Home New Tech Feature How to update maps on your Lexus Navigation system

How to update maps on your Lexus Navigation system

By Andrew Biddle

The Lexus Navigation system can be updated periodically using downloadable updates, ensuring that you always have the latest road and route information in your Lexus, saving you time, money and minimising stress when journeying to a new destination.

Updating the maps is a simple process, and you’ve probably got the equipment to hand already – all you need is an internet-connected computer and a blank, formatted 4GB USB memory stick.

To find out how to purchase, download and apply the map update to your Lexus, simply watch the video below or read on for a step-by-step guide.

  1. Begin by taking your blank, formatted 4GB USB memory stick and inserting it into a USB socket on your computer.
  2. In a web browser, navigate to the Lexus customer portal and sign in. If you don’t already have an account, you can register at this point.
  3. Once signed-in, click on ‘e-Store’ > ‘Map & Software Updates’. Click on the price button to get more information on your update.
  4. Identify your car, agree to the terms and conditions, add to your shopping cart, and pay by credit card or via PayPal.
  5. Go to the ‘MyAccount’ page to view your purchased update. Click on ‘MyDashboard’ > ‘Downloads’ where you will see your purchase with three icons alongside.
  6. To enable the map update, click on the key icon. You will be given a 16-digit activation code, which you can write down or print out.
  7. The second icon gives you a set of instructions on how to download and apply the update to your Lexus.
  8. The third icon is a link to the actual download. Download the ZIP file, extract it on your computer and save the extracted file to the blank USB memory stick.
  9. Now take the USB stick and the 16-digit activation key to your Lexus. Plug the USB stick into the USB port of your Lexus and follow the instructions show on the navigation screen.

If you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to call or pop into your local Lexus centre where a fully trained technician will be happy to help.

183 comments

  1. Hello, I have another ugly experience with Lexus. Bought a new map update 2023 v1 and downloaded it. Link with installation instructions not found: https://www.lexus.co.uk/MapUpdateLexus_MM21_MM17.pdf Good job, Lexus! So I searched Google and found that I needed to format the USB as FAT32. Also, it is not clear what to do with downloaded files. I have tried all options: put in the directory 2023v1_MapUpdate\FMU or FMU only or put all files to root. Here is the list of the files: FMU\FMU_POND91_1.iso, FMU\FMU_POND91_2.iso, FMU\FMU_POND91_3.iso, FMU\FMU_POND91_4.iso, FMU\FMU_POND91_5.iso, and ISOchecksum.txt. None of the options did work! When I insert the USB drive, the screen says USB files check; wait. Well, nothing happens at all. Also, the option is greyed out when I go to the setting under software upgrade. I paid 119 pounds and wasted a few hours of my time. Opened a ticket with customer Support. The guy with the name Moses Matovu. He doesn’t reply. I assume he doesn’t know anything. Ugly experience. The fact is that not only Lexus got an awful MM system, charges lots of money for updates, even when paid for updates no option for OTA upgrades. I really can’t express how angry I’m now. Lexus, from top support and quality company, dropped to the mediocre and ugly company which does expensive, unusable cars.

    Reply

    1. Hello Max, thanks for getting in touch.

      We completely understand your frustrations and wish to express our sincere apologies for the service you have received so far.

      We would recommend contacting your nearest Lexus Centre to discuss this further. Here, a fully trained technician will be happy to help. You can find your nearest Lexus Centre here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/find-a-centre

      Lexus aims to provide our customers with the best support possible, and therefore we will look into your experience with customer support.

      Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further assistance.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    2. Hello Max
      Having a similar experience.
      Lots of issues using the MyLexus system. However after a lot of interaction with Moses I was advised that the IT people are working on it. Some progress, I can now submit a method of payment and have actually downloaded the zip file. However the link to instructions goes to a missing page “404 error”. Not sure if I need to unzip the file on my macbook or whether it gets done as part of the installation process.
      Also, not able to renew subscriptions for OTA updates, weather, traffic etc. The link just goes to the Eshop homepage. My UX asks me to renew my subscriptions ever time I start it up.
      Real disappointment in what is otherwise a lovely car.

