................................... 19
Reconnecting a smartphone ............................................................................................................ 19
Unable to get a connection .............................................................................................................. 19
Personal Area Networks ................................................................................................................... 20
Wi-Fi connection 21
About Wi-Fi® .................................................................................................................................... 21
Connecting to Wi-Fi .......................................................................................................................... 21
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network ............................................................................................................... 22
About updates and new items ......................................................................................................... 22
Installing updates and new items .................................................................................................... 23
What's on the screen 25
The map view ................................................................................................................................... 25
The guidance view ........................................................................................................................... 27
The route bar .................................................................................................................................... 29
2
Distances and the route bar ........................................................................................................ 30
The quick menu ................................................................................................................................ 31
Navigation buttons ........................................................................................................................... 31
Quick access to settings ................................................................................................................... 34
Smaller buttons and symbols .......................................................................................................... 34
Volume control ................................................................................................................................. 36
Using gestures .................................................................................................................................. 36
Changing the text and button size ................................................................................................... 37
Reordering the Main Menu buttons ................................................................................................ 37
Traffic 39
About TomTom Traffic ..................................................................................................................... 39
About RDS-TMC ............................................................................................................................... 39
Looking at traffic on the map ........................................................................................................... 39
Looking at traffic on your route ....................................................................................................... 40
Traffic incidents ................................................................................................................................ 41
Approaching a traffic jam warning .................................................................................................. 42
Avoiding a traffic jam on your route ............................................................................................... 42
Selecting a faster route .................................................................................................................... 43
Advanced Lane Guidance ................................................................................................................ 44
Time-dependent speed limits .......................................................................................................... 44
TomTom MyDrive 45
About TomTom MyDrive ................................................................................................................. 45
Logging in to MyDrive ...................................................................................................................... 45
Road Trips collection - planning a route to a stop .......................................................................... 46
Road Trips collection - sending a route to your device.................................................................. 48
Setting a destination using MyDrive ............................................................................................... 50
Planning a route with stops using MyDrive .................................................................................... 51
Choosing where you want to start driving a route ......................................................................... 52
Showing a planned destination in MyDrive .................................................................................... 53
Clearing a MyDrive destination ....................................................................................................... 53
Deleting a MyDrive destination from My Places............................................................................. 53
Set a phone contact as your destination using the MyDrive app .................................................. 53
Finding and syncing locations using MyDrive ................................................................................ 54
Syncing My Places locations with MyDrive .................................................................................... 54
Importing a community POI list ....................................................................................................... 54
Deleting a community POI list ......................................................................................................... 55
Importing a track GPX file ................................................................................................................ 55
Deleting a track GPX file .................................................................................................................. 56
Saving and restoring your personal navigation information ......................................................... 56
Quick search 58
Choosing which search to use ......................................................................................................... 58
Using quick search ........................................................................................................................... 59
About search ............................................................................................................................... 59
Entering search terms ................................................................................................................. 59
Working with search results ....................................................................................................... 61
3
About postcodes ......................................................................................................................... 62
About mapcodes ......................................................................................................................... 63
List of POI type icons .................................................................................................................. 63
Planning a route using quick search ............................................................................................... 68
Using destination prediction ....................................................................................................... 68
Planning a route to an address ................................................................................................... 68
Planning a route to a city centre ................................................................................................. 71
Planning a route to a POI ............................................................................................................ 73
Planning a route to a POI using online search ........................................................................... 75
Planning a route using the map .................................................................................................. 77
Planning a route using My Places .............................................................................................. 79
Planning a route using coordinates ............................................................................................ 80
Planning a route using a mapcode ............................................................................................. 82
Planning a route in advance ....................................................................................................... 83
Finding a car park ........................................................................................................................ 84
Finding a petrol station ............................................................................................................... 86
Step by step search 90
Choosing which search to use ......................................................................................................... 90
Using step by step search ................................................................................................................ 90
About search ............................................................................................................................... 90
Entering search terms ................................................................................................................. 91
Working with search results ....................................................................................................... 92
About postcodes ......................................................................................................................... 93
List of POI type icons .................................................................................................................. 94
Planning a route using step by step search .................................................................................... 97
Using destination prediction ....................................................................................................... 97
Planning a route to an address ................................................................................................... 98
Planning a route to a POI .......................................................................................................... 100
Planning a route to a city centre ............................................................................................... 101
Planning a route to a POI using online search ......................................................................... 103
Planning a route using the map ................................................................................................ 105
Planning a route using My Places ............................................................................................ 107
Planning a route using coordinates using step by step search .............................................. 109
Planning a route in advance ..................................................................................................... 110
Finding a car park ...................................................................................................................... 111
Finding a petrol station ............................................................................................................. 114
Changing your route 117
The Current Route menu................................................................................................................ 117
Avoiding a blocked road ................................................................................................................ 119
Avoiding part of a route ................................................................................................................. 120
Finding an alternative route ........................................................................................................... 120
Types of route ................................................................................................................................ 121
