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Laptop not finding my Garmin

6257936

Forerunner 45. I've recently tried to use a new replacement cable, because the original cable stopped connecting to my laptop (Windows 11): it wouldn't enable charging, and it wouldn't transfer data from Garmin to laptop.

This new replacement cable permits charging ok. Good. But the laptop still cannot find my Garmin, and so I can't transfer run-data from device to laptop. I've tried really pressing the new cable physically into the slot on the Garmin, and also gently rocking the cable-end to try to get a good fit. Still no joy (device not found). Any ideas? Thanks.

  • 0

    Make sure you have a data cable, which is designed to both transfer data and charge devices, while a USB charging cable is for power only.

  • 0 in reply to steynja

    Thanks, Steynja. I'll try that (while wondering why anyone would produce a Garmin cable that can do only charging and not data-transfer).

  • 0 in reply to 6257936

    Some USB cables are charge-only because they omit the data wires (D+ and D-), making them simpler, cheaper, and more secure for public charging by preventing data transfer, while also being ideal for dedicated charging needs.  These days there is something called "juice jacking" which is a form of cyberattack where a public USB charging port(as often found in airports) is used to either infect a connected device with malware or steal personal data.  A power only cable is not susceptible to juice jacking.

  • 0 in reply to JohnfromPA

    Also, some cars these days are smart, attempting to read the data off a device connect to a USB port when all you want to do is charge it.  My zumo XT is like that.  The XT will not charge when used in the car while USB connected with a data/charging cable.  I must use a charging only cable.

  • 0 in reply to JohnfromPA

    Hi John. That is so useful. Thanks. I hadn't heard of 'juice-jacking' (and am looking forward to introducing the term into my conversation). I will be wary of using a charging/data cable at a public USB port.

    I've now bought a replacement charging/data cable for my Garmin. It works. It was over £20, as opposed to £3 for the power-only cable.

  • 0 in reply to Peobody

    Thanks, Peobody. Much appreciated, as for Steynja and John.

    Best wishes, All.

  • 0 in reply to 6257936

    Ouch on the “….over £20” .  Garmin devices come with the proper cable but extrrnally they can be hard to identify.  In the future you might want to check https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Basics-Cable-Meters-Black/dp/B00NH13S44

  • 0 in reply to JohnfromPA

    Thanks, John. Yes, £20+ was definitely 'ouch'. It's done now.

    I followed your link. I couldn't immediately see a cable that had the 'Garmin end' (4 pins within an oval-ish outer), but I've made a note of that link for possible future things.

  • 0 in reply to 6257936

    Could be my bad.  I had forgotten you were dealing with a Forerunner which may have a different cable than a Garmin nuvi navigation device.