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Known Issue: Forerunner 220 Unable To Sync with Samsung Galaxy S3 (+ Workaround)

Former Member over 11 years ago

We are currently aware of an issue that can occur when attempting to sync a Forerunner 220 with a Samsung Galaxy S3.

The Forerunner will successfully pair with the phone, but will be unable to sync/upload with the app. The problem appears to be due to the Forerunner encountering an error while downloading the GPS ephemeris data during it's initial connection.

We do believe we have discovered a temporary workaround, for those experiencing this issue, that seems to work in most cases:

Note: Before attempting the steps below, please ensure that your Galaxy S3 is running Android version 4.3 or higher, the Forerunner is running the latest firmware, and the app is up-to-date.

To temporarily correct the issue, reboot both the phone and the watch and attempt the sync again. During our in-house testing this appeared to correct the issue temporarily. Subsequent sync attempts may require a reboot to be performed again.

We have informed the developers of this issue and they are currently looking into a solution.

Please monitor this thread for any updates.

0 CedricLaCiotat over 11 years ago

Hello,
I think it's very important to correct this issue because the Galaxy S3 is one of the most used Android phone in world.
If I can help you don't hesitate.
Find below first synchronisation logs just after application installation on Galaxy S3 + Factory reset of the 220.
Synchro work 1 time and after become in error.
Best regards,
Cédric.

1st xample:
[URL="http://dl.free.fr/pfaymqTA9"[/URL]
[URL="http://dl.free.fr/nwYtvjiBF"[/URL]

2nd example:
[URL="http://dl.free.fr/tGJo0O3C8"[/URL]

0 Christopher995 over 11 years ago

Does this mean that if you do not have an Android phone running 4.3 (almost no phones) - then you will not support them?

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

Does this mean that if you do not have an Android phone running 4.3 (almost no phones) - then you will not support them?

Correct. Given that Google does not support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) until 4.3 -- see http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/bluetooth-le.html and the Forerunner 220 and 620 have BLE chips only.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

Any News? Workaround doesn't work either btw

Any news on a fix for this? I haven't been to even get the workaround to work (although it's unlikely I'm going to do all that after every run.) Thanks!

0 ROCKYRUNNING over 11 years ago

I'm also curious on the status of this issue. The workaround doesn't work for me either. Will there be any patch soon? otherwise I will return my watch and buy a other one.

0 Johny_Runner over 11 years ago

I had bought a FR 620 2 days ago:

Not able to download my run either from the FR620 to my phone (Samsung Galaxy S3)

And two more issues:

Not able to upload run to device with the cable from Garmin Connect.

Not able to download my run from the FR620 to Garmin Connect via Wifi

May be I will return it to my local store and take a Suunto!

0 Former Member over 10 years ago

We are still currently working on improving BLE functionality between various devices (including the Forerunner 220/620) and the Garmin Connect Mobile app for Android. With that said, I was able to successfully pair and sync our Forerunner 220/620 watches with the Samsung Galaxy S3 multiple times with multiple activities without experiencing any issues.

In addition to the temporary workaround in the original post (reboot both the phone and the watch and attempt the sync again), please try the following troubleshooting steps should you continue to experience these issues:

Note: Before attempting the steps below, please ensure that your Galaxy S3 is running Android version 4.3 or higher, the Forerunner is running the latest firmware, and the app is up-to-date.

1. Check your connection status on your Android device. If you're only using Data, try connecting to WiFi. If you're already using WiFi, try using a different WiFi connection.
2. Try deleting the device from Garmin Express (which ultimately removes it from Garmin Connect). Steps detailing how to do so can be found by clicking here. (Note: This may not be necessary if you've never used your device with Garmin Express.)
3. Again, ensure that you're running the latest version of Garmin Connect Mobile for Android (v2.1) and the latest Forerunner firmware (v2.60).

Please let us know if you continue experiencing these issues. I apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

0 AOKSVOLD over 10 years ago

Tried the suggestions above several times but at no avail. It seems the app encounters some error the first time after the reboots (msg at the bottom of the screen). After that it's "dead" regarding any sync'ing until I re-attempt your procedure. But it never sync's. :(

Edit: latest firmware/app and Android 4.3. Samsung SIII LTE (GT-I9305).

0 Former Member over 10 years ago

I have tested With my Note 2 (Android 4.3), Factory restored default the watch, repair again with the apps, first time sync was success, second attempt the sync bar will just stay there and nothing happen until the watch when timeout and off bluetooth itself. tried few times also the same. end up i sync with IOS apps no issue.

When this issue will resolved?

0 AOKSVOLD over 10 years ago

There was an update to 2.1.1 today but after a quick test it still didn't work. Assuming that fix wasn't regarding this matter?