Garmin Express Mac - Recent Threads

macOS 28 support

RobCuadro — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 20:33:54 GMT

I keep getting this warning when opening Garmin Express on my Mac. Are there plans on updating Express?

Update: Garmin Express v7.29.3.0 (c60c5cbb0) solved sync and maps update (on Mac) for Fenix 9 Pro MIP IR

Nine — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 18:07:02 GMT

I posted an issue earlier with Garmin Express not working correctly while syncing and updating maps on my Fenix 9 Pro MIP IR. Since these threads are now locked, I can't post any updates in it.

https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express/443268/unable-to-update-maps-on-garmin-fenix-9-pro-solar

https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express/443104/garmin-express-mac-and-fenix-9-problem

Garmin Express v7.29.3.0 (c60c5cbb0) solved the maps update issue for my Fenix 9 Pro.

I'm running Apple M2 Max with macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1 (26A434). When I started Garmin Express (previous version), macOS prompted me to update Rosetta.

After updating Rosetta, Garmin Express prompted to update the software.

After installing the Garmin Express update, sync worked smoothly.

Maps download and update worked smoothly.

Overall, everything worked smoothly.

Thanks for the help @Garmin - PW and @Garmin - SP.

Garmin Express 7.29.3 (Mac) can't sync podcasts: "Storage limit reached" or "Error sending Files" (workaround inside)

mcoliver — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:07:28 GMT

Is anyone else seeing this? Since Garmin Express updated to 7.29.3.0 on my Mac, beyond having to long press on the Tiles to launch any of them like Music (as reported in a few other threads), podcast syncs to my epix Pro fail. Garmin Express says "Storage limit reached" or "Error sending Files", but the watch has more than 20 GB free.

What's going on
I went through the Garmin Express logs and connected to the watch directly with libmtp:
- Garmin Express creates a folder for each episode on the watch (Podcasts/<show>/<episode>), then fails to find it: "Folder not found: ... Path not found: Podcasts/Acquired/Seinfeld".
- The folders really are on the watch, just empty. Storage is fine.
- Copying an episode into that folder directly works, and it plays on the watch.

So the problem is in Garmin Express, not your watch or its storage. It happens with any episode title, and deleting and re-downloading episodes doesn't help. I've reported it to Garmin support.

Workaround (Mac and Apple Podcasts)
I maintain a free script, fixPodcastMetadata, that fixes the episode titles Apple Podcasts saves. It now also copies your downloaded episodes to the watch itself:
1. Download your episodes in Apple Podcasts.
2. Plug in the watch.
3. Paste this into Terminal:

python3 -c "$(curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mcoliver/fixPodcastMetadata/main/fixPodcastMetadata.py)"

Garmin Express has to be closed while it copies, and the script will offer to quit it for you. It installs what it needs on the first run and skips episodes that are already on the watch. This script also updates the metadata so your podcasts show the right title and author which has been a bug for at least 4 years. Source: https://github.com/mcoliver/fixPodcastMetadata

Tested on an epix Pro 47mm (software 27.18), Garmin Express 7.29.3.0 and macOS 27.0.1. If you try it with a different watch, please reply and say how it went.

Difference functionality Garmin Express versus Garmin Connect

Vhond — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:02:58 GMT

Can anybody explain why I only get the latest positions of the GPS satellites to my watch using Garmin Express? Using Garmin Connect on my smartphone doesn't synchronise this data to my watch?

This is one of the reasons why I am still using Garmin Express to synchronise with my watch. (although I now still need Rosetta to use Garmin Express but's another issue Garmin has to solve).

Fenix 8 Pro Amoled reads " Storage Limit Reached"

PhilMcFarland — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 20:32:07 GMT

While trying to load 1 audiobook (283.6 MB) through Garmin Express My Music on my new Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED (with13.7 GB Free Space), I get a pop-up window reading " Storage Limit Reached." "The following files could not be sent because your Fenix 8 Pro-51mm has reached its storage limit.

Software Version: 23.39

Please help!

Music Manager (Mac/Silicon) Release 2.2 now on GitHub

RickyDive — Sun, 11 Oct 2026 20:20:26 GMT

🎵 Music Manager 2.2 is now on GitHub!

Music Manager is a macOS app that transfers music, albums and playlists from the Music app to your Garmin watch over USB, and lets you manage what’s on it.

Why this app exists

This app started at home. My wife asked me how to create a playlist and put the tracks on her Garmin Forerunner. The honest answer was a long list of steps: build the playlist in Music, find the files, open Garmin Express, copy things across, check that everything arrived. Too many steps for something that should be simple. Music Manager is meant to be the single place where you pick the music, build the playlist and send it to the watch, and where you see what is on the watch.

