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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 However, Garmin appears to consider that app outdated and does not provide it for download any more.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 mariomobiel over 9 years ago

U indeed need a other device to connect with your HRM strap, it won't connect to Garmin Connect Modile.

just buy a Vivofit, it's the cheapest device to connect your HRM strap, that way u get your HR data to your Gamin Connect account....

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

seems pretty lame

U indeed need a other device to connect with your HRM strap, it won't connect to Garmin Connect Modile.

just buy a Vivofit, it's the cheapest device to connect your HRM strap, that way u get your HR data to your Gamin Connect account....

Am I the only one who thinks that is pretty lame...having to buy a second $70 device just because Garmin dropped support for one of their active products from their app (and pulled the app that already worked with my device). Any other Garmin device will connect to the app, except the one I happened to buy? I don't want to wear a wrist band or a watch. I am already carrying my phone to use for music, gps, and communication and it communicates with the HRM fine. I can't be the only customer who wants to use the HRM just with a phone app for logging and transfer to Garmin.

0 Dr Phil over 9 years ago

I think the term is caveat emptor. Garmin HR straps have never been designed to be used in isolation (of course I might be wrong). Next time, it might be prudent to ask before you buy.

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

The app is the problem, not the device

I think the term is caveat emptor. Garmin HR straps have never been designed to be used in isolation (of course I might be wrong). Next time, it might be prudent to ask before you buy.

The device is great. I don't use it in isolation. It connects to my ant compatible phone. The only problem is the app. I can use competitor apps like wahoo. They sync with my Garmin hrm fine. But the garmin app won't. I thought it seemed so ridiculous that I must be missing something. There's no way to get the old app (garmin fit) that supposedly did work?

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

If you are running Android, you can potentially find the old version of the Garmin apk that worked with your device and install it after enabling installation from unknown sources. Disable updates for it and it shouldn't kill its own importance, as far as you're concerned. I suppose, if your complaint is heard, pay attention to updates in the event they reintroduce that function you were using.

0 JSRUNNER_ over 9 years ago

I'm not sure the older app will help - what you have is an HRM that is an accessory to be used with a Garmin device not a standalone heart rate monitoring device. I have the HRM strap which communicates by ANT+ with my Garmin watch and the Garmin watch communicates by Bluetooth with my phone and by Bluetooth or Wifi with my PC. You would be better off buying a strap that is designed as a standalone device or as the post above says buying say a vivofit.

0 Dr Phil over 9 years ago

The device is great. I don't use it in isolation. It connects to my ant compatible phone. The only problem is the app. I can use competitor apps like wahoo. They sync with my Garmin hrm fine. But the garmin app won't. I thought it seemed so ridiculous that I must be missing something. There's no way to get the old app (garmin fit) that supposedly did work?

As noted, it's not a device. It was never designed to be used in isolation. So you have managed to find a way to get it do something like what you want. Well done. But to get it doing what Garmin designed it to do you'll need to buy a device that it was intended to be used with.

0 pshare over 9 years ago

Wrekked,

For what it's worth, my Android phone supports ANT+ and I own the Garmin Fit app that was pulled from Google Play about a year ago.

It's a pretty good app except that, for whatever reason, I could not pair my ANT+ HRMs to it - even with Garmin's support. So instead I started using the Wahoo Fitness app which connected without a problem.

0 NickMN over 9 years ago

It is strange and disappointing that the App doesn't allow for the logging of a workout by using the strap.

I currently use the Garmin Strap with the 'S Health' app on my Samsung S5 phone. Works great - it allows pairing of many HRM , footpods, bike sensors...etc. The app has a list of products that work in the settings - very easy.

It allows for live tracking of HR data while I am using the treadmill or bike at the gym....or seeing spikes/recovery etc while lifting. interesting.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

Literally Garmin should mention that is NOT compatible with the GARMIN APP.... pretty lame.. why would you wanna buy a Garmin HRM band if it wont work with the Garmin app.... i don't get it, they should fix this ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!

IF SOMEONE HAS A SOLUTION, PLEASE LET ME KNOW... i bought the HRM thinking ill be using the Garmin app...