Avoiding features on a route ......................................................................................................... 121
Avoiding an incident or route feature using the route bar ........................................................... 122
Adding a stop to your route from the current route menu .......................................................... 123
Adding a stop to your route using the map .................................................................................. 123
Deleting a stop from your route .................................................................................................... 123
4
Skipping the next stop on your route............................................................................................ 123
Reordering stops on a route .......................................................................................................... 123
My Routes 125
About My Routes ............................................................................................................................ 125
About GPX and ITN files ................................................................................................................ 126
Saving a route................................................................................................................................. 126
Navigating using a saved route ..................................................................................................... 127
Navigating to a stop on a saved route .......................................................................................... 128
Adding a stop to a saved route using the map ............................................................................. 130
Recording a track ............................................................................................................................ 130
Navigating using a track ................................................................................................................. 131
Deleting a route or a track from My Routes .................................................................................. 132
Exporting tracks to a memory card ............................................................................................... 132
Importing routes and tracks from a memory card ....................................................................... 132
Voice control (Speak&Go) 134
About voice control ........................................................................................................................ 134
Starting voice control ..................................................................................................................... 134
Making your own wake-up phrase ................................................................................................ 135
The voice control screen ................................................................................................................ 135
Some tips for using voice control ................................................................................................. 136
What you can use voice control for............................................................................................... 136
Saying commands in different ways ............................................................................................. 137
Entering an address using voice control ....................................................................................... 137
Going to home using voice control ............................................................................................... 138
Going to a POI using voice control ................................................................................................ 139
Changing a setting using voice control ......................................................................................... 139
Talking to Siri or Google Now™ .................................................................................................... 140
Map Share 141
About Map Share ........................................................................................................................... 141
Creating a map change report ....................................................................................................... 141
Creating a map change report from a marked location ............................................................... 142
Types of map change ..................................................................................................................... 143
Speed Cameras 145
About TomTom speed cameras .................................................................................................... 145
Crossing into another area or country .......................................................................................... 145
Speed camera warnings ................................................................................................................ 145
Changing the way you are warned ................................................................................................ 147
Reporting a new speed camera ..................................................................................................... 147
Confirm or remove a mobile speed camera ................................................................................. 148
Updating locations for cameras and hazards................................................................................ 148
5
Danger Zones 149
About danger zones and risk zones .............................................................................................. 149
Crossing into another area or country .......................................................................................... 149
Danger zone and risk zone warnings ............................................................................................ 150
Changing the way you are warned ................................................................................................ 150
Reporting a risk zone ...................................................................................................................... 150
Updating locations for danger zones and risk zones .................................................................... 151
My Places 152
About My Places............................................................................................................................. 152
Setting your home or work location .............................................................................................. 153
Changing your home location ....................................................................................................... 153
Adding a location from My Places ................................................................................................ 154
Add a location to My Places from the map ................................................................................... 155
Adding a location to My Places using search ............................................................................... 155
Adding a location to My Places by marking ................................................................................. 156
Deleting a recent destination from My Places .............................................................................. 156
Deleting a location from My Places ............................................................................................... 156
Using community POI lists ............................................................................................................. 156
Hands-free calling 158
About hands-free calling ................................................................................................................ 158
Volume control for hands-free calling ........................................................................................... 158
Accepting an incoming call ............................................................................................................ 158
Ending or rejecting an incoming call ............................................................................................. 159
Ignoring an incoming call............................................................................................................... 159
Making a hands-free call ................................................................................................................ 159
Making a hands-free call using your contact book ....................................................................... 159
Replying by SMS to a call .............................................................................................................. 160
Receiving an SMS or IM ................................................................................................................. 160
Switching off messages ................................................................................................................. 160
Talking to Siri or Google Now™ .................................................................................................... 161
Settings 163
Appearance ..................................................................................................................................... 163
Display ....................................................................................................................................... 163
Route Bar ................................................................................................................................... 164
Guidance view ........................................................................................................................... 165
Automatic Zoom........................................................................................................................ 165
Motorway exit previews ........................................................................................................... 166
Route Planning ............................................................................................................................... 166
Bluetooth ......................................................................................................................................... 167
Wi-Fi ................................................................................................................................................ 168
Updates and New Items ................................................................................................................. 169
Maps................................................................................................................................................ 169
Sounds and Warnings .................................................................................................................... 170
Voices .............................................................................................................................................. 171
Voice Control .................................................................................................................................. 172
6
MyDrive ........................................................................................................................................... 172
Language and Units........................................................................................................................ 173
System ............................................................................................................................................ 173
Help ................................................................................................................................................. 175
Getting Help 176
Help ................................................................................................................................................. 176
Product certification 177
Finding product certification information on your device ............................................................ 177
Using MyDrive Connect 178
About MyDrive Connect................................................................................................................. 178
Setting up MyDrive Connect .......................................................................................................... 178
Connecting to the internet using MyDrive Connect ..................................................................... 178
TomTom account 180
Addendum 181
Copyright notices 187
7
This User Manual explains all you need to know about your new TomTom GO ESSENTIAL.
