Owner’s Manual
nüvi® 680
personal travel assistant
© 2006–2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc. 
1200 East 151st Street,  
Olathe, Kansas 66062, 
Garmin (Europe) Ltd. 
Liberty House 
Hounsdown Business Park,  
USA 
Tel. (913) 397.8200 or  
(800) 800.1020 
Fax (913) 397.8282
Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK 
Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK)  
0808 2380000 (within the UK) 
Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251
Garmin Corporation  
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, 
Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan 
Tel. 886/2.2642.9199 
Fax 886/2.2642.9099
All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, 
copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without 
the express prior written consent of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to download a single copy 
of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of 
this manual or of any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual must 
contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial 
distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Garmin reserves the right to change 
or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to notify any person or 
organization of such changes or improvements. Visit the Garmin Web site (www.garmin.com) for current 
updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products.
Garmin®, MapSource®, and nüvi® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA 
and other countries. Garmin Lock™ and myGarmin™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. 
These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin. 
SiRF, SiRFstar, and the SiRF logo are registered trademarks of SiRF Technology, Inc. SiRFstarIII and 
SiRF Powered are trademarks of SiRF Technology, Inc. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned 
by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license. Other trademarks 
and trade names are those of their respective owners. Mac® and iTunes® are registered trademarks of 
Apple Computer, Inc. Audible.com®, AudibleManager®, and AudibleReady® are registered trademarks of 
Audible, Inc. © Audible, Inc. 1997–2005.
Microsoft, DirectBand, MSN, and the MSN logo are either registered 
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or 
other countries.
June 2007 
Part Number 190-00775-00 Rev. C 
Printed in Taiwan
Preface
Thank you for purchasing the Garmin® 
nüvi® 680 navigation and communication 
device with MSN® Direct content. 
Manual Conventions
When you are instructed to “touch” 
something, use your finger to touch an 
item on the screen. 
The small arrows (>) used in the text 
indicate that you should touch a series 
of items. For example, if you see 
“touch Where to > Favorites” you 
should touch Where to, and then touch 
Favorites. 
myGarmin™ 
Go to http://my.garmin.com to access the 
latest services for your Garmin products:
•
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Register your Garmin unit.
Subscribe to online services for safety 
camera information (see page 39).
Unlock optional maps.
•
Return to myGarmin often for new 
Garmin product services.
nüvi 680 Owner’s Manual 
Preface
 and 
nüvi Tips and Shortcuts
To quickly return to the Menu page, 
•
touch and hold Back.
Touch 
 to see more 
choices. Touch and hold to scroll 
faster.
To learn more about the nüvi 
Bluetooth® technology or Travel 
Kit features, touch Help on the 
appropriate screen. 
To extend the battery life, close the 
GPS antenna when you do not need 
to navigate. If the antenna is closed, 
the GPS receiver is off. 
To adjust the volume or the screen 
brightness, quickly press and release 
the 
touch 
To switch the audio output between 
the nüvi and an FM stereo, quickly 
press the 
 Power button. You can also 
 Power button twice. 
 on the Menu page.
