Get IQ Routes on TomTom 720 920
We’ve speculated before if you could get TomTom IQ Routes to run on older devices such as the 720 and 920. With the recent release of application version 8 for those devices and the “You must have a map that supports Active Lane Guidance” message, we figured it was only a matter of time. Well, the time has come… unofficially… and in a way that will leave you “at your own risk”. But if you want to take the risk and gamble with $99, here is how you can get IQ Routes and Active Lane Guidance running on your TomTom 720 and 920.
I’ll repeat this warning again– this is a gamble with $99 and isn’t sanctioned by TomTom. While it worked for me, I’ve only run limited tests and there could be as yet undiscovered consequences.
First, use TomTom HOME to update your device so that it is running application version 8+. After an application update I always like to shut down the device, hit the reset switch, and reboot it for good measure. Got it? Great.
Next, go to the TomTom Map update website (link) and log into “My TomTom” with your account for the 720 or 920. (Note this is from their website, not TomTom HOME.) If your device is the 720, select ‘GO 730 / GO 730 Traffic’ and if your device is the TomTom 920 select ‘GO 930 / GO 930 Traffic’. Note that you are selecting the wrong item from the list. Then select the map you wish to purchase, ‘North America’.
Note that the map made available to you is v8.05, which includes the IQ Routes data and ALG. Now is a particularly good time to purchase the map update because they are on sale. Purchase the map update via the website.
Now simply go back to TomTom HOME, check for updates, and the map you purchased will download and install to your device. Give it another reboot, and hopefully you will have IQ Routes and ALG working.
I’ll repeat this warning again– this is a gamble with $99 and isn’t sanctioned by TomTom. While it worked for me, I’ve only run limited tests and there could be as yet undiscovered consequences.
What if you purchase a new Go 920 and update the map with the 30 day or 1 year map guarantee, will you be able to get the v8 map with the map guarantee?
I don’t have a device that qualifies right now to test with, however I don’t think the v8.05 map would be offered for the 720 and 920 yet. So I’d guess that right now– no, but in another month or two– perhaps.
Hi,
First let me say that I have enjoyed your site. Helped me alot in deciding on a gps. Had TomTom for PDA and use Streets. Not easy to choose, but between this site and consumers I went for the 720. I could share decision tree.
Anyway got mine 2 days ago fro Amazon. Came with voice. Had button for lanes but said as you said need new map. I think I will give this try, but wonder what happens when you get a new map? (I am still in my 30 day period).
Few other comments:
1) With little time with the gps we hit the road from Michigan to Lexington (KY) (where I write this) and on to Murphy (NC). So far all of the negatives written about the 720 have not happened. In gps sound loud, voices clear and pronounce well, screen bright, almost instant sat lock in, dead on routes, no “wandering”, etc. Nice machine.
2) while in a store in MI called Meijers was walking in the electronics part and saw a case for a portable Nintendo and it looked about the right size. Got it and fits the 720 perfectly. In fact the clear plastic insert does not have to be removed. Supper and I think it is better (cheaper) and cooler than the “real” one.
3. Found a site that has software to allow the 720 to show movies. Works, but the sofware convert of DVDs is not so good, going to use my one software when we get to NC and try again.
Anyway the is a very nice device.
Dave, if you get a newer map through LMG I don’t think it will come with these features.
Assuming I try the map update and it does not work, how do I restore the original map?
You can make a backup in TomTom HOME first.
when purchasing map, will TT just rewrite existing map data when installing? Or do I need to get an SD card or delete existing map in interval HD?
Overwrite.
Can you backup the 730 and then restore the back up of the 730 onto a 720?
Has anyone tried that?
TheCrescent - I’m not sure what you are looking to accomplish with that, but quite a few things would likely break. The maps would be locked to the wrong device code and wouldn’t load for one.
Again I’m trying to get the IQ routing technology on the 720.
I just feel short changed that the hardware is exactly the same and the software technology is not being released as an update for the 720.
I think it will be released officially for the 720, probably in the next map update cycle. The process I described will get you that.
Tim,
As far as you can tell, do you still get Mapshare updates since this is not an officially recognized configuration?
Yes, I’m still getting MapShare updates.