Welcome to navigation with TomTom
Welcome to your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL, your essential driving companion!
We know you probably have more exciting things to do than read manuals so here are some quick
links to some important bits:
Your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL
Installing in your car
About TomTom services
Connecting a smartphone
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network
Whats on the screen
Choosing which search to use
Planning a route to an address
About TomTom MyDrive
We hope you enjoy discovering your next adventure using your new TomTom GO ESSENTIAL!
Tip: There are also frequently asked questions (FAQs) at tomtom.com/support. Select your
product model from the list or enter a search term.
8
Features
Your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL
Here are the main features of your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL 5 inch and 6 inch devices and
shortcuts to more information.
Updates using Wi-Fi
Get the latest TomTom maps and software for your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL with a built-in Wi-Fi
connection. No computer needed. Learn more: About updates and new items
TomTom Services via smartphone
Activate live services like traffic by connecting to your smartphone using the TomTom MyDrive
app. Learn more: About TomTom services
Lifetime* maps
We issue new maps seasonally – which include road changes and revised speed limits. Get these
updates with no fuss over Wi-Fi at no extra cost, for the useful life of your device. Learn more:
About updates and new items
Lifetime* TomTom Traffic
Get intelligent routes to help you avoid traffic in real-time. Learn more: Traffic
Voice control
Control your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL with the power of your voice. Say "Hello TomTom" while in
the map or guidance view to activate voice control and see available commands. Learn more:
Voice control (Speak & Go)
6 Months Speed Cameras
Advance warnings notify you about upcoming speed cameras. Learn more: Speed Cameras
Important: The Speed Cameras service isn't available in all countries. For example, in France,
TomTom offers a Danger Zone service instead and in Switzerland, no speed camera services are
permitted at all. In Germany, you are responsible for switching the Speed Cameras service on or
off. The issue of the legality of using speed camera services in Germany and other EU countries is
not unique. You therefore use this service at your own risk. TomTom accepts no liability arising
from the use of this service.
Hands-free calling
You can make and receive high quality calls in your car. Simply connect your phone to your
device. Learn more: About hands-free calling
9
Compatibility with Siri voice recognition software and the Google NowTM service
Activate and talk to Siri or Google Now by tapping a button on your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL and
using the built-in microphone. Get full access to your personal assistant with your phone safely
tucked away in your bag or pocket. Learn more: Talking to Siri or Google Now™
TomTom Road Trips
Discover the world's best routes, and personalise them easily so you can relax and be guided on
the drive. Learn more: Road Trips collection - sending a route to your device
TomTom MyDrive
Plan your trip before you get on the road. Add destinations from your smartphone as you go or
pre-plan your routes, load your own POIs on MyDrive and sync it all to your device. Learn more:
Syncing using TomTom MyDrive
Quick access to settings
You can now see the status of settings more quickly. Tap the menu bar at the top of the main
menu. You see status information for the Traffic service, MyDrive, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi®. Learn
more: Quick access to settings
*Lifetime is the useful life of the device, which means the period of time that TomTom
continues to support your device with either software updates, services, content or accessories.
A device will have reached the end of its useful life when one or more is no longer available or
if no updates have been downloaded to the device for a period of 36 months or more. For more
information visit tomtom.com/lifetime (http://www.tomtom.com/lifetime)
Video workshops
You can find many videos on our YouTube channel to help you learn about your new TomTom
GO ESSENTIAL and other TomTom products. Visit
www.youtube.com/user/TomTomOfficial/videos
Tip: Look on the TomTom YouTube Channel for videos in your own language.
Here are links to some videos that you might find interesting:
TomTom GO - playlist of English videos
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSoQAVympWk79NpmQgjFgigup-UgowFxE
Using MyDrive
UK English:
French (France):
Spanish (Spain):
German:
Italian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIs5tGFhQIA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYpPDxxXSwk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkZqdD5MkHI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skg6PWMbRxI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AybGRzpgu1s
TomTom Sports products
to find out more!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSoQAVympWk4DPx3_yMxwHP7cqa17iW6H
10
Get going
Installing in your car
Use the supplied mount to install your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL in your vehicle. Read the
instructions about positioning your device
To install your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL, do the following:
1. Connect the supplied USB cable to the mount. If the mount is integrated into your TomTom
GO ESSENTIAL, connect the USB cable to the device.
Note: Use ONLY the USB cable supplied with your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL. Other USB
cables may not work.
2. Connect the USB cable to the USB car charger and plug this into the power supply on your
dashboard.
3. Choose the best smooth location, on your windscreen or side window, to mount your
TomTom GO ESSENTIAL.
