FAQ
TL;DR: Fix TomTom Start 20 update loops by doing a full reset (30 seconds) — “Press and hold the On/Off button for at least 30 seconds.” [Elektroda, Freddy, post #16919575]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Start 20 owners resolve “No maps found,” 70% stalls, and MyDrive Connect errors fast.
Quick Facts
- Start 20 is managed only via MyDrive Connect and appears to Windows as a network card, not a USB drive. [Elektroda, japycz321, post #16919638]
- Hardware reset requires holding the power button for at least 30 seconds. [Elektroda, Freddy, post #16919575]
- Stable, fast wired internet works best; DSL/LTE often crash updates, and only about half of USB ports may work. [Elektroda, koala106, post #16919873]
- If installs fail, clear MyDrive Connect cache or install on another computer, then retry. [Elektroda, koala106, post #16922997]
- Devices may auto-start updates and still show “No maps found” until a successful reinstall completes. [Elektroda, LiquI, post #16921187]
How do I fix “No maps found” on a TomTom Start 20?
Start with a hard reset. Hold the power button for at least 30 seconds until the device restarts. Reconnect to MyDrive Connect after reboot to complete pending actions. This clears many stuck states that block map detection. [Elektroda, Freddy, post #16919575]
Why does MyDrive Connect stall around 70% or show 0% on the PC?
This behavior indicates a broken session between the device and TomTom services. The screen may say service connection lost while the PC shows 0%. Restart MyDrive Connect, reboot the device, and try again. Avoid other PC tasks during the update. [Elektroda, LiquI, post #16919250]
Why doesn’t Windows show my Start 20 as a removable drive?
Newer TomTom models present themselves as a network card, not mass storage. File managers and TomTom HOME won’t access maps on these devices. Manage everything with MyDrive Connect only. “All tips to delete maps manually are stupid” for this model. [Elektroda, japycz321, post #16919638]
Does the USB port or cable really matter for updates?
Yes. Some PCs only work on about half their USB ports with the Start 20. Try different ports and a known-good cable. Keep the PC idle during updates for stability. If issues persist, move to another computer. [Elektroda, koala106, post #16919873]
What internet connection should I use for MyDrive Connect updates?
Use fast, stable wired broadband. DSL or LTE links often crash mid-update. Close bandwidth-heavy apps like torrents. Let MyDrive run to completion without multitasking for the best chance of success. [Elektroda, koala106, post #16919873]
MyDrive says maps installed, but the device still shows “No maps found.” What next?
Disconnect safely, reboot the device, then reconnect and check MyDrive again. If the message persists, repeat the install cycle after clearing cache or switching PCs. This loop resolves once a clean install finishes. [Elektroda, LiquI, post #16921187]
How do I clear MyDrive Connect issues without reinstalling Windows?
Clear the MyDrive Connect cache or install MyDrive on another computer. Then sign in, connect the device, and re-run updates. This bypasses corrupted local data that blocks installs. [Elektroda, koala106, post #16922997]
Can I use TomTom HOME or a file manager to copy maps onto a Start 20?
No. Start 20 uses MyDrive Connect only. You won’t see a file system to copy maps. Perform backups and installs through MyDrive Connect as instructed. [Elektroda, Freddy, post #16919381]
What does “Connection with the TomTom service has been lost” mean?
It means the update session broke, often from unstable internet or USB issues. The device can freeze near 70% while the PC reads 0%. Reboot the device and restart the update after stabilizing your connection. [Elektroda, LiquI, post #16919250]
How do I force a clean map reinstall on Start 20?
Try this 3-step method:
- Clear MyDrive Connect cache or install MyDrive on a different PC.
- Reboot the device with a 30-second hold, then reconnect.
- Start the map install and leave the PC idle until it completes.
This workflow fixes stubborn installs. [Elektroda, koala106, post #16922997]
Why does the device auto-start updates when I plug it in?
Pending or failed updates can trigger automatic update mode at connection. Let it run once after stabilizing USB and internet. If it loops, reset the device and retry on a different PC or port. [Elektroda, LiquI, post #16919250]
MyDrive keeps saying maps are “damaged” or “not all elements updated.” Should I retry?
Yes. The app can show inconsistent messages. Users report that repeated attempts eventually succeed once the connection and ports cooperate. “Try again and it will finally work.” [Elektroda, japycz321, post #16921208]
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