I still have the availability of the one year guarantee through the end of the year. I hope the map with this feature comes out before then. If I didn’t have that guarantee I might try this since the maps are discounted. But for now I’ll wait.
Tim, TT overwrites existing maps? I’ve always had a problem with it refusing to install new maps saying that there isn’t enough space, when there would be enough space if the existing map was replaced. It usually means wiping off the existing map leaving a useless machine until the update (or a backup restore) completes, ugh. I’m hoping to try this trick soon though.. I just hope TomTom don’t patch it out before I can get the money together for the map.
I think there was a change at some point in how HOME handles map installs. So many people were confused about having to remove the old map before installing the new– logical to techie people, not so much to people who are new.
You are correct that previously you removed the old map yourself. More recently, HOME tries to be smart about what you are doing and if you are installing a map of the same coverage area that is already installed, it will remove the old map for you.
just downloaded version 8 maps. noticed two things: lost my favorites and i had to re-pair my blackberry with tomtom…however, i cannot get traffic to work even though i am subscribed and was working ok before download
Favorites are stored with the map itself, so that is somewhat expected unless you made a backup and restored them yourself. RDS-TMC Traffic or TomTom Traffic?
TT Traffic
Ok, here are the steps I followed.
1 - Connect your TomTom and do a backup using TomTom HOME.
2 - Go to My Computer and open the TomTom’s drive letter. Go into the directory named after the map you’re using, and drag the file MapSettings.cfg from there to your desktop.
3 - Go to My Documents, and look in the TomTom folder, then the HOME folder, then the Backups folder, then the GO folder. *Copy* - do not move - the Backup01 folder somewhere else so that you have a stable backup from before the map patch.
4 - Buy the map as described above.
5 - Run “Update my GO” in TomTom home and wait while the map is downloaded and installed. (Which takes ages, so have something else to do handy
)
6 - Immediately run “Update my GO” a second time to get the MapShare updates for the v8 map. (This also takes ages)
7 - Go back to the TomTom drive in My Computer and go into the map folder, then drag the MapSettings.cfg file back into the folder from your desktop (this restores your favourites)
8 - Device -> Disconnect Device in TomTom HOME, then unplug the TomTom and let it reboot. You should now be able to Change Preferences -> Show Lane Images, and if you Prepare Route you will be asked WHEN you are travelling (IQ routes)
9 - If traffic gives you “an error occured on the TomTom server” message, go to Preferences -> MyTomTom Account, and just OK through it entering the same data as before. It should pull in some data through your mobile and afterwards traffic should work again.
I’m not sure if WordPress ate my last entry, but to fix traffic, do Preferences -> MyTomTom Account and just OK through it. It should log you back into the servers and then it should work again (or it did for me).
One glitch I have discovered: “Operate my GO” in TomTom HOME will no longer work properly. It will continue denying that you have the new maps. I have no idea why.
I just got me new 720. Software version 7.221, North America map version 710.1584.
I do have Voice Recognition in the device. If I go to Navigate to > Address then I do see an option called Spoken Address.
My question is: if I download the maps for go730 in order to get IQ and ALG will I lose the Voice Recognition feature? I am asking this question because I read in some posts that when people updated the device they lost the VR feature.
Please I appreciate very much if someone can give me technical answer to my question.
Mike, you will need application version 8 or greater as well as purchase an updated map for IQ Routes to work. Voice Recognition is still working for me in that setup.
Went through with the update yesterday. All went well and appears to be working normally, even “Operate my Go”. Thanks for the info Tim!
It worked for me. I am getting much more reasonable routes and travel time estimates.
If I bought a 720/920 is it possible to upgrade all maps to 8.05 under the map guarantee to get full functionality per a 730/930?
Tom, not at this time. Since TomTom doesn’t list that map as being compatible with the 720/920 therefore the software will not offer it under the LMG.
Tim, I’ve a TT920 & i’m interested to upgrade to get the new features of 930. I have few questions.
1. Can we do this upgrade using the internal memory or do we need to buy additional memory cards?
2. we are buying the north america maps & downloading it in our system, what abt the existing european maps? Will it just over-write the NA maps & keep the europe maps intact? Is this correct?