📦 Download the app : https://github.com/RickyDive/musicmanager/releases/tag/v2.2

—

✅ Requirements: Apple Silicon Mac, macOS 26 or later. No Homebrew needed: the required libraries are bundled.

You now have to hold the buttons on the device page down to get them to work

PubBike — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:32:57 GMT

The buttons on the device page now only work when held down as opposed to all previous releases before 7.29.2 or so where you could just press them once. This change in functionality was not mentioned in the release notes and has caused a considerable amount of confusion.

Garmin - PW is this intentional, or is it a bug?

See various other threads where this has been pointed out:

Garmin Express 7.29.3.0 on macOS 27 — Garmin Connect and Tools & Content buttons still do nothing

https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express/429822/apple-silicon-support#pifragment-1303=24

Garmin Express 7.29.3 update

etc.

I thought I'd do a top level question so that people don't have to read the various threads.

Also, sorry I couldn't find the original thread where the person found this out. If you reply I'll credit you here.

I have Garmin Express (Intel) on my MAC not finding my Garmin devices.

Imperatrice — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:40:00 GMT

I have Garmin Express (Intel) on my MAC - believe thats the reason why it is not picking up my Fenix 8? how do i upgrade or change that?

Can't get update from watch

Dr_Den — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:23:58 GMT

After updating Garmin Express on my iMac (M4 with MacOS 27) Connect does not get updated with latest round entered on my Approach S10.

How do I get the latest scores?

Thank you

Why doesn't Garmin explain / warn about Mac limitations with GE?

wcadkins — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:41:46 GMT

I stumbled upon this section in Garmin forums after a frustrating few days trying to understand why my software refuses to work with my *six* Garmin devices and an hour with Garmin support trying to figure it out.

Completely separate from the well documented issue and frustrations on this board is asking *why Garmin isn't being honest/communicative with its customers*?

Expecting the average fitness watch or InReach user to have to dig into a user group to suss out the truth is ludicrous. Imagine being a new Garmin user, converted over from an Apple Watch, and spending hours wondering what you did wrong with the software, being unable to add music to your watch? Even the Garmin support guy I talked to had no idea what I was talking about to the point that he took off his own watch and went step by step with me through the process on his own Mac to understand. He wasn't even technical enough to understand what I meant by "Apple Silicon vs Intel" so he clearly was acting in good faith and was unprepared for a support call about the problem.

What gives, Garmin? Why are you being so quiet and cagey about the crippled functionality of your software for an OS you ostensibly support? No description of limited functionality, nor of workarounds to get a workable if inelegant solution?

Nao estou conseguindo sicronizar o relogio com o pc mac

9602616 — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:41:37 GMT

Estou a dois dias tentando entrar no meu relogio ,coloco o cabo usb ele sicroniza com o pc mais nao atualiza , e quanto ao relogio ele nao sai da tele de qrcode ,pois eu resetei ele e nao conseguindo utilizar.

preciso contato urgente do suporte obrigadom

------------------------------------------

Translation

I'm not able to synchronize the clock with the mac pc

I've been trying to get into my watch for two days, I put the usb cable it synchronizes with the pc but it doesn't update, and as for the watch it doesn't leave the qrcode tele, because I reset it and not being able to use it.

I need urgent contact from the support thank you

Garmin Express 7.29.3.0 on macOS 27 — Garmin Connect and Tools & Content buttons still do nothing

8017306 — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 03:44:48 GMT

Certainly. For the forum, we have more room than the email form, so I would include enough detail to make the report useful to Garmin engineers and recognizable to other affected users.

Suggested title:

Garmin Express 7.29.3.0 on macOS 27 — Garmin Connect and Tools & Content buttons do nothing

Post:

I am experiencing a Garmin Express UI problem on macOS 27 with Garmin Express 7.29.3.0 and a Garmin Instinct.

Garmin Express itself is functional in several respects: it recognizes the Instinct, I can sign into my Garmin account, and synchronization completes successfully. Activities uploaded by Express appear normally in Garmin Connect when I open Garmin Connect directly in a browser.

However, the Garmin Connect and Tools & Content buttons in Garmin Express do nothing when clicked. There is no error message and no visible response.

I have done the following troubleshooting:

Changed the default browser from Firefox to Chrome — no effect.

Tested open https://connect.garmin.com/ in Terminal. This correctly opens Garmin Connect in Firefox, so macOS URL/default-browser handling works.

Completely uninstalled Garmin Express, including its preferences, Application Support files, and caches.

