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Garmin Express and RTL515 Not Connecting One Solution

Dave C

I recently had issues with Garmin Express not finding my Varia RTL515 to connect and doing Garmin and Google searches to try and resolve the problem.  Nothing seemed to work.  Tried different cables per “good” and “bad” cable fixes I found, restarting different components, etc.

What finally worked for me was having my Edge Explore 2 successfully connected to Garmin Express first. Once I did that the Varia RTL515 connected immediately.  If I disconnected the Edge Explore 2, I had issues with the RTL515 connecting or updating.  I’m not sure if having your Garmin Cycling Computer connected alongside the RTL515 is a requirement or not.  But for me it fixes my RTL515 not connecting or being found even if trying to remove/recreate in Garmin Express.

I did not find any documentation stating a Garmin cycling computer and RTL515 must be connected to Garmin Express at the same time per RTL515 connecting successfully. If this is in fact true it should be called out clearly somewhere in the manuals and/or install info.  If it is not a requirement – I will continue to use this configuration in that it works for me.

Just my two cents!

Dave C

  • +1

    That is odd! It is not a requirement to pair an Edge first before pairing the accessory, the unit should pair on its own like other products. You can try fully uninstalling/reinstalling Express on the computer and making sure you are plugging it directly into the computer. If you use an adapter that can cause issues with pairing. Here is a link to fully uninstall/reinstall Express: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=6nBhfHhXik18XrRU6BfULA 

  • 0 in reply to Garmin - CF

    I also expected devices to connect independent of another.  Anyway, the Windows 11 computer I have is brand new.  I’ve been setting it up with new app installs including Garmin Express, which I did yesterday and ran into the problem of RTL515 not connecting without Edge 2.  That said, I uninstalled and reinstalled Garmin Express as you suggested. Each device now connects independently of the other – as expected.

    When trying to resolve this I was/have been using the Edge 2 and RTL515 cables that came with the products – directly into the desktop, no adapters.  The only change was the reinstall today; though it was a fresh first-time install on a new desktop yesterday???  Strange and Thank You!

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