3.Do you suggest a TT Home backup or use windows explorer to backup the entire contents incase of any problems to switch-back to the previous version?
thanks in advance,
Raj
1) Depends what you might have loaded, but it will likely fit in the internal memory. You can check the map size versus the free space in the internal memory to find out.
2) Correct.
2) Whichever you feel more comfortable with– or both if necessary.
Tim, Thanks for your quick reply to my questions. really appreciate your efforts & help on this website. i’m a regular visitor to this website.
I thried this. It did not work on my 720. Everything works fine except the IQ route and ALG are greyed out. Conversation with a helpful yound TOM TOM rep informs me they patched the firmware to stop this from working. Anybody who has got this working since 3 July let me know.
Which firmware version are you running? I haven’t seen any releases in the past couple of days.
I’ve just run an update and it still works. No firmware update was attempted. I have it working with navcore 8.010 and Western Europe 805.1801.
According to the website it is possible that what they actually did was to prevent Navcore 8.010 being deployed to 20-series devices, as the website now states that v8 should only be on the 530/730/930?
do you think we can get this to work on one/xl 30 series ?
No, it definitely will not work on the ONE or XL series.
I just updated and it seems to work
i followed the steps and in my tomtom home it shows the map but says my 920 is not compatible therefore cannot install it. any ideas? i just bought map and not sure what to do now
tim any ideas??
Jason, there are some files you can change to manually install the map, but it shouldn’t be necessary. I’m on the road for a few days so I won’t be able to give detailed instructions here, although people in the forums should be able to help.
I also bought a v8 map for my 920 and the tomtom home application says it is not compatible with my device. Does anyone know how I can download the map to my computer so I can try to get it to go then? I don’t know where on the TomTom site it is…
Thanks in advance!
I hace also fell in to the trap of buying the map a require a work round. do you need a hex editor.
I also have the same problem, just brought the new maps, and it is not compatable with my device, eventhough I the new application installed, HELP. Please
For those of you who were brave enough to try this, and brave enough to see if this fix will work… you can try giving this a shot. Otherwise I’d call TomTom Support and tell them you bought the wrong map. If you can’t follow these steps then you probably shouldn’t try this hack.
Find (through HOME) where the maps were downloaded to yourcomputer. Go to Add Maps, Maps, click ‘more info’ near the map that is installed on your computer. From that screen it should say “This item is stored here” It would typically be somewhere like
/TomTom/HOME/Download/map/North_America.
Find that folder on your computer, and open it. In there, open up the North_America_2GB.toc file with a text editor.
Find the line that starts with
Tim - July 11th, 2008
And in there add “go720″ to the list. (Needs the proper spacing, etc. to match the other models listed) Then close the file, restart HOME, and see if it installs.
The problem is HOME will nto even let me download the new map, it shows up, but just will nto let you selct it to update and download.
You shouldn’t need to even “select” it to download. It should automatically download. Sounds like you should contact support and tell them you purchased the wrong map.
also for TT910?
and TT520?
thanks
in the system information, in the Home program. is there any way of changing the model number from 720 to 730. i have found how to change the other detail but not the connected device. i think maybe it will download then.
Well I managed to get it working another way. had to put a different navcore onto the 720. Now everything is working perfect. Thanks
please tell me what core you used. would be greatful
Hi,
I had to use core version 8.011
looked for the navcore you discribe, but cant find a link to the app. any help would be great. plus how it was put on.
Thanks
Won’t work for the 510/910 for sure at this point.
Email on wcavanagh@hotmail.com and I wills end you the link.
Tim,
Sorry I did not respond sooner I was on the road. I am using Navcore 8.011. During my travel I found out the automatic lane selection seemed to work, though intermittently (on the NJ turnpike) Voice input and IQ don’t seem to do anything.
Tim,
My bad Iam using Navcore 8.010.
That is the same firmware version I’m running.
tim
i have followed toyr advise above re installing v 8 maps but to no avail i have purchased the maps from tom tom and i cant even download them tomtom home vesion 2 says not compatable i have navcore 8.11 as you said but cant seam to get the maps any ideas or help please
regards simon..
Simon, if it didn’t work for you I would see if TomTom will be willing to give you a refund on the maps.
Any updates? This working for anyone else?
Tomtom won’t refund on wrong maps, i have had to take this up with my credit card co. who are quite discusted with tomtoms attitude.
