Related
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Can No Longer Use Without Data or WiFi?

PJB+
over 5 years ago

Hi All!

I don't have a data plan on my phone. I used to simply pair the Vivoactive Hr with the Garmin Connect Mobile app. 

I used to pair the device and then was able to look at the phone to see what I was doing on my activity. I could also work the phone's music from the tracker.

The app stopped working, so I uninstalled & reinstalled it.

Now, when I open the app, it stays on a screen telling me that it can't connect to the server. I can go no farther.

I can;'t get to settings to try to change something.

Glitch Two-

If I turn on WiFi and connect to a network, I get a screen with a picture of a person running. This stays forever. So I can't pair the device or use the app.

Is the app requiring data or wifi a new "improvement" to the app? Am I now out-of-luck with the application?

Thanks For Your Thoughts & Advice!

Paul

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    The app will be pretty much useless without some sort of internet connection. I don't have a data plan either and always connect by WiFi.

    That runner is the equivalent of being in hourglass mode. When you uninstalled the app did you also delete your app data? Make sure you have a strong WiFi connection. I imagine that if you have a lot of history to rebuild it could take a minute or so and could crawl with a slow connection.

    If the runner doesn't go away after a minute or so, I suggest you start by deleting the cache in your Android settings for the Connect app and try again keeping your screen on while the runner shows.   

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to pshare

    Thank You Pshare for taking time to reply & explain.

    I used your suggestion of deleting the cache and trying again. It took about half an hour on good WiFi, but the running guy eventually went away.

    It is too bad that we can no longer connect the device to the mobile app without WiFi or data. I used to enjoy looking at my phone for my progress while out on an activity (without data or wifi). Sometimes improvements aren't really improvements after all. Such is life!

    Thanks Again! I appreciate your advice and suggestions.

    Paul

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to PJB+

    I have my edge paired to a tablet that only uses wifi/bluetooth & have no problems syncing & viewing my data. What device are you trying to connect?

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to hotdogpartysausage

    Thanks Hotdogpartyausage for replying. 

    I probably explained poorly-

    When I am on WiFi, I can use the app & sync. It is when I am not on WiFi (or data) where the problem happens. 

    I used to be able to bluetooth the phone & tracker together and use the Garmin Connect Mobile app on the phone view what was happening on the tracker. (For example- Steps, speed, cadence, etc.)

    When I wanted to sync, I'd ether connect to wifi or hook the tracker to the computer.

    Now, the app won't even open without being on wifi (or data). If it is on wifi, it will open & work. But, for example on a bike ride, there will be no wifi connection- so no using Garmin Connect anymore.

    So it seems that the app is now usable on line only.

    I did write to Garmin support today asking if this is a glitch or a new requirement, but I've never gotten a reply from a support e-mail in the past, so I may not get an answer.

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    UPDATE-

    A person from Garmin replied to my inquiry.

    The ability to pair our trackers to Garmin Express Mobile without being on line wth either Data or WiFi has been removed.

    I will miss being able to view my in-progress activity on the phone. I will also miss not being able to control my phone music from the tracker. 

    When I get a data plan, I still won't use the app and use all of my data time.

    Unfortunately, the only reason I chose this Garmin over a TomTom model i liked was for offline use of Express Mobile.

    Such Is Life!

    Paul

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to PJB+

    This is a true bummer and makes me rethink keeping the Garmin. I can imagine they may have done it to preserve battery but it's one feature many will miss for sure. 

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to 7600657

    To make things worse, the Music Control widget suddenly stopped working. (I can pair the tracker, but Music Control is not working.)

    A Garmin support person told me today that my phone's OS (Android 5.1)  is "on the border line" of being able to use Garmin software.

     

    Huh? It had worked since I bought the tracker. Did they "improve" something, thus wreck it for many of us?

    Will we have to repeatedly buy new phones to use Garmin software as it "improves".

    As with computer operating systems & hardware, I understand a many years old phone or tracker, but the phone is the same age as the Vivoactive HR - only three years.

    I am very much unhappy with this situation and with Garmin's disrespect for its customers.