Tip: If the mount is integrated into your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL, you can easily change the
rotation of your device. Push the button on the back of the device to release the mount, then
slide the mount out. Insert it back into the other side of the device.
before you install your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL.
4. Make sure that both the suction cup on the mount and your windscreen are clean and dry.
5. Press the suction cup of the mount firmly against your windscreen.
6. Turn the rubber grip near the base of the mount in a clockwise direction until you feel it lock.
7. If your mount is not integrated into your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL, place your TomTom GO
ESSENTIAL in the mount, making sure that it clicks into place.
Dashboard adhesive disks are available as part of a range of accessories for your TomTom GO
ESSENTIAL. For more information, go to tomtom.com/accessories
.
Positioning your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL
Be careful where you install your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL. The TomTom GO ESSENTIAL
shouldn't block or interfere with any of the following:
Your view of the road.
The controls in your vehicle.
Your rear-view mirrors.
The airbags.
You should be able to reach your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL easily without leaning or stretching. In
a car, you can attach your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL to the windscreen or side window or you can
use a Dashboard Mount Disk to attach the mount to your dashboard.
11
Switching on and off
Switching your device on
Press the On/Off button until your device starts. If the device was off you see the map view. If your
device was sleeping you see the last screen you were looking at.
Sending your device to sleep
To send your navigation device to sleep, press the On/Off button and then release it.
You can also press the On/Off button for more than 2 seconds until you see the Sleep and Turn
Off buttons. Select Sleep to make the device sleep.
Tip: To send your navigation device to sleep when the USB cable is unplugged or whenever it
is removed from the mount, go to Battery settings in the Settings menu.
Switching your device off completely
To switch off your navigation device completely, you can do one of the following:
Press and hold the On/Off button for more than 2 seconds until you see the Sleep and Turn Off
buttons. Select Turn Off to switch off the device. Select the "back" button if you don't want to
switch your device off.
Press and hold the On/Off button for more than 5 seconds until the device switches off.
Safety Notice
Some navigation devices contain a GSM/GPRS module which can interfere with electrical devices
such as cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids and aviation equipment.
Interference with these devices may endanger the health or life of you or others.
If your device includes a GSM/GPRS module, do not use it near unprotected electrical units or in
areas where the use of mobile telephones is prohibited, such as hospitals and aircraft.
Setting up
Note: The language you choose will be used for all text on the screen. You can always change the
language later in Language and Units in the Settings menu.
When you first switch on your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL, you have to answer a few questions to
set it up. Answer the questions by touching the screen.
GPS reception
When you first start your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL, it may need a few minutes to determine your
position. In future, your position will be found much faster.
To ensure good satellite reception, use your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL outdoors and keep it
upright. Large objects such as tall buildings can sometimes interfere with reception.
Important: QuickGPSfix contains information about satellite positions which helps your TomTom
GO ESSENTIAL find your position faster. QuickGPSfix information is downloaded whenever your
device is connected to the internet using any method (Wi-Fi, GPRS, smartphone or USB).
12
Sending information to TomTom
When you first start navigating or you have reset your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL, your TomTom
GO ESSENTIAL asks for permission to collect some information about your use of the navigation
device. The information is stored on your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL until we retrieve it. We use it
anonymously to improve our products and services. If you use our services, we will also use your
location information to deliver the services to you.
You can change whether you send this information with us at any time by doing the following:
1. In the Main Menu, select the Settings button.
2. Select System.
3. Select Your information & privacy.
4. Select the button to turn sending of information on or off.
Note: If you choose not to send location information to us, you will no longer receive our
services. This is because services need to send the location of your device to TomTom in order
to receive the traffic information related to where you are. The end date of your subscription
remains the same, even if you do not send this information to us.
You can find current and more detailed information at tomtom.com/privacy.
Memory card slot
Some TomTom navigation devices have a memory card slot that is located on the side or bottom
of the device.
Before you use the memory card slot, make sure that your navigation device has the latest
software version installed by selecting Updates & New Items in the Settings menu.
When your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL is up to date, you can use a memory card as extra storage
space to store downloaded maps or to store routes and tracks on your device.
Important: Routes and tracks cannot be stored on the same memory card as maps because
different memory card formatting is used.
Device not starting
In rare cases, your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL device may not start correctly or may stop
responding to your taps.
First, check that the battery is charged. To charge the battery, connect your TomTom GO
ESSENTIAL device to the car charger. It can take 3 - 5 hours to fully charge the battery depending
on the type of device.
Important: Do not charge your device using your vehicle's own USB port because it is not
powerful enough.
If this does not solve the problem, you can perform a reset. To do this, press and hold the On/Off
button until your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL begins to restart.
Charging your device
The battery in your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL charges when you connect it to your TomTom
vehicle charger, to your computer or to a USB Home Charger.
13
Important: Do not charge your device using your vehicle's own USB port because it is not
powerful enough.