Tim,
Looking to get TT 720. Is there any update that would get the lane tech or it is worth it?
Thanks
If you really want lane guidance, check out the TomTom 730 instead. As to if it is worth it– check out our TomTom 930 review where we discuss the feature.
Tim, The problem I have with my 720 is…I am unable to buy the North America map V 8.05…I cannot buy through US (Zip Code Problem) and the Canada side won’t sell because I’m using a Go 720 which is registered with MYtomtom in Canada.Also I am using Navcore 7.1. Anywhere else I can purchase map?
Thanks
Warren
Warren - I’d wait until an official version 8 map comes out for the 720.
i have a tom tom go 520 one day it said no maps landed up buying uk irland map all went on ok but i no longer have voice recognition as i didnt do a back up when i first brough so couldnt restore. all went wrong after linking and updating can anyone advise how to get voice back,
it says the following
app 8.010
gps v1.21
map united kingdom and republic ireland v720.1803
please help
The hole appears to be patched. There is no way to download a purchased map any longer if your device is not one of the newer ones. It’s no longer a gable but a sure thing: can’t be done. Please update the article to reflect this so no one else wastes their money.
i am still unclear. Whey you say it can’t be done, is that because you originally registered as an x20? On the very first clean registration with TomTom home, if you have a x20 and yet register it as an x30, does that avoid the problem of being denied the ability to get the free maps and IQ and ALG?
Undertook the risk of buying the 730 maps for my 720T a couple of months back & for all those thinking about it, know it worked 1st time.
ADVICE IS TO FOLLOW THE STEPS 100%, DO NOT DEVIATE & 1st ALWAYS DO A BELT + BRACES BACKUP VIA A MANUAL COPY
Only real thing I noticed was the main COMPASS option has disappeared, otherwise the lane guidance on my 720 accross Europe (& UK) has been fabulous.
Anyone else noticed this?
PS: I run my Western Europe Map on a separate SD card as the memory on the unit was almost full thus running very slow
I did mine last month. Never had the compass choice on mine eventhought the manual said it was there. I only get a small arrow.
I leave in Michigan and the lane feature never came up. However in a recent trip to Chicago at a few place it did appear. Very cool.
dave
PS I did add the video from Moblnova (http://www.mobilnova.com/MobilNova/en/) also very cool.
Yes, they changed the compass in some of the newer application versions, I don’t know why– quite a few people don’t like the change.
Have just updated to navcore 8.010 and purchased map via tomtom website.
Connect TomTom 720 and Select the Update my Go option. It shows the new map, but also states “This item cannot be installed on your device”
No idea how some of you have got it working
920T coming tomorrow…DYING to get this functionality… any news or any luck with getting past these new blocks?
i believe the loophole was closed in June see that link http://www.yournav.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=12184 . with TomTom Home 2.3 i could not even update my 720t to 8.010 .. had to uninstall it (i have Vista 64bit) and install the old version of Home from CD. then it gave me an option to update to 8.010 but to my dissapointment i found out that i no longer can install 8.05 maps to my 720.. pity i missed the chance . If i’m wrong and some one managed to install 8.05 maps on their x20 device after 26 August 2008 please Do let me know .
It would appear that further to this, TomTom HOME is now denying Map Share updates if you are using the updated may version. This, of course, limits the usage of IQ routes since your average speeds will not be updated.
Mark, there are two issues with that.
1) MapShare updates to not provide updated IQ Routes data. The only way to get updated IQ Routes data is through a new map.
2) MapShare updates are still working fine on my test device.
I just bought a tt 720 today - is it still possible to get the IQ routes and lane guidance?
I’ve had a TT 920 since Feb 08 with installed North America v. 710.1576. There were a number of map errors so I purchased USA v. 720.1803 last night hoping to find a more accurate map, but I found the same errors on the new map as the old. In one case a road that was built 5 years ago is not on either version. I emailed TT with my complaint and am waiting on their reply. Is there anything else I should do?
I purchased the tt930 v8.05 from tomtom and when i attached my device and it checked for updates the map was present. unfortunately when I tried to chek the map for download a message appearsd ” This item cannot be installed on your Device” I assume that they are now checking the device’ Is there any to dowload the map in some other fashion.
