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Garmin Express on a Mac (FR 945)

My Mac will only recognize my 945 after I reboot my mac, any ideas. Every other device eg Edge 530, FR 920XT and Fenix 5 work fine without having to reboot my mac?

Very odd behaviour has any one else encountered this? 

  • I have seen issues in the past when the USB mode on the watch is set incorrectly. Try going to Settings>System>USB Mode and ensuring it's set to MTP (Media Transfer) and see if that works.

  • Hey there -

    I experience the same behavior:

    Garmin Express or Garmin WebUpdater only recognize FR945 after a reboot / powercycle. Even after recognizing it, the unit doesn't show up in Finder (as a unit/external location) that can be ejected.

    * FR945 with SW2.5.

    * MacOS 10.14.5

    * USB Mode is set to MTP, and Android File Transfer has been upated to the latest version.

    Thanks.

  • Funny...I had a modified version of this problem. Express would see my 945, but wouldn't see my 5s+. When I powered down the 5s+ and restarted, it was recognized. Now, Express sees both.

  • This happens to me too. My 945 is recognized by Garmin Express but not by the Finder. Really aggravating as I’d like to install some open source maps. 

  • MacOS does not support MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) out of the box. You have to install something like Android File Transfer to mount your 945 on MacOS.

  • I have same issue. My MacBook Air M1 model with macOS BigSur 11.2.1 can't see Forerunner 945. Finder doesn't show it is connected, regardless of the USB mode chooses on Gramin device (Garmin or MTP mode on or off). I also tried Android File Transfer. It doesn't recognize Garmin device. I also tried launching Android File Transfer, then Garmin Express. It doesn't work either. Looking at System Information > USB on Mac, it recognize Garmin on USB 3.1 Bus as:

    Vendor-Specific Device:

      Product ID: 0x0003

      Vendor ID: 0x091e  (Garmin International)

      Version: 0.01

      Speed: Up to 480 Mb/s

      Location ID: 0x01100000 / 1

      Current Available (mA): 500

      Extra Operating Current (mA): 0

    However, Finder doesn't show the device, and Garmin Express doesn't find the device.

  • MacOS does not support MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) out of the box. You have to install something like Android File Transfer to mount your 945 on MacOS.

    Did you read any of the posts in this thread?

    You must ensure GARMIN Express is fully closed down before Android File Transfer will ‘see’ your 945.

  • I read all the discussion here and everywhere else on the internet, but nothing works for me. 

    I did what you suggested. Didn't work. 

  • I only have Macs. I use Android File Transfer frequently so no idea why you should be having problems, unless your cable is defective.

    Android File Transfer will only work when GE is completely shut down. Garmin Express will not start when Android File transfer is open - there’s a message that pops up instructing you to shut it down.

    Are you using a hub to connect your 945? If not try a direct connection. FWIW I have a MacBook Pro only with USB-C so I have to use a hub. Everything works.

    Does your watch show that it’s charging when you plug it in?

    If Garmin Express is not seeing your watch (making sure Android File Transfer is properly closed down) then try getting hold of a new cable.

  • ok. I'll find where I can get new cable, though I believe cable is not a culprit as Mac System Information can see it on USB port. I tried all possible combination of rebooting Mac and Garmin devise, launching GE, connecting before or after launching GE. I only saw one time GE detected 945, but it refused to do any further, but Mac System Information sees it on USB port. It looks like software issue. Connection is direct using USB to USB-C converting plug.