Laptop not finding my Garmin

6257936 3 days ago

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.

Top Replies

Peobody 2 days ago in reply to JohnfromPA +1

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…

All Replies

0 steynja 2 days ago

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 6257936 2 days ago 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 JohnfromPA 2 days ago 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 Peobody 2 days ago 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 6257936 20 hours ago 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 6257936 20 hours ago in reply to Peobody

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

Best wishes, All.

0 JohnfromPA 2 hours ago 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