How to Connect and Use the Lowrance App with Your Lowrance Unit: Step-by-Step Guide

Hey everyone, Hugh Cosculluela here — the Fishfinder Coach. In this post, I’ll show you how to connect the Lowrance app on your phone to your Lowrance unit, step by step. Once you’ve got them linked, you’ll unlock powerful features like screen mirroring, remote control, waypoint syncing, and even software updates — all from your phone.

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Why Connect the Lowrance App to Your Unit?

Pairing your phone and unit opens up a lot of flexibility both on and off the water:

• Mirror your sonar screen on your phone for easy viewing or recording.

• Screen record sonar footage to save, analyze, or share on social media. See how to do this here.

• Remotely control your unit (on supported models) straight from your phone.

• Synchronize waypoints, routes, and tracks between your phone and unit. See how to do this here. 

• Update your unit’s software directly through the app.

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Step 1: Update Everything First

Before connecting, make sure both your Lowrance app and your unit are running the latest software. Outdated versions are the number one cause of connection issues.

• Update the app in the App Store or Google Play.

• Download the latest unit software from the Lowrance website if needed.

If you’re not sure how to update your unit, check out my full update tutorial (linked in the description or video card).

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Step 2: Open the Lowrance App and Add a Device

1. Launch the Lowrance app on your phone.

2. Scroll down on the homepage until you see My Devices.

3. Tap the blue “+” button and choose Connect Chartplotter.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will ask you to press the power button on your unit and confirm the menu location.

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Step 3: Enable the Hotspot and Connect

When prompted, choose to turn on the unit’s hotspot. This is how your phone and unit communicate.

• You can scan the QR code shown on your unit to join the Wi-Fi network, or manually connect via your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.

• Once joined, return to the app and tap Connect.

Tip: First-time setup may take a few attempts. If you hit issues, try restarting your unit and force-closing the app before reconnecting.

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Step 4: Use the App Features

Once connected, here’s what you can do:

• Mirror the screen: Tap mirror to see your unit display live on your phone.

• Remote control: On supported models, enable remote viewing to drop waypoints or navigate menus right from your phone.

• Sync waypoints and routes: Hit the sync button to transfer data back and forth between your phone and unit. You’ll see a confirmation message like “Synchronizing waypoints, routes, and tracks with iPhone.”

• Update software: If an update is available, download it through the app and transfer it directly to your unit.

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Step 5: Put It Into Practice

With the app connected, you’ll be able to:

• Record sonar clips for later study or sharing.

• Plan fishing trips at home by creating waypoints on your phone.

• Keep your software current and avoid on-the-water glitches.

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Learn More with Fishfinder Coach

Want to get the most out of your Lowrance fishfinder? On our site, ypu’ll find:

• PDF settings guides tailored for your exact transducer.

• Video courses that explain sonar interpretation and help you read your unit with confidence.
  

Click here to learn more about our Lowrance products.