Garmin Force Trolling Motor Setup & ActiveCaptain Pairing Guide

Looking to get the most out of your Garmin Force Trolling Motor? This step-by-step guide will help you quickly power up, pair your devices, register with the ActiveCaptain app, and ensure everything is calibrated and updated for peak performance. Whether you’re installing a brand-new unit or helping a buddy set theirs up, this walkthrough ensures you won’t miss a thing — including where to find that hard-to-spot serial number.

1. Power Up the Trolling Motor

Connect and apply power to the motor before pairing any devices.

2. Pair the Foot Pedal

Press the power button on the motor 3 times.
Disconnect and reconnect power to the foot pedal.
Within 30 seconds of powering up the pedal, press and hold the Anchor Lock button on the pedal.
Watch for the blue light on the pedal and a green light on the motor (3rd light) — that confirms pairing.

3. Download & Register with ActiveCaptain

Install the ActiveCaptain app on your mobile device.
Register your Garmin devices within the app.

🔍 Finding Your Serial Number

If your trolling motor isn’t automatically recognized:

Lift the trolling motor halfway, and Look next to the large nut that holds the shaft in place — the serial number will be on a sticker or engraved near that area.

4. Pair the Remote Control

In ActiveCaptain, go to Settings → Trolling Motor → Remote → Follow the pairing steps.

5. Set Up Trolling Motor Wi-Fi

Enable Wi-Fi on the trolling motor.
Use this password: 111111111111 (12 ones).
Allows Garmin support to remotely assist if needed.

6. Check for Firmware Updates

In ActiveCaptain, check Settings → Trolling Motor → Software Updates.
If an update is available, begin the process — the trolling motor’s lights will flash during the update.

7. Calibrate the Compass

Go to Settings → Trolling Motor → Calibrate Compass.
Drive the boat in circles until the calibration completes.
Anchor Lock will not function unless this is done!

8. Install a microSD Card

Insert a 32GB microSD card into your Garmin display unit.
Format the card if prompted.
This card is required for ActiveCaptain downloads, updates, and data sharing.

Mark Lassagne

Mark Lassagne is a professional bass angler, outdoor writer, and publisher based in Northern California. As the founder of Bass Angler Magazine and the BAM Tournament Trail, Mark has dedicated his career to growing and promoting the sport of bass fishing, especially on the West Coast. With decades of tournament experience across the country—from MLF Toyota Series events to his own BAM Pro Tour—Mark brings a unique blend of on-the-water knowledge and industry insight. The content of his writing focuses on helping anglers of all skill levels to catch more fish, understand cutting-edge techniques, and stay connected to the latest trends in bass fishing. When he’s not behind the wheel of his Ford F-350 hauling the BAM stage, you’ll find him chasing bass in California’s best fisheries in his Bass Cat.

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