      Reply

      1. Here is an update on my map update.
        With help from Moses and some website fixes from the IT people I was able to register a payment method, download the maps, renew subscriptions and install the new maps to my car.
        I found it best to use a brand new USB stick (128gb SanDisk) and I had to install WinZip on my MacBook as the standard Apple archive app would handle the downloaded file. I unzipped directly to the USB stick and everything went well.
        I had to keep the car running throughout the install process during which time the engine started up a few times.
        Anyway, I have the 2023 maps and my car now knows that it is no longer parked in a field.

        Reply

        1. Hello Paul, thanks for keeping us updated.

          We’re pleased our Connectivity team could assist you.

          Please let us know if you have any further updates or issues.

          Thanks.

          Reply

  3. Hello

    I have a 2016 RX 450h sport, of late the sat nav has frozen several times, just sits there with the same screen until such time I park up and restart the engine. After the recent service and having it confirmed that due to the low mileage the car is under extended warranty I asked what could be done about the freezing of the routing on the map.
    It was suggested that I buy an upgrade for the map of which was ordered and delivered, however the wrong one was sent , it was an USB stick was sent with a licence card.
    However I was told that its a new Sim card I need, however I was shocked to be told that a new sim card will cost £1000, I don’t see how that can be justified especially that its not not sure that it will solve the problem. The dealer has been very good through out this.
    I do understand that new roads appear etc, and yes it appears that I have parked in fields from time to time , the latest freeze was on the M6 causing me to miss the junction I needed.

    Reply

  4. I have just bought a NX300H 2018 and the sat nav is very poor. The street names and road numbers are so small that you can’t read them, even when you are in the closest zoom setting, from the seated position. I have been back to the Lexus dealer that I bought it from and was told that there is nothing that can be done, is this correct?

    Reply

      1. The link provided just takes you to the tutorial’s. Why can’t you just pass this on to them, it seems like another fob job by Lexus. It’s not my problem, it’s there’s, must be the thing with this company. Very poor after care service with Lexus.

        Reply

  5. Hi,

    I am from UAE and I recently got Lexus LS 460L origin japan. How can i have UAE maps on it?

    Can someone please support me.

    Reply

    1. Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.

      We are only able to advise on UK vehicles. Please contact Lexus in your area directly.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

      Reply

  6. Step 2 in the instructions above is to go to the Lexus customer portal. Unfortunately, the link provided above does not work.
    Please investigate this problem and advise the correct website to use.
    Are these instructions relevant to a 2012 facelifted rx450h premium?

    Reply

  7. Hello Lexus,

    Actually I want to get Lexus software available to download for Cambodia, but actually no response and not available through Cambodia, Thus do you have plan for this kindly of suggest, since I am a fan of Lexus and everyday use.

    Reply

    1. Hi, thanks for getting in touch.

      We can only advise on the UK market. Please get in touch with Lexus in your area.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

      Reply

  8. On my 2016 Lexus ES 350 when I start the car up is saying checking Map disk and then it says a program cannot be read what should I do?

    Reply

    1. Hi Steve, thanks for your comment.

      Have you had any issues with the battery recently, or changed it at all?

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

      Reply

  9. Hi There

    i have recently tried to update the software in my RC300 but i have purchased the update through estore online but there seems to be nowhere that allows me to download the update to put onto a USB any help would be great, i have gone on my purchase history which shows what i have got but not button to download?

    cheers

    Dan

    Reply

    1. Hi Daniel, thanks for your comment.

      Your local Lexus Centre is best placed to assist with the map updates on your RC.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

      Reply

  10. my 2018 LS- 500 map has stopped showing my local locations and now only displays the large city only. How do I get the local locations and street to display on the map. Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Erick, thanks for your comment.

      Your navigation system may need updating, we release two updates per year. Your local Lexus Centre will be happy to assist with this.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

      Reply

      1. Hi, I have an is300h with standard nav. When will the next sat nav update for this car be released? I think the current one is from autumn 2023. Thanks,

        Ian.

        Reply

        1. Hi Ian, thanks for your comment.

          We release two map updates per year, typically in the Spring and Autumn. We have just released the Spring 2024 update so that will be the latest version availbale.

          Thanks,

          Lexus UK

          Reply

          1. Good day
            I have bought latest update spring 2024 . Can you please explain how to copy 12.9gGB data to 4GB fat 32 memory stick
            Thank you !

          2. Hi Mihalache,thanks for getting in touch.

            You will need to use a memory stick with at least 16gb of space.

            Thanks,

            Lexus UK

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