You are warned when the battery level is low or critical. You lose your connection to some
TomTom services when the battery level is low or critical. When the battery is empty, your
TomTom GO ESSENTIAL goes into sleep mode.
Important: On device models START 42/52, START 40/50/60, and GO 51/61, the screen
intentionally dims when you connect your device to your computer. The screen also dims if you
use a non-TomTom charger that does not provide enough power when charging.
Note: Use ONLY the USB cable supplied with your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL. Other USB cables
may not work.
Caring for your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL
It is important to take care of your device:
Do not open the casing of your device under any circumstances. Doing so may be dangerous
and will invalidate the warranty.
Wipe or dry the screen of your device using a soft cloth. Do not use any liquid cleaners.
14
TomTom services
About TomTom services
Tip: To access settings and the status of your services quickly, select the menu bar at the top of
the main menu. In portrait mode, you can also tap the icons down the right hand side.
Your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL is a 'Smartphone Connected' device and gets access to TomTom
services using your smartphone.
To get TomTom services on your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL you need the following items:
A smartphone with a data plan from a mobile services provider.
The TomTom MyDrive app for iOS or Android™ installed on your smartphone.
A TomTom account.
Using TomTom services means that data is sent and received by your phone using your mobile
services provider.
Important: You might have additional costs when you use the internet on your phone, especially
if you are outside the area covered by your data plan. Check with your mobile services provider
for more information.
Note: TomTom services are not available in every country or region. For more information on
available services in each region, go to tomtom.com/services.
Traffic & Speed Cameras
TomTom services give you real-time information about traffic and speed cameras on your route.
As soon as your device has an internet connection AND you have agreed to the information and
privacy permissions, your device starts receiving traffic information and fixed and mobile speed
camera location updates.
To see information about your Traffic and Speed Camera subscriptions, open the Help screen and
select About.
To see the status of your Traffic connection, look at the top right of the Main Menu. If your
TomTom GO ESSENTIAL is not connected to Traffic, the Traffic symbol has a cross.
Alternatively select the menu bar in the main menu to get quick access to service status and
settings.
15
Important: The Speed Cameras service isn't available in all countries. For example, in France,
TomTom offers a Danger Zone service instead and in Switzerland, no speed camera services are
permitted at all. In Germany, you are responsible for switching the Speed Cameras service on or
off. The issue of the legality of using speed camera services in Germany and other EU countries is
not unique. You therefore use this service at your own risk. TomTom accepts no liability arising
from the use of this service.
MyDrive
MyDrive gives you control of your device by enabling you to do the following:
Select a destination on your computer, tablet or phone and send it to your device.
Sync your Places and routes with all your devices.
Keep all your data safe.
and more...
For more info, see Syncing using TomTom MyDrive or go to mydrive.tomtom.com
.
To switch on automatic syncing using MyDrive, select Settings and then MyDrive. Connect to the
internet using one of the three methods available and then log in to your TomTom account.
16
Connecting a smartphone
Why do I want to connect a smartphone to my device?
If you don't have an always-connected device, connect your smartphone to your TomTom GO
ESSENTIAL to use these features:
TomTom services
Receive real-time traffic information, speed camera updates and MyDrive using your phone’s
data connection. This feature uses approximately 7 MB of data per month.
Note: Smartphone-connected devices only. Always-connected devices receive services over
GPRS.
Hands-free calls
Receive and make calls on your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL.
Smartphone messages
SMS and messages from other messaging apps on your smartphone appear on your TomTom
GO ESSENTIAL. Messages can be read aloud so that you can keep your eyes on the road
ahead.
Smartphone personal assistant
Get full access to your phone's personal assistant
ance view to talk to the Siri voice recognition software or the Google Now™ service.
. Tap the phone button in the map or guid-
Connecting your phone with or without the MyDrive app
You can choose to pair your iOS or Android phone to your device using the MyDrive app or using
only Bluetooth® wireless technology.
If you connect using the MyDrive app, you can use all the features listed above. If you connect
using only Bluetooth, the smartphone messages feature will not be available.
Connecting a smartphone
You are prompted to connect your smartphone when you start your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL for
the first time, or after you have reset your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL.
Tip: You can connect more than one phone to your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL.
Connecting your phone using the MyDrive app
1. On your smartphone, download and install the TomTom MyDrive app from
tomtom.com/mydriveapp.
2. Open the MyDrive app. If you are not prompted to connect your phone, tap the device symbol
next to the search bar on the app main screen.
3. Switch on Bluetooth on your phone, and make sure your phone is discoverable.
17
4. On your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL, open the Main Menu and select Settings.
5. Select Bluetooth.
6. Select Add Phone.
7. Follow the steps in the app and on your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL to pair your phone with
your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL.
Your phone's call history and frequent contacts are imported into your navigation device.
When your phone is connected and hands-free calling is enabled, you see this icon on the map or
guidance view:
You can easily change the phone features you want to use in Bluetooth
in the Settings menu.
