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Japanese ForeAthlete 235 Music not working on Brazilian Garmin Connect App

Former Member
Former Member over 5 years ago

I recently bought a Garmin ForeAtlhete 235 Music in Japan but it seems it doesn't connect to my Brazilian Garmin Connect App on Android. I've read there are two different software versions: APAC and ROW, so I guess ForeAthlete would be APAC and the ForeRunner would be ROW, is that correct? The only 235 I can see in my list to connect is the ForeRunner, so I believe I should download the Japanese Garmin Connect App to make it work? is that correct? The main drawback is that I cannot just change back and forth between google app store regions so easily, it seems there's a 1 year gap to switch back. Is there a way to switch between APAC and ROW? that would be easier. Any software update or any other procedure to make my ForeAthlete work on RestOfTheWorld Garmin Connect App? Right now only able to use the sport watch but unable to upload my data to Garmin Connect and that's pitty once I want to keep track of my historical data. 

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  • 0 over 5 years ago

    I rather doubt the problem has anything to do with the regional versions. That would only make sense for the instalation of new software on the wtach (firmware in fact), but you are not trying to install new ROW software on the APAC watch, are you? I may be wrong but I did not hear about different and incompatible  ROW and APAC Garmin Connect versions yet.

    What makes you think that the region is a problem when trying to connect? Any error message confirming it? What happens exactly when you try connecting the device to Garmin Connect, following the installation instructions from the User Manual?

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to trux

    I followed all the instructions, but it doesn't connect. I have a 735xt I bought in US and works normally . It seems there's a special version of the watch for Japan (or maybe Asia) named ForeAthlete and not ForeRunner (even being the same)

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

    Go to your Garmin account profile  change the Location to Japan, and restart the Garmin Connect app. When you then go to Menu » Garmin Devices » Add Device » Browse all compatibe devices » ForeAthlete, it will list plenty of Foreathlete models, though I do not see the ForeAthlete 235 Music, just ForeAthlete 245 Music, or ForeAthlete 235J. You can perhaps try it with that one. If it works, you can then change the location in the account back to the real one.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to trux

    Not sure if you already managed to install the device, but I forgot to mention two important hints:

    1. When you edit the location on the Garmin Account page, do not forget to cliick the Save button at the bottom, after the change (it hapened to me already couple of times)

    2. You really must relaunch the GC app after the change of location - otherwise the list of compatible devices does not reload with the new settings. You close it either in the task manager, by sliding the app up, or in Android settings » Apps » Connect » Force to stop
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to trux

    I was with the same problem. tks

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to trux

    That’s right, the best way is logout from app then choose the different area which support that model name then login. Even they warn you may got login  issue once switch the area. But have to do it to connect the BT

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to trux

    Thanks for the advice. It had the same (reverse) problem.

    It's retarded. I wonder why the name would make a difference. Come on Garmin !

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Tricard
    Tricard said:
    I wonder why the name would make a difference. Come on Garmin !

    Because it is not only the name. Diverse regional versions have a different firmware, and sometimes even the hardware, as well. Licencing and patenting issues may play an important role too - preventing the use of certain components in some regions. 

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to trux

    Thank you so much! I had spent hours trying to get it to connect

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to trux

    Thank you! I'm very grateful, I had have been trying for a long time to connect mi dispositive without success but you gave me the solution.