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i
Preface
Preface.............................................i
Manual Conventions ...............................i
myGarmin™  ............................................i
nüvi Tips and Shortcuts ..........................i
Warnings .............................................. iv
Contact Garmin .................................... iv
Important Information ............................v
Caring for Your nüvi  ............................. vi
Avoiding Theft ....................................... vi
Getting Started ...............................1
What’s in the Box? .................................1
Step 1: Mount the nüvi...........................2
Step 2: Configure the nüvi .....................3
Step 3: Acquire Satellites.......................3
Step 4: Use the nüvi ..............................3
Finding Your Destination........................4
Following Your Route.............................5
Adding a Stop to Your Route .................5
Taking a Detour .....................................5
Stopping the Route ................................5
Adjusting the Volume and Brightness ....5
Locking Your nüvi ..................................6
Charging Your nüvi ................................6
Activating Your MSN® Direct Receiver ...6
Where To ........................................7
Finding an Address ................................7
Go Page Options ...................................7
Go Home ...............................................8
Finding Points of Interest .......................8
Finding Recently Found Places .............9
Favorites ..............................................10
Finding MSN® Direct Locations ...........10
Finding a Place Using the Map............11
Entering Location Coordinates ............11
Expanding Your Search .......................11
Using the Main Pages .................12
Map Page ............................................12
Trip Information Page ..........................13
Turn List Page .....................................13
Next Turn Page....................................13
Travel Kit ......................................14
MP3 Player ..........................................14
Audible Book Player ............................15
Picture Viewer .....................................16
Calculator  ...........................................16
Language Guide ..................................16
Garmin Travel Guide™  ........................18
SaversGuide®  .....................................18
World Clock  ........................................18
Currency Converter .............................18
Unit Converter  ....................................19
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nüvi 680 Owner’s Manual
Using Hands-free Features .........20
Understanding Bluetooth Technology ..20
Pairing Your Phone ..............................20
Getting a Call .......................................21
In a Call ...............................................21
Phone Menu ........................................22
Using SMS/Text Messaging.................24
Using MSN® Direct .......................25
Activating Your MSN Direct Receiver ..25
Receiving Content ...............................26
MSN Direct Menu ................................26
Traffic Information ................................26
Weather ...............................................28
Gas Prices ...........................................28
Movie Times ........................................28
Using the FM Transmitter ...........29
Listening to the nüvi on an FM Stereo .29
Frequency Selection Tips ....................29
Switching between the nüvi and an FM 
Stereo .............................................29
FM Transmitter Information .................30
Managing Files .............................31
Supported File Types ...........................31
Loading Files .......................................31
Deleting Files  ......................................32
Preface
Customizing the nüvi ..................33
Changing the Map Settings .................33
Changing the System Settings ............34
Localizing Your nüvi .............................34
Customizing the Display ......................35
Changing the Navigation Settings .......36
Bluetooth Technology Settings ............37
Changing the Proximity Points Settings ..
37
Adjusting the Volume Levels ...............38
Restoring All Settings ..........................38
Clearing User Data ..............................38
Appendix ......................................39
Updating the Software .........................39
Extras and Optional Accessories .........39
Additional Maps ...................................41
About the GPS Page ...........................41
Battery Information  .............................42
Resetting the nüvi ................................42
Mounting on Your Dashboard ..............43
Changing the Fuse ..............................43
Technical Specifications ......................44
Troubleshooting ...................................45
Important Product Information .............46
Index .............................................49
nüvi 680 Owner’s Manual 
iii
Preface
Contact Garmin
Contact Garmin if you have any questions while using your nüvi. In the USA, contact 
Garmin Product Support by phone: (913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020, Monday–Friday, 8 
AM–5 PM Central Time; or go to www.garmin.com/support.
In Europe, contact Garmin (Europe) Ltd. at +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK) or  
0808 2380000 (within the UK).
 Warnings
•
•
and maps. For safety, always resolve any 
discrepancies or questions before continuing 
navigation and defer to posted road signs.
Always operate the vehicle in a safe manner. 
Do not become distracted by the unit while 
driving, and always be fully aware of all 
driving conditions. Minimize the amount 
of time spent viewing the unit’s screen while 
driving and use voice prompts when possible. 
Do not input destinations, change settings, or 
access any functions requiring prolonged use of 
the unit’s controls while driving. Pull over in a 
safe and legal manner before attempting such 
operations.
The unit is designed to provide route 
suggestions. It is not designed to replace the 
need for driver attentiveness regarding road 
closures or road conditions, traffic congestion, 
weather conditions, or other factors that may 
affect safety while driving.
Failure to avoid the following potentially 
hazardous situations could result in an accident 
or collision resulting in death or serious injury.
•
When installing the unit in a vehicle, place 
the unit securely so it does not obstruct the 
driver’s view of the road or interfere with 
vehicle operating controls, such as the steering 
wheel, foot pedals, or transmission levers. Do 
not place in front of or above any airbag. (See 
diagram.)
Do not mount 
where driver’s 
field of vision 
is blocked.
Do not place 
unsecured on 
the vehicle 
dashboard.
Do not mount in front of an 
airbag field of deployment.