Connecting your phone using only Bluetooth
If you connect using only Bluetooth, the smartphone messages feature will not be available.
1. Switch on Bluetooth on your phone, and make sure your phone is discoverable.
2. Switch on the Personal Area Network (PAN) on your phone.
3. On your device, open the Main Menu and select Settings.
4. Select Bluetooth.
5. Select Add Phone.
6. Select the question mark in the bottom right of the screen.
7. Select Don't want to use the app? Follow these instructions.
8. On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings. Wait for your TomTom device to appear in the list
shown on your phone. Tap it to pair.
9. On your device, select Pair to accept the pairing request from your phone. If you have an
iPhone device you must also accept the second pairing request.
10. Select Done.
Your phone's call history and frequent contacts are imported into your navigation device.
When your phone is connected and hands-free calling is enabled, you see this icon on the map or
guidance view:
18
Disconnecting a smartphone
You can disconnect your phone in the following ways:
Switch off Bluetooth on your phone.
Switch off or reset your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL.
Select Bluetooth in the Settings menu. Select your phone. Select Unpair to disconnect your
device from your phone.
Remove your device from the Bluetooth paired device list if you want to remove it perma-
nently.
Clearing the pairing history
To clear the pairing history on your device, go to Settings, then Bluetooth and delete the previous
Bluetooth pairings under Paired Device.
The pairing history on your phone can be cleared in the Bluetooth settings of Android/iOS.
Reconnecting a smartphone
Your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL will remember your phone and find it automatically when your
phone's Bluetooth is switched on and the phone is in range of your navigation device.
Tip: Open the MyDrive app to use the smartphone messages feature.
When your phone is connected and hands-free calling is enabled, you see this button on the map
or guidance view:
Your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL syncs your call history and phone contacts again.
If you lose connection to your phone you see a Bluetooth symbol on the map or guidance view.
Unable to get a connection
To check the connection status of your phone, do the following:
1. Select Bluetooth in the Settings menu.
The features that are currently connected are listed next to your phone.
2. If no features are shown, select the phone you want to connect to.
3. Make sure all the toggles are switched on, or select the option to find out more information
about how to connect.
If your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL cannot connect to your phone, or you have no internet
connection, also check the following:
Your phone is shown on your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL.
Your phone's Bluetooth is switched on.
Your data plan with your mobile services provider is active, and you can access the internet
on your phone.
19
Personal Area Networks
Smartphone-connected devices only
Your phone shares its internet connection by using the phone's Bluetooth® and Personal Area
Network (PAN) functions.
Depending on your phone's Operating System, this network, or PAN, might be called one of the
following names:
Personal Hotspot
Tethering or Bluetooth Tethering
Tether or Bluetooth Tether
The PAN function is probably already in your phone's Operating System, or you can download an
app to create a PAN.
Note: Some mobile service providers don't allow their users to use a PAN. If your phone
doesn't have the PAN function, you should contact your service provider for more information.
Please check the user guide for your phone if you are having trouble finding the settings.
For more help, go to tomtom.com/connect
.
20
Wi
-Fi connection
About Wi-Fi®
The easiest way to manage your maps, software and all your device content is over a Wi-Fi
connection.
Your device can be updated using Wi-Fi without the need to connect to a computer. It remembers
previously connected Wi-Fi networks so you can keep your device up to date when you are in
range of that network.
Before you begin, make sure that you have access to an unrestricted Wi-Fi network, such as a
personal home network. Please be aware that updating over a public Wi-Fi network, such as in an
airport or hotel, is not recommended because the updates can be large and the network
connection may not be stable.
Tip: If you don’t have access to a Wi-Fi network or your Wi-Fi network is slow or not stable, you
can use a USB connection to update using MyDrive Connect on your computer.
Connecting to Wi-Fi
Important: Wi-Fi connections that require a web sign-in are not supported on the TomTom GO
ESSENTIAL. These types of Wi-Fi connections are frequently found in public places, for example
in hotels, shops and restaurants.
To connect to a Wi-Fi network, do the following:
1. Select Settings in the Main Menu, then select Wi-Fi.
You see a list of available Wi-Fi networks and saved Wi-Fi networks that are currently out of
range.
Tip: Scroll down to go to the list of out-of-range saved networks.
2. Select the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to. If the network is secure enter the
password. If no password is required, you are connected straight away.
Tip: For advanced options for a Wi-Fi network see Wi-Fi in the Settings menu.
3. Select Done, then select Connect.
It may take a few moments for your device to connect to the Wi-Fi network. If it takes too long,
please check the identity and password you used for the Wi-Fi network.
Once your device has successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network, you see the status Connected under the Wi-Fi network name.
21
Tip: To access settings and the status of your services quickly, select the menu bar at the top
of the main menu. In portrait mode, you can also tap the icons down the right hand side.
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network
To forget a Wi-Fi network from your list of available networks do the following:
1. Select Settings in the Main Menu, then select Wi-Fi.
You see a list of available Wi-Fi networks and saved Wi-Fi networks that are currently out of
range.