Arthur- U have the TT930? This should absolutely be working with the new Maps and New IQ Routes and Lane Guidance…Something isn’t right..U better call TOMTOM
No I purchased the 8.05 map but I Have the tt920 traffic
I have the TomtTom Go 920, purchased last month which came with North America and Western Europe map versions 7.15. I was able to use the Latest Map Guarantee to update only one map of choice(North America) to map version 7.20. It also came with the awesome 1year free map updates certificate which TomTom kindly honored(must call them up and provide proof by fax or site upload and they will enable it on your TomTom account). Today I was able to update again to the just newly released official Go 920 North America map version 8.10, which includes IQ routes and Advanced Lane Guidance, and both of which are working. This map version 8.10 is now an official update for the Go 920 so I tested a demo route through a local turnpike and it showed the ALG picture of what lane to take(very nice). Anyone who has the 1 year free map certificate should take advantage and enable the updates by calling TomTom.
I just tried to follow Rod’s advice. I have a 920, that I just registered for Free Map Guarantee 2 days ago. Idownloaded the ‘latest’ update, which for me was only 8.01, not 8.10. I also did MapShare updates. It took over two hours to download and update, and then I had to hit the reset button on my device to get it to turn on again. I see they have 8.10 for $129; it should ahve been free for me. Nothing but aggravations.
Actually, according to ‘My Tomtom’, the version of map on my device, after all that work, is 710.1576 I give up trying to figure what’s happening here. Yet on TomTOm home System Information, it reads APplication Version 8010. I can’t figure what this means, and why they are different.
The map and the application are two separate things, that get updated separately, so they each have their own version numbers.
Bottom line - I was unable to duplicate what Rod did, unfortunately.
I purchased TomTom GO 720T and received it on Monday 25 August 2008. 31 August I updated the software version to 8.010 and also updated Map to a version 720.1803 (however that map version was released in April 2008.. well not exactly a new version!)
After ONLY 5 DAYS i realised that TomTom has a NEW version of Maps - 8.10!!! and however I’m well inside my 30days(i inside 1st week since updating and 2 weeks from purchasing) I cannot download it using The Latest Map Guarantee.
Though they state that you’re entitled to only ONE free update during 30 days … i did it 5 days ago …. now they release a new version !!! TomTom cannot treat customers like that !!! devastated..
Look guys, i have the 720 and was able to update it yesterday. You have to call Tomtom to add the map to your account. They dont just drop new maps in your downloads, you have to cal and talk to them to get authorized each time you want to update your main map if your doing it under the 30 day or 1 year map update guarantee. Its true, the download took like 2 hours and i had to remove some stuff from my 920t to allow room for the new IQ maps 810. It is a pain but it can be done fine with a phone call and some guidance from tomtom..
Andrei - At least be happy that TomTom releases map updates quarterly, rather than every 12-18 months like most other GPS companies. You still have a newer map release than you would have from most any other company.
“Note that the map made available to you is v8.05″
I believe that with this statement you’re wrong.
v8.05 DOES NOT refer to the map version (i.e. North_American map, but to NAVCORE software version. The user cannot update this software. The latest map version is v7.20
Dan, that statement is not wrong. 8.05 does refer to the map version and not the application version.
I just looked at TT’s website for update of maps for my 720. The map version is 8.10 and The description says it includes new IC Routs data. The cost is also now $129.95. So it looks like TT is offering the updated functionality for an additional $30.
I have a go 920 and have been lucky enough to get the Westerna and Central Europe and North America Maps updated via the Latest Map Guarantee to v 8.10 maps. Does any one know if both maps will fit on the internal memory or do i need to put in a 2GB SD card for the second map, as both downloads look like they are 1.9GB in size!!
Roy
I bought a tomtom 920 which came with a disk. Unfortunately I deleted all the Map. I managed to exchange it but did not get the CD software that comes with it. Hence, now I have a tomtom and the CD software from the previous one.
Therefore I cannot connect it to the computer.
Can someone help? Need to update.
You can download the software from tomtom.com/home
Hi Tim and everyone, I have a TT720 which my wife uses and just got myself TT920. The 720 has North_American map v720.1803 and the 920 has North_American map v810.1907. They both have App version 8.010 and I was wondering if I could do the following:
1) Restore backup of TT920 to TT720 and get 720 working normally plus IQ Routes and Active Lane Guidance working as well???
