Tomtom map updates free

If you had originally purchased a (new) TomTom with a "free" lifetime maps, you can download (from the tomtom website) updates to that map free, whenever that map is updated (usually four times a year).
If not, you can buy/subscribe to new maps on the tomtom website, (www.tomtom.com). Just click on "Maps & Services" ... and you'll be able to select and buy/subscribe to the map(s) you want.

When you connect your TomTom (using the TomTom HOME application on your computer) ... and you sign in to your TomTom account, it will automatically do a scan/search to see if there's any update(s) for your TomTom device.
If you see the an update (available) for your Navigation software, select it and proceed to download and install it. MapShare updates are also identified and can be selected, downloaded and installed (free).
If you're asking whether you can update the map free ... the answer is NO ... not from the TomTom website. You'll have to buy a map update (subscription) and download the new version of the map and install it.

register the device, tomtom home will reinstall the original map that was on the unit when new

If/when you've just purchased a (brand) new TomTom GPS, you can register it (at the TomTom.com website) and download the latest map (for your device) .... free ... as part of the latest map guarantee.
Whenever you connect your GPS to the TomTom website (via TomTom HOME), you'll get (free) updates to your current map version - ... but they are NOT new versions of the maps.
To get new versions of your (current) map, you'll need to purchase the update (e.g. online, on the TomTom website). Upon paying for it, you will get the activation codes, etc. for you to download, validate and install the maps.

If your GPS has lifetime maps, (after you have registered), you'll be able to connect (via TomTom HOME) to get the latest map release, without requiring any code/password.

You may be able to get "free" map updates from (illegal) underground sources. But that's not recommended.
Yes, you're right, you can simply get a new TomTom GPS and get the latest map(s) for it. Consider getting a TomTom with lifetime maps ....and you won't have to pay for any map updates.

You will only get a free update on a new device if you install tomtom home on your computer and login withing the first 2-3 months of purchasing your device. Also, if you purchased a device that is "refurbished" or "recertified" then you do not get this free update and your map can be up to about a year and a half old. In this case, you would have to purchase a map update. To update you will have to install TomTom Home on your computer (download from TomTom.com) and login. You can typically purchase one update for about 45 USD or purchase a year of updates for just a little more (like 59.99 USD). A "year of updates" gives you an updated map each quarter for one year. I don't know that I would have bought a TomTom for use outside of North America or the UK. Sorry.

Unless your TomTom device comes with a "life-time" map, you need (to pay for a map update and) get an activation code everytime to wish to install a new/revised map on your device. You can subscribe to a year of update (i.e. 4 maps updates for the year) and you should be able to update the maps (4 times) after you enter the activation code (once you've paid for the map subscription).

This is from tomtom.com
Hope this helps looks like you haveto pay for map updates after 30 days, but I am not positive.


Application updates
We recommend always having the latest version of the TomTom application installed on your navigation device. This ensures you can use the latest features and improvements available for your device.

To check if a new version is available, connect your device to TomTom HOME and then click Update my device. For more details see www.tomtom.com/6133.
Latest Map Guarantee
Get one free map update if a new map version is released within 30 days of buying a new device.
Start driving with the latest map - guaranteed!
See What is the latest map guarantee.
Map Share™
Get daily map changes from the TomTom community.
In between map releases, you can make corrections to your map – such as road closures, and points of interest – through Map Share™ technology.
See What is TomTom Map Share.
Map Update Service™
TomTom regularly releases brand new maps that incorporate the latest changes to the road network.
With our Map Update Service you get every new release of your map over a 12-month period, from the equivalent of just €9.95 per quarter. That’s four new maps a year.
See the TomTom Map Update Service.
Single map
If you only want to update your map once you can buy a single map.
Buy a single map.

See the following options to update maps on your TomTom:

Latest Map Guarantee
Get one free map update if a new map version is released within 30 days of buying a new device.
Start driving with the latest map - guaranteed!

See What is the latest map guarantee.

Map Share™
Get daily map changes from the TomTom community.
In between map releases, you can make corrections to your map – such as road closures, and points of interest – through Map Share™ technology.

See What is TomTom Map Share.

Map Update Service™
TomTom regularly releases brand new maps that incorporate the latest changes to the road network.

With our Map Update Service you get every new release of your map over a 12-month period, from the equivalent of just €9.95 per quarter. That’s four new maps a year.

See the TomTom Map Update Service.

you go to tomtom.com and make sure you have website open before you connect your tomtom to the computer.