Tip: Scroll down to go to the list of out-of-range saved networks.
2. Select the Wi-Fi network that you want to forget.
3. Select Modify then select Forget.
Your device is disconnected from the Wi-Fi network.
Note: The Wi-Fi network still appears in the list, but your device will not automatically connect to it.
About updates and new items
A red exclamation mark in the Settings button shows you that updates or new items are available.
Tip: You may also be offered a system software update when you add a new map.
The following updates or new items can be offered:
System software updates
A System software update is a software update for the device itself. You see an explanation about
why the update is required and which features are changing or being added, if any.
If you have not used your device for a long time, you may get asked to install a required software
update when you use your device again. If you don't install the update, the following issues can
occur:
Your device cannot be told about any updates and no further updates would be possible.
Your device cannot show the details of the required software updates, for example, size,
version, etc.
Your device cannot add or delete any maps.
22
Map updates
When a map
update is offered, install it as soon as possible so that you always drive with the
latest map.
The existing map is deleted before the map update is installed. If you cancel a map update then
you will no longer have the map on your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL. If this happens, go to Maps in
the Settings menu and download the map again.
Map Share updates
These updates are created from changes made and shared by other TomTom users and contain
the following changes or updates:
Speed limits
Street names
Recently blocked and unblocked roads
Traffic directions
Turn restrictions
For more information, see Map Share
.
Speed Camera updates
When a Speed Camera update is offered, you can choose which countries on your map you want
to update.
Voices
You may also be offered new voices as an update.
Installing updates and new items
Note: If Wi-Fi is not available or is not stable, you see instructions on how to get updates using
a USB connection to your computer.
Tip: When updating using Wi-Fi, we recommend that you keep your device connected to a
power supply.
Tip: Press the On/Off button to switch off the screen and save battery power while downloading
an update.
To select and install updates and new items, do the following:
1. Select Updates & New Items.
The Updates & New Items button shows you how many new updates and items are available
to install.
23
2. Select the items and updates that you want to install. The list includes items you purchased in
the TomTom web shop.
3. Log in to your TomTom account when asked to do so.
Tip: Logging in to use Updates and New Items also logs you in ready for using TomTom
MyDrive.
24
What's on the screen
The map view
The map view is shown when you have no planned route. Your actual location is shown as soon
as your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL has found your GPS location.
You can use map view in the same way as you might look at a traditional paper map. You can
move around the map using gestures, and zoom using the zoom buttons.
Important: Everything on the map is interactive including the route and the map symbols - try
selecting something and see what it does!
Tip: To open a pop-up menu for an item on the map, for example a route or a POI, select the
item to open the menu. To select a location on the map, select and hold the location until the
pop-up menu opens.
The map shows your current location and many other locations such as your My Places locations.
If you have not planned a route the map is zoomed out to show the area around your location.
25
If you have planned a route, your complete route is shown on the map. You can add stops to your
route directly from the map. When you start to drive, the guidance view is shown.
1. Back button. This button returns the map to an overview of your whole route or, if no route is
planned, moves the map to put your current location at the centre.
2. Switch view button. Select the switch view button to change between the map view and the
guidance view. When in map view while driving, the small arrow rotates to indicate your
direction of travel relative to north, with north being up.
3. Zoom buttons. Select the zoom buttons to zoom in and out.
4. Current location. This symbol shows your current location. Select it to add it to My Places or
search near your current location.
Note: If your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL cannot find your location the symbol appears grey.
Note: You cannot change the current location symbol.
5. Selected location. Press and hold to select a location on the map. Select the pop-up menu
button to show options for the location, or select the Drive/Ride button to plan a route to the
location.
6. Main Menu button. Select the button to open the Main Menu.
7. Map symbols. Symbols are used on the map to show your destination and your saved places:
Your destination.
26
Your home location. You can set your home location in My Places.
Your work location. You can set your work location in My Places.
A stop on your route.
A location saved in My Places.
A marked location.
When a search for POIs near destination is done and the results are shown on the
map, less important POIs are shown as black pins with white crosses.
Symbols to show your community POI loca-
tions.
Select a map symbol to open the pop-up menu, then select the menu button to see a list of
actions you can take.
8. Traffic information. Select the traffic incident to display more information.
Note: Traffic information is only available if your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL has TomTom
Traffic.
9. Your route, if you have planned a route. Select the route to clear it, change the route type, add
a stop or save changes to your route.
10. Speed cameras or danger zones on your route. Select the speed camera or danger zone
symbol to display more information.
11. Select the phone button in the map or guidance view to activate your phone and make
hands-free calls.
12. Route bar. The route bar
is shown when you have planned a route.
The guidance view
The guidance view is used to guide you along the route to your destination. The guidance view is
shown when you start driving. You see your current location and details along your route,
including 3D buildings in some cities.
