Route Not Calculating
TomTom GPS Navigation Device
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Your TomTom cannot calculate a route to the destination you entered. This is usually caused by overly restrictive route settings, maps not installed for the destination area, or the destination address not being in the map database. Clear your avoidance settings and try a different destination format to solve most cases.
Affected Models
- TomTom GO 520
- TomTom GO 620
- TomTom GO 5200
- TomTom GO 6200
- All TomTom GPS devices
Common Causes
- Route planning settings blocking the only available road types
- Destination in an area not covered by installed maps
- GPS position not yet acquired
- Destination address not in map database
- Map data corrupted
How to Fix It
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Go to Settings > Route Planning and reset all avoidances to defaults.
Avoiding motorways, toll roads, and ferries can make routing impossible if those are the only options. Clear all avoidances and retry.
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Try entering the destination as a postcode instead of a street address.
Postcode-based routing always works even when specific street numbers are missing from the database.
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Wait for GPS to acquire a satellite lock before calculating.
TomTom cannot calculate a route without knowing your starting position. Wait until the GPS icon shows a solid lock.
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Confirm the destination is in a region covered by your installed maps.
Routing to another country requires that country's maps to be installed on the device.
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Update your maps via MyDrive Connect — new roads and changes may not be in your current map version.
Outdated maps may be missing new motorways, bypasses, or area developments that the routing engine needs.
When to Call a Professional
If route calculation fails for multiple destinations in your own city that you know exist, your map data may be corrupted. Delete and reinstall maps via MyDrive Connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does TomTom say it cannot find a route when the road exists?
The road may exist on the ground but not yet in your map version. Your route settings may also be avoiding the road type needed (e.g. unpaved roads, toll roads). Updating maps and clearing avoidances usually fixes this.
Can TomTom route without a GPS signal?
No — TomTom needs to know your current location to calculate a route from where you are. You can browse the map and set a destination, but the route will not calculate until GPS finds your position. Once GPS locks on, the route calculates immediately.