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Forerunner 305 won't sync

Firstly, I've had a search and found a whole lot of posts with a similar theme. There doesn't seem to be a really recent one though and so I was hoping to get an up to date answer. If there is an existing solution out there, please point me towards it.

I've been happily using and syncing a forerunner 225 for a while, but recently got my old 305 out again to use for it's cycling mode. I have a windows 10 laptop to which the cradle is connected via USB. When I put the unit on the cradle it always charges, but doesn't sync. Sometimes connecting and reconnecting, wriggling the unit, and even licking the contacts seems to have triggered a sync, but none of these are working now.

Things I've tried:

Different computers (only got windows 10 alternatives)
Uninstalling and reinstalling Garmin Express
Updating USB drivers
Looking for classic mode in Garmin Connect (has is been disabled?)
Different USB ports
Different USB cables

What I'd like to know is if there is anything else I can try and if not, is it worth getting a new cradle on eBay? Or is the unit old and unsupported so I need to just give up.

Thanks in advance.

Top Replies

bugsy76 over 5 years ago +5 suggested

So I have the same problem but have figured a workaround (I think, works for me so far). When you want to sync plug in cradle with watch mounted (attached to cradle). Now open Garmin express, now and again…

All Replies

0 Former Member over 4 years ago

I just deleted all but the last month in every category and mine connected on new install

0 chris_clark09 over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

This worked a treat, did the same and it connected immediately after.

0 SidPack over 4 years ago in reply to bugsy76

Another big "Thank You!" to you! My 9 year-old FR305 still records data just fine, but Garmin Express often doesn't recognize it. Instead of playing the endless "close program, restart watch, unplug/replug" game, I just do the soft reset right away, and it works every time. Thanks again!

0 Former Member over 4 years ago

Started running into this same issue, the soft reset gets my FR-305 recognized in Garmin Express on Windows 10. Thanks everyone.

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

Interesting that a few days later this solution stopped working for me. I will keep trying and update if it eventually starts working again.

0 seilogramp over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

Occasionally I'll feel nostalgic and take the 14 year-old 305 out for a spin. Getting it to sync with Garmin Express can be a challenge. Typically it involves cleaning the contacts on the watch and the cradle with an eraser, then securing it with multiple rubber bands wound tightly around the entire rig.

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to seilogramp

I know what you mean, after numerous tries it finally decided to connect and sync. Unfortunately I'm stuck with my ol'305 for now until finances permit otherwise.

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

I found that if you do the reset while still connected to the cradle prior to opening Garmin Express it tends to work more reliably then after opening the application. I can confirm though it is working consistently again which I am very happy about.