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No support for Premium Soft Strap HRM in Garmin Connect??? Really???

Former Member over 9 years ago

I got a Premium Soft Strap HRM. I want to use it to log workouts and get credit for them from my insurance plan (among other things). The Garmin HRM has ANT+. However, it appears that the Garmin Connect app will only connect to devices using bluetooth (which my smartphone has but the Garmin HRM does not). Apparently, there is an older app, Garmin Fit, that will work with the Garmin HRM via ANT+ that will let you log activities. However, Garmin appears to consider that app outdated and does not provide it for download any more. The computer-based Garmin Express works for the non-bluetooth devices, but since the Garmin HRM doesn't have a charging cable (or log data), it won't work with that program either.

I can use competitor's software app (Wahoo) to connect to my Garmin HRM, log activities, analyze data, etc. I can even link that accout to my garmin connect account. However, Garmin appears to consider the data transferred from Wahoo as an "unknown device" and won't transfer any data logged by my Garmin HRM to my Humana Vitality account.

Am I correct in understanding that Garmin took away the ANT support in their App when the updated from Garmin Fit to Garmin Connect (even though still selling ANT products)? And that the only way Garmin will support transfer of data to my insurance acct is if I buy an additional product (which I otherwise don't need or want) that I use to connect my HRM data to the Garmin App??? Is there any way I can get the version of the Garmin App that actually supports my Garmin device?

Am I missing something?

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0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to mariomobiel

having the same frustrating issue. does the heart rate strap connect to all the Vivofit watches?

+1 tmk2 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

why would you wanna buy a Garmin HRM band

For the same reason you'd want to buy any other hr strap.

they should fix this ASAP

There's nothing to be fixed, as it's not broken. You simply misunderstood what the mobile app is meant for.

IF SOMEONE HAS A SOLUTION, PLEASE LET ME KNOW

If you have a phone with ANT+, then any app with support for ANT+ HR sensors should do.

0 tmk2 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

does the heart rate strap connect to all the Vivofit watches?

I believe the first vivofit supported external HR straps, but later models do not support any external sensors.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to tmk2

HI Tmk2,

why would i want to use another app if its a GARMIN PRODUCT? that's the issue.. they should fix the app instead of making you download OTHER applications that are not from Garmin. you are buying a Garmin product not apple not fitbit... anyway its something OBVIOUS,.... or at least they should specify in the box product that is not compatible with Garmin app.

0 tmk2 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

why would i want to use another app if its a GARMIN PRODUCT?

I'm not telling you to use another app, nor even encourage it. You asked for a solution, I gave you one.

they should fix the app

No one is going to fix the app, because it's not broken. You still don't understand what the Garmin Connect app is made for. It's NOT for connectivity with fitness sensors. Where did you get the idea that it might be?

or at least they should specify in the box product that is not compatible with Garmin app.

Well, did they specify that it is compatible? That's how it's done usually.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to tmk2

can you explain me what the Garmin connect app is made for ? i thought it was for you to see your personel fitness sensors, based on the watch or any other Garmin product. hahhahah sorry im new at this i just wanted to see how is my Heart rate when i go to the gym and my burned calories. thats pretty much.. i found an app (wahoo) but its not that cool and the other apps you need to make an annual payment before trying it.

0 trux over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

can you explain me what the Garmin connect app is made for ?

Have a look at the tab "Compatible Devices" of the product page for Garmin Connect:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/125677#devices

If you see your device there, then it is compatible, and as you tell, Garmin Connect is made for it. If your device is not listed, it means it cannot be used with GC. At least not directly.

0 tmk2 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

can you explain me what the Garmin connect app is made for ?

It's an interface to the Garmin Connect cloud and a link between a training computer and your smartphone (for all the smartwatch features).

0 HerrRiebmann over 5 years ago in reply to tmk2

Additionally to say: Garmin Connect Mobile is not an app to record activities!

It´s the bridge between the Garmin Connect Website/Portal and a compatible watch, band or (bicycle-) computer.
The HRM is an optional feature for exactly these kind of devices.

Connect Mobile is also not counting steps or measure any data. Why in the world should it have a connection to a HRM?
My Garmin Navigation App also does not support my HRM. Even if it has the Garmin-label ;)

0 2201516 over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

Fully agree. It smell like some kid of fiancial deal to sell more devices. Lame indeed