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What is the point of Garmin Express?

I have not updated or used Garmin Express in over a year now. I do own quite a few Garmin products, ranging from watches to Varia lights. But have not connected them to Garmin Express for a long time.

I recently got the FR935 and set it up without Garmin Express and have not had any issues.

What exactly is the point of Garmin Express if you can download and install software updates without it. Am I missing something?

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

Depends on your devices and how you update/use them. Some won't need Express, others do.

0 tmk2 over 8 years ago

Many fitness devices that can synchronize with a smartphone can do well without Garmin Express. However Garmin Express is necessary in case you don't have a compatible smartphone or for devices that do not synchronize with the mobile app over bluetooth.

0 PubBike over 8 years ago

You need it to configure WiFi on the 935

The only way you can configure the WiFI on the 935 is with GE. I think CIQ app updates to previously installed apps only come via GE also.

I see that the935 manual mentions WiFi but it does not say that you need to configure it in GE. To find out that you have to go here!

By the way, the WiFI configuration in GE is buggy. Updating the WiFi password in a previously created network in GE does not update the watch WiFi configuration. You have to delete the network and start again. So that applies if you got the password wrong first time, or you changed the password on the router. Also Garmin Express doesn't see new WiFi networks with the watch connected. You have to disconnect and then reconnect when the network is available. In the Fenix 3, the WiFi itself is not compatible with certain dual band routers. I don't find WiFi that useful, and it has a habit of crashing the Fenix 3, which is unfortunate. I can't speak for the FR935 but you may just decide not to bother with it if you are happy syncing via Bluetooth. WiFi is not included in many of the new Fenix 5 variants, probably because it is not essential.