Note: 3D buildings in guidance view are not available on all devices.
The guidance view is normally in 3D. To show a 2D map with the map moving in your direction of
travel, change the 2D and 3D default settings.
27
Tip: When you have planned a route and the 3D guidance view is shown, select the switch view
button to change to the map view and use the interactive features.
When your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL starts after sleeping and you have a route planned, you are
shown the guidance view with your current location.
1. Switch view button. Select the switch view button to change between the map view and the
guidance view. When in guidance view, if you are driving, the small arrow rotates to indicate
your direction of travel relative to north, with north being up.
2. Zoom buttons. Select the zoom buttons to zoom in and out.
Tip: On some devices you can also pinch to zoom in and out.
3. Instruction panel. This panel shows the following information:
The direction of your next turn.
The distance to your next turn.
The name of the next road on your route.
Lane guidance at some junctions.
Note: Select the instruction panel to see a list of turn-by-turn text instructions for your
planned route.
4. Route symbols. Symbols are used on your route to show your starting location, your stops,
and your destination.
5. Main Menu button. Select the button to show the Main Menu.
28
6. Speed panel. This panel shows the following information:
Tip: To quickly remove a stop, select it in the route bar and use the
The speed limit at your location.
Your current speed. If you drive more than 5 km/h or 3 mph over the speed limit the speed
panel turns red. If you drive less than 5 km/h or 3 mph over the speed limit the speed panel turns orange.
The name of the street you are driving on.
The speed camera or risk zone report button.
7. Current location. This symbol shows your current location. Select the symbol or the speed
panel to open the quick menu.
Note: If your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL cannot find your location the symbol appears grey.
Note: You cannot change the current location symbol.
8. Select the phone button in the map or guidance view to activate your phone and make
hands-free calls.
9. Route bar. The route bar
is shown when you have planned a route.
The route bar
The route bar is shown when you have planned a route. It has an arrival information panel at the
top, and a bar with symbols underneath.
Tip: You can also choose to see a wider route bar showing additional route information (not
available on all devices or apps).
Note: The distance ahead shown by the route bar depends on the overall length of your route.
The arrival information panel shows the following information:
Tip: If your destination is in a different time zone, you see a plus (+)
or a minus (-) sign and the time difference in hours and half hours in
the arrival information panel. The estimated time of arrival is the local
time at your destination.
The estimated time that you will arrive at your destination.
The length of time to drive to the destination from your current
location.
A parking button is shown near the destination flag when parking is
available near your destination.
If you have stops on your route, select this panel to change between
information about the next stop and your final destination.
You can choose the information you see on the arrival information
panel.
Traffic status - if your TomTom GO ESSENTIAL isn't receiving any
traffic information, a symbol showing traffic with a cross appears
underneath the arrival information panel.
The bar uses symbols to show the following information:
A faster route
, if there is traffic on your route.
The stops on your route.
29
pop-up menu.
Petrol stations that are directly on your route.
TomTom Traffic incidents.
TomTom Speed Cameras and Danger Zones.
Rest stops directly on your route.
You can choose the information you see
on your route.
The symbols are in the order that they occur on your route. For traffic
incidents, the symbol for each incident alternates between showing the
type of incident and the delay in minutes. Select a symbol to see more
information about a stop, an incident or a speed camera. If a symbol is
shown on top of another symbol, selecting the symbols zooms in on
the route bar to show each symbol separately. You can then select a
symbol.
The total time delay due to traffic jams, weather, and other incidents on
your route, including information provided from historical road usage,
is shown above the symbols.
For a complete list of incident types, see Traffic incidents.
The bottom of the route bar represents your current location and shows
the distance to the next incident on your route. In addition, you can
choose to see the current time if you switch the setting on.
Note: To make the route bar more readable some incidents may not be shown. These incidents
will always be of minor importance and only cause short delays.
The route bar also shows status messages, for example Finding fastest route or Playing route
preview.
Distances and the route bar
The distance ahead shown on the route bar depends on the length of your route, or the distance
remaining on your route.
For remaining distances longer than 50 km (31 miles), only the next 50 km (31 miles) is shown.
The destination icon is not shown.
Tip: You can scroll the route bar to see your whole route (not available on iOS).
For remaining distances between 10 km (6 miles) and 50 km (31 miles), the complete distance
is shown. The destination icon is shown fixed at the top of the route bar.
For remaining distances of less than 10 km (6 miles) the complete distance is shown. The
destination icon moves down towards the chevron symbol as you get nearer to your destination.
The top half of the route bar shows twice the distance of the bottom half, as shown in the
following examples:
A remaining distance of 50 km on the route bar is split into 34 km (21 miles) at the top and 16
km (9 miles) at the bottom.
A remaining distance of 10 km on the route bar is split into 6.6 km (4 miles) at the top and 3.3
km (2 miles) at the bottom.
The route bar is constantly updated as you drive.
30
Loading...