Restarted the Mac and downloaded and installed a fresh copy of Garmin Express 7.29.3.0.

Signed in again and synced the Instinct successfully. The same buttons remain nonfunctional immediately after the clean installation.

I also examined the macOS unified log while reproducing the problem. At approximately the time of the button action, Garmin Express repeatedly generates the following CoreUI error/fault:

CoreUI: -[CUICatalog initWithName:fromBundle:error:] unable to find a bundle 'NSBundle </Applications/Garmin Express.app> (loaded)' with identifier 'com.garmin.renu.client'

I checked the installed application and confirmed that both its Info.plist and code signature identify it as com.garmin.renu.client (TeamIdentifier=72ES32VZUA).

Network communication appears normal, and Garmin Express Service successfully completes HTTPS requests. The watch continues to sync correctly.

Because Tools & Content is also nonfunctional, this does not appear to be simply a browser-launching problem. A complete clean reinstall also did not resolve it.

I understand that other users have reported nonresponsive Garmin Express buttons after moving to macOS 27. I am posting this as a new report because the problem is still present with Garmin Express 7.29.3.0.

I have already submitted this issue to Garmin Product Support through the email form. I can provide Garmin Express logs and the relevant macOS unified-log output if Garmin staff would find them useful.

Setting up with Garmin Express sets the watch to English

2b2bff — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:55:42 GMT

I already opened this topic once here Setting up with Garmin Express sets the watch to English but as it is locked now, the issue is still the same. Possibly it is only reproduceable if you have a German macOS as well?

Garmin Express running on German macOS (26.7 in this case).

I got a new watch (Fenix 8), took the initial steps to set it up with my phone and Garmin Connect. Watch is set to German.

Now I connect the watch with the Mac and add it to Garmin Express.

There is a language toggle, already set to German (and I leave it that way)

After connecting the watch to Garmin Express and updating the maps, I unplug the watch

-> Watch is set to English.

Maybe the language in the drop-down is set to the system language, but behind the scenes, as I didn't change the drop-down, it is set to the programmer's default, what is English.

Still as annoying as it has been years ago...

Garmin Express 7.29.3 update

Pikadorek — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:25:21 GMT

I've successfully installed the update. The app opens, syncs whatever there is to sync. And that's enough.

None of the options Music - Apps - Tools - Garmin Connect works!

So still no way to take fresh music with you to run.

Shame for such a multi-million dollar business!!! It's been 18th day since Golden Gate was launched.

Garmin Express Crashing Repeatedly w/ Mac

gsmth00 — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 23:31:28 GMT

I recently purchased a Fenix 9 Pro and have been unable to set it up due to the known Garmin Express issue on Mac discussed in this thread: https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express/443104/garmin-express-mac-and-fenix-9-problem/2067896.

Prior to the supposed fix (the official "fix" posted by Garmin Support didn't do anything for me) being rolled out a few hours ago, I spent considerable time trying to troubleshoot the issue myself. As part of that process, I deleted Garmin Express and its related files, which also removed my previous device -- a Fenix 8 that I still own -- from Garmin Express.

I've since tried repeatedly to re-add my Fenix 8, but Garmin Express crashes every single time.

I've worked through every troubleshooting step I can find, including all of the recommendations in Garmin's support documentation (https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=s8Bh5FrhH77g36G9W3ueq9), but nothing has resolved the issue. The behavior is exactly the same each time:

I open Garmin Express on my Mac, connect my Fenix 8, and Garmin Express recognizes the watch and gives me the option to "Add Device." The moment I click "Add Device", Garmin Express crashes. I reopen it, try again, and the exact same thing happens...over and over.

At this point, I've spent hours troubleshooting Garmin's software and am now sitting here with two Garmin Fenix watches -- a Fenix 8 and a brand-new Fenix 9 Pro -- and no functioning way to connect either of them to my account through Garmin Express.

This is incredibly frustrating and disappointing. These are premium devices carrying premium price tags, and customers should not have to spend hours troubleshooting basic setup functionality because Garmin's own desktop software is unstable or broken. Help!

For reference, I'm on an Apple silicone Mac running Golden Gate OS (27.0).

Garmin Express Release Notes

Garmin - Express — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:55:57 GMT

Garmin Express v7.29.3 is available for Mac today. If you would like to update to the latest version, please visit the “About Garmin Express” page from the Garmin Express Menu and select “Check for Updates to Express.” This version includes the following changes:

Fixed an issue with Garmin Express failing to install for users who upgraded their macOS to 27.
Fixed a sync failure issue with the Fenix 9.

Previous Versions:

7.29.2

Added support for the CIRQA Smart Band.