2) I was able to upgrade tt720 North_American map through TT Home software with North_American map v810.1907 but after reset on the tt720 and turning it ON, it says I can not use this map on this device.
Could you tell me if my second issue can be resolved? If so how?
LeoSam - No, that won’t work. Each map is licensed and locked for a specific device. You can’t copy one map and have it work on a different device.
One more thing, on the tt720 I installed the new map onto my external 2GB SD card and when I go to Change Preferences -> Manage Maps->Switch Map, the new map (North_American map v810.1907) displays as “North America” and the older(original) one from the internal memory displays as “North American 2GB”
Could the name change be causing map not to be working?
If the map isn’t licensed to the device it is installed on– that is the reason it isn’t working properly.
Tim, thanks for the speedy response…I must say you are finer than any TomTom techie.
So as you are saying, if the map is locked to device then that means tt720 map can not work on tt9×0 or even tt730 and vice versa. So what version of North_American map for tt720 are folks on this forum who say they have been successful in getting IQ Routes and/or Active Lane Guidance working using ???
The same *version* map is capable of running on different devices. But each map is locked to the specific serial number device it was built for. So while the 720, 730, 920, and 930 all run the same map version number, they can only run a map that is designed for the specific serial number they were sold for. So a map that was locked to your 920 cannot be copied to the 720, even though it is the correct version.
Tim, as always “excellent” delivery. I guess there is no back door to this. Thanks a million.
I have a go 920 and with the latest map guarantee i have received north american maps with iq routes and lane assist and i’m running the latest software yet i can see the lane assist features in my options and iqroutes , they arent actaully working , how do i force my unit to use these features that it very well knows are there just waiting to be used ?
Are you in an area that you know offers those features?
Nick, there has been many comments that Lane Assit feature is rearly working in the TomTom, infact in Toronto-Canada, I have heard TomTom sales guys tell me you will not see its use here. That said you did not say what map version and App version you are running. I know the latest App version 8.01 with map version 8.10 should give you lane assist and IQ routes. To verify that IQroutes is you should see at the bottom of the “show route summary” when you select “view route” in the main menu, something loke this “Fastest route-IQ Routes”.
I purchased a refurbished 720 through tigerdirect last week and it came with the 7.X app and 7.X maps of North America. I updated the app to 8.010 via tomtomHome with no problem at all and found the show lane image icon had been added to preferences but when I tried activating, received a warning indicating that lane guidance didn’t work with the map release that I had.
I contacted TomTom via email yesterday, requesting they allow me to update the map under the 30 day guarantee and within the hour of my request was able to download and install North America version 810 through TomTomHome version 2 on a windows XP64 platform with no hassles.
he lane guidance icon now works with no warning and I also have the option of IQ routing in my planning preferences. I don’t know if either of them work as of yet, I live in Calgary and believe that the lane images are limited to some of the bigger US cities like Chicago and New York.
I have tried creating a short route but don’t see the option “fastest route - IQ routes” but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t active on my 720.
Just wanted to let everyone know that it appears that both of these options are available for the 720 with the latest app and maps.
I will update this message if I find that these option in fact work.
Also, I’m really impressed that TT customer care would respond to me within an hour and on a statutory holiday none the less.
Hope this helps!!!!
BTW - Voice recognition worked out of the box and is still fully functional after apdating the app and map. D.
Got a 720 for after Christmas.. found out a few interesting things.. 1st, the FM xmitter feature has been removed (contrary to the website publicity. :O( 2nd, you need a special cable to hook you’re IPOD up that was supposed to xmit the supported info through your FM xmitter. :O( 3rd, Current maps are V8.15. I’m really not sure if I should be PO’d or not?? According to TT there is a cable available to work around the issue. Seems to me, if they disabled the FM they should at least provide you with the cable gratis. Seems to reek of false advertising?? Anyway, a very nice young lady in tech support is telling me how to get my maps up-to-date. But the FM thing is a real let down, if only because the unit is not as advertised!!
The FM Transmitter still works for music, but not for voice prompts.
Does anyone know if the work around published in the original article will still work? I found a refurbished 720 on sale and I am thinking of going this route.
Thanks