How to Unlock Mio C250

The Mio C250 is an older-model, dash-mounted GPS navigation device that became outmoded in 2009 by the company's more technologically advanced models. If your receiver is locked and not letting you use it, you can usually clean up a little and get a free upgrade of your software to get things running again. But not with the C series. Mio used a third party for its software on the models, and can only offer upgrades to later models of its GPS systems. What it's offering is this: Trade in your C250 for a newer model, with an undisclosed Mio Advantage member discount.

• 1

  Turn off your C250. Push in on your SD card until it pops out of its seat. Remove it and use a cloth or T-shirt to remove any dust or grime. Spray air with your gas duster into the SD card slot.

• 2

  Reinsert your SD card into the slot, fully seated.

• 3

  Turn on your C250. Sometimes, this will have worked to unlock your particular base map, which for U.S. customers is loaded on the SD card. If you're still locked out, proceed to Step 4.

• 4

  Navigate to the Mio Trade-In Instructions page (see Resources section).

• 5

  Click on the link for the trade-in offer to investigate the current discount for your trade-in. You will be told to sign up for a free Mio Advantage membership. Click on that option. Enter your email address and choose a password, then click "Sign in."

• 6

  Return to the webpage in the Resources section and click on the trade-in offer link. Enter your membership information, then follow the instructions for sending Mio your old device.