7.29.1

Fixed an issue with users receiving an invalid login request when trying to make a purchase.

7.29.0

Fixed an incorrect translation for Settings in Traditional Chinese.
Added additional logging for the Universal Map Install to Computer operation cancelling without error.
Fixed an issue with text overlapping on the CIQ window.
Fixed an issue with Glances and Activities lists/favorites being reset.
Fixed an issue with the Manage Maps not potentially appearing on the Queue Pod.
Fixed an issue with not being able to update Express in the About menu.
Other minor bug fixes and improvements.

7.28.0

Removed the ability to edit the birthdate in the add device flow.
Resolved an issue with map updates cancelling with no error.
Other minor bug fixes and improvements.

7.27.0

Added support for the Rally 110/210
Fixed an issue with device software versions displaying incorrectly.
Fixed an issue with Glances and Activity lists being moved or reset on devices after a sync with Garmin Connect.

7.26.1

Fixed an issue with Manage Maps crashing for certain model devices

7.26.0

Added the file location for files that may fail during a sync to Garmin Connect.
Added the ability to install maps to the computer from the Manage Maps page for supported devices only. Not all devices have map regions that can be installed to the computer.
Resolved a crash that could occur when attempting to install a map update.
Fixed an issue with non-universal/worldwide map devices displaying the Manage Maps option on the dashboard.
Fixed an issue with the menu bar not translating if Garmin Express is not in English.
Fixed an issue on the device dashboard indicating updates are available after successfully completing the updates.
Fixed an issue with users not being able to potentially install maps to the SD card for universal devices.
Other minor bug fixes and improvements.

7.25.0

Added the ability to install the basemap if it’s not currently installed on the device.
Added support for displaying semantic versioning.
Fixed an issue in Manage Maps displaying an incorrect number of maps installed.
Other minor bug fixes and improvements.

Please note: With the release of 7.25.0, macOS 12 and older are no longer supported. Users on macOS 11 or 12 can still install the latest release via the website, but you will not be prompted with an update via the Garmin Express client. Any issues encountered on these older OSes will not be investigated or resolved.

7.24.0

Removed toast notifications indicating an update is available for legacy PND devices.
Fixed an issue with not displaying a scroll bar on Manage Maps.
Fixed an issue with displaying an incorrect sync error for Edge 1040 Solar devices.
Fixed an issue with the music page displaying a blank screen.
Fixed an issue the Purchased tab not displaying the users purchased content.
Fixed an issue with the modal to plug in your device appearing even though the device is connected.
Fixed a crash occurring when accessing the music page.
Other minor bug fixes and improvements.

7.23.0

Made improvements to the music download times.
Fixed an issue that could occur when a sync to Garmin Connect is attempted.
Fixed an issue with Express not uploading any wellness data to Garmin Connect when a user adds a wearable to a new account.
Fixed an issue with users not able to change the cycle map region.
Other minor bug fixes and improvements.

7.221

Fixed string translations for Chinese Simplified.

7.22.0

Fixed an issue with the Removable Storage tab missing in Manage Maps.
Fixed missing translations.
Other minor bug fixes and improvements.

7.21.0

Resolved an issue with marine devices not appearing in Previous Models.
Resolved an issue with updates continuing to display in Express after being installed.
Resolved an issue with Garmin Express getting stuck on searching for updates.
Other minor bugs and improvements.

7.20.0

Resolved an issue with music playlists not displaying any songs that were on a device.
Other minor bugs and improvements.

7.19.0

Resolved an issue with incorrectly displaying a ‘Previously Paired Device’ modal when adding a Garmin Connect device.
Other minor bugs and improvements.
Dropping support for macOS versions 11.7 and older.
- Please note: Garmin Express can still be downloaded and used on these older OSes. Any issues that are exclusive to these OSes will not be resolved in a future update, however.

7.18.0

Resolved an issue with the UI cutting off the reinstall option under Course Details.
Implemented string translations that were missing.
Other minor bugs and improvements.
Dropped support for macOS versions 10.15.7 and older.

7.17.2

Resolved an issue renewing marine chart subscriptions

7.17.1

Users can now include their device files when submitting logs for troubleshooting issues.
Resolved an issue with the UI cutting off the reinstall option under Course Details.
Resolved an issue with the UI for Edge users not being able to scroll to the bottom of Manage Maps to select the last map being displayed.
Fixed an issue with MTP devices receiving an error when syncing with Garmin Connect.
Other minor bugs and improvements.

7.16.0

Fixed an issue with critical software updates not requiring a restart before a map update.
Resolved an issue with some users not being able to download their purchased DLC.
Other minor bugs and improvements.