•
When navigating, carefully compare 
information displayed on the unit to all 
available navigation sources, including 
information from street signs, visual sightings, 
iv 
nüvi 680 Owner’s Manual
Battery Warnings
If these guidelines are not followed, the 
internal, non-removable lithium-ion battery may 
experience a shortened life span or may present 
a risk of damage to the GPS unit, fire, chemical 
burn, electrolyte leak, and/or injury.
•
Do not remove or attempt to remove the 
battery.
Contact your local waste disposal department 
to properly dispose of the unit/battery.
Do not leave the unit exposed to a heat source 
or in a high temperature location, such as in 
the sun in an unattended vehicle on a hot day. 
To prevent damage, remove the unit from the 
vehicle or store it out of direct sunlight. 
Do not incinerate. 
When storing the unit for a limited length of 
time, store within the following temperature 
range: -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C). When 
storing the unit for an extended time, store 
within the following temperature range: 32° to 
77°F (0° to 25°C). 
Do not operate the unit outside of the following 
temperature range: -4° to 131°F (-20° to 55°C).
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Warning: This product, its packaging, and 
its components contain chemicals known to the 
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, 
or reproductive harm. This notice is provided in 
accordance with California’s Proposition 65. See 
www.garmin.com/prop65 for more information.
Preface
Important Information
MaP Data inForMation: One of the goals 
of Garmin is to provide customers with the most 
complete and accurate cartography that is available 
to us at a reasonable cost. We use a combination 
of governmental and private data sources, which 
we identify in product literature and copyright 
messages displayed to the consumer. Virtually all 
data sources contain some inaccurate or incomplete 
data. In some countries, complete and accurate 
map information is either not available or is 
prohibitively expensive. 
notiCE rEgarDing WinDsHiElD 
Mounting; sPECial notiCE to 
DrivErs in CaliFornia anD 
MinnEsota: State law prohibits drivers in 
California and Minnesota from using suction 
mounts on their windshields while operating motor 
vehicles. Check your state and local laws and 
ordinances for similar restrictions. Other Garmin 
dashboard or friction mounting options should 
be used. Garmin does not take any responsibility 
for any fines, penalties, or damages that may be 
incurred as a result of disregarding this notice or as 
a result of any other state or local law or ordinance 
relating to use of the unit. (See California Vehicle 
Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, 
Section 169.71.) 
The California Electronic Waste recycling 
act of 2003 requires the recycling of certain 
electronics. For more information on the 
applicability to this product, see www.erecycle.org.
nüvi 680 Owner’s Manual 
v
Preface
Caring for Your nüvi 
Your nüvi contains sensitive electronic 
components that can be permanently 
damaged if exposed to excessive shock or 
vibration. To minimize the risk of damage 
to your nüvi, avoid dropping your unit 
and operating it in high-shock and high-
vibration environments.
Cleaning the Unit
The nüvi is constructed of high-quality 
materials and does not require user 
maintenance other than cleaning. Clean 
the unit’s outer casing (not the touch 
screen) using a cloth dampened with a mild 
detergent solution, and then wipe dry. Avoid 
chemical cleaners and solvents that can 
damage plastic components.
Cleaning the Touch Screen
Clean the touch screen with a soft, clean, 
lint-free cloth. Use water, isopropyl alcohol, 
or eyeglass cleaner, if needed. Apply the 
liquid to the cloth, and then gently wipe the 
touch screen.
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Protecting Your nüvi
•
Do not store the nüvi where prolonged 
exposure to extreme temperatures can 
occur (such as in the trunk of a car), 
because it can cause permanent damage. 
Do not expose the nüvi to water. 
Contact with water can cause this unit to 
malfunction.
Though a PDA stylus can also be used to 
operate the touch screen, never attempt 
this while operating a vehicle. Never 
use a hard or sharp object to operate the 
touch screen or damage may result. 
Avoiding Theft
To avoid theft, remove the unit and 
•
mount from sight when not in use. 
Remove the residue on the windshield 
left by the suction cup. 
Do not keep your unit in the glove 
compartment; thieves know where to 
look. 
Register your product at  
http://my.garmin.com. 
Use the Garmin Lock feature. See  
page 6. 
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nüvi 680 Owner’s Manual