7.15.0

Resolved a crash that could occur when a user attempts to renew a safety camera subscription.
Other minor bug fixes and improvements.

Latest release this morning - buttons still inoperative on latest MacOS

9572935 — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:38:17 GMT

What is the point of a release that doesn't address all of the issues? this one at least, the .3 release, actually installs, kudos for fixing the installer issues but the buttons for music and apps etc still don't respond to being clicked, Seems like that would be a basic thing to check, no??

do better Garmin, please do better as everyone has been asking. that is all we ask actually, to just do better and release software that actually works, not too much to ask

No product image for Forerunner 970 on Garmin Express Mac 7.29.3

PubBike — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:33:41 GMT

See V7.29.0 Stil no Fenix 8 product image in Garmin Express on the mac

and https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express/421538/no-fenix-8-product-image-in-garmin-express-on-the-mac

This is not fixed in the latest version.

Android File Transfer needs Rosetta - how to get files off device?

PubBike — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:28:59 GMT

MacOS users need Android File Transfer to get files off their devices.

Just like Garmin Express, Android File Transfer whilst not developed by Garmin, is an Intel application that needs Rosetta to run on MacOS Silicon computers.

Examples of when this is needed:

- Sending files to support

- Retrieving files that did not upload successfully

At the moment the user experience is poor: needing a 3rd party app that can't coexist with Garmin Express to get files off the device. It would be a whole lot better if the files could be extracted through Garmin Express.

Garmin - what are you doing about a replacement for Android File Transfer when Rosetta is no longer available with MacOS 28?

Garmin express

7377599 — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:33:46 GMT

Ik krijg m ondanks de terminal code niet geïnstalleerd op apple macbookM1

Did Garmin forget about Mac users?

Ivo-tje — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:15:41 GMT

Since the last update I am unable to start both Basecamp and Express!
Already found the disappointing news we can't plan routes anymore as they won't update basecamp!

But express is needed to sync gpx files and update maps and also seems to have no updates for years!

I use Garmin for many years but can't believe they just stop supporting Mac users by not providing the software anymore!

Not amused about how bad Garmin is in supporting this, not like M1 cpu's are new, they had 6 years to fix this...

Terento third-party Map Manager for Mac Apple Silicon

socorsu — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 06:04:18 GMT

Terento for third party map management on Apple Silicon, is perfect - https://github.com/VooZ2/terento

"Connect your watch, choose a map, and let Terento handle the download, installation, and transfer checks from your Mac.
Terento is free and open source, built for Apple Silicon Macs and Garmin smartwatches with map support. Choose from Freizeitkarte, OpenTopoMap, MapRando, and BBBike, or import your own compatible .img map."

---

On Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1wd7doe/terento_beta11_is_out_now_with_maprando_support/

Do not hesitate to go on Reddit and Vote/Comment MrDonas (u/MrDonas)

---

This article is interesting for OpenMTP if necessary - https://www.nakan.ch/wp/2024/08/30/acceder-a-la-memoire-de-sa-montre-garmin-sur-un-mac-edition-2024/

When Garmin will dévelop software for Mac Apple Silicon with out usine Rosetta ? I am thinking about BaseCamp and Garmin express.

mllacroix — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:16:15 GMT

When garmin will update All softwares so the y Will be entirely compatible Will Apple silicone

MacOS 27 Multiple Problems (Error during Sync - Buttons not Working)

RickyDive — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:49:49 GMT

Hello team,

Yesterday I upgrade my mac to MacOS 27 and today I try to upload some music to my brand new Fenix 9 Pro.

First of all I receive a message that some files could not be updated... and ok I see others in the forum that have the same problem.

The I try to upload a playlist i have on my old FR965 from Music App but when I click on Music button, nothing happend. Also try the other button: no one of the four present in the app now works.

Try to uninstall GE, reinstall It and a pop up appears that the installer is for Intel Platform x64 and the only way to install is to proceed with terminal command:

sudo arch -x86_64 /usr/sbin/installer -pkg "/Users/riccardo/Downloads/Install Garmin Express.pkg" -target /

But after connecting again my Fx9pro, same behaviour: error regarding files and no buttons working, not able to transfer music

Someone find a fix for this?

Garmin please...

Silicon is out to the end user from November 2020, my Mac has M1 and still work perfectly... recompile your source code for Silicon Platform... SOON !!!!

Garmin Express cannot be installed on macOS 27 Golden Gate

MHulskamp — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:38:59 GMT

As per screenshot, the Garmin Express installer does not work on macOS 27 with Apple silicon hardware. The installer appears to contain a hard check for intel based hardware, which Apple has not shipped in over 6 years.