Third-Party App Ideas - Recent Threads

How can I get access to the Garmin Health API and Activity API for app development?

2213395 — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:04:47 GMT

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to develop a personal fitness dashboard web application and would like to integrate Garmin data into it. The idea is to retrieve fitness, health, and activity data from my Garmin account and process it inside my own application.

I have seen that some third-party apps are able to connect to Garmin by redirecting users to a Garmin login page, where they can authorize access to their data, including historical activity data. I would like to understand how this works from a developer perspective.

Specifically, I would like to know:

How can I apply for access to the Garmin Health API and/or Activity API?
Is access available for individual developers or only for companies/approved partners?
Is there a sandbox or test environment for development?
Can the API provide historical activities and health data after a user has granted permission?
What is the recommended authentication flow for this use case?
Are there any restrictions, approval requirements, or costs involved?

At first, this would only be for my own personal use, but I would like to build the project properly from the beginning and understand what is officially supported by Garmin.

Any guidance, documentation links, or experiences from developers who have gone through the process would be very helpful.

Thank you in advance!

AI Coach for Real-Time Adaptive Training Plans

7796462 — Sat, 09 May 2026 07:22:27 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have built a website CoachX.run because I’m tired of "static" training plans.

We’ve all been there: you miss a session, and Garmin Coach just ignores it. The built-in workouts can feel repetitive, and manually creating complex workouts in the app is a total pain. Without a pre-set workout, you’re stuck constantly checking your watch, trying to remember your intervals and current progress.

CoachX changes that. The goal is to create and modify your training plans through real-time conversation. It’s designed to be:

Flexible: If you miss a day or feel off, the plan adapts instantly.
Diverse: No more cookie-cutter workouts.
Seamless: It acts like a real coach, so you don't have to spend time manually building workouts or memorizing reps.

Would this solve a pain point for you? I'd love to hear how you currently handle missed sessions or "boring" plans!

Recovery with Decimal + Date (glance/widget app idea)

RinseRepeat — Fri, 08 May 2026 13:35:18 GMT

one of my biggest peeves with Garmin is they round many things to stupid whole numbers even though internally they track to fine detail

vo2max, recovery time, etc. (remember when Strava finally added decimals and made their site 100x more functional?)

an experienced developer can probably whip this up in a weekend (maybe even share the code to teach others?)

but if no-one does I might eventually try to do it myself as a first app someday this summer to learn

assuming it's technically possible in the first place

previously the CIQ API only made recovery time available in whole integer hours

but I noticed the API for newest devices ie. Fenix7 and newer seem to have additional info with Recovery time in minutes?

If that is correct and accessible, I'd like to see a replacement for Garmin's useless Recovery time widget/glance

adding decimal point and the target date+time

something like this visual mockup?

don't even bother showing minutes or days, just state everything in hours with single decimal 0.1 - 0.9

possible with newest API?

NOT via timeToRecovery

but rather Toybox.Complications API 4.2.0

https://developer.garmin.com/connect-iq/api-docs/Toybox/Complications.html

COMPLICATION_TYPE_RECOVERY_TIME

API Level 4.2.0

Value is a Number of minutes remaining in your recovery time

Datafield pace for edge 530

AndiPl — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:35:17 GMT

Dear All,

I would like to have a data field pace [min/km] for my edge 530. Could someone support me?

Greetings and thanks

Andreas

About elapsed time and temperature date field

3792573 — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:06:18 GMT

Hi everyone

I want a date field for the Garmin Edge 540 bike computer that displays elapsed time and temperature in the same column. They should be centered on two lines, with the temperature on top and the elapsed time below, and the font of the elapsed time should be slightly larger than the temperature.

I spent a long time writing it myself, but I didn't succeed.

Who cam help me,3Q.

Thanks for reading, Have a great day.

I created a new app that will start an activity at a preset zone when HR reaches a certain treshold but I'd like to have a background aspect to it which would allow launching the main app when reaching a zone...

Enfedaque — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:28:44 GMT

The app is called 'Ready'

The SDK doesn't provide ability to use GPS in background and I was wondering if Garmin was planning to give some rough location estimate maybe based on cell phone location that could be queried in the background process.

[Appbuilder project] Training label data field

drkglb — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:03:07 GMT

Hi everyone,

I’m currently working on a personal project based on Garmin / Firstbeat workout labels and training load logic.
I'm not what you could call a developer, my skills in coding are very limited so I rely on AppBuilder, a customizable data field from Flowstate (all credits to him !) which collects and processes data from the sensors (HR, GPS mostly).

The idea is to build an AppBuilder data field that can estimate, in real time during a run, the likely training classification of the session — for example:

Recovery / Base
Tempo
Threshold
VO2max
Anaerobic Capacity
Sprints

The current test version does not try to perfectly reproduce Garmin yet. It is an experimental field intended to compare, during and after an activity, the live estimates from the data field with the final Garmin classification and Traning load distribution. I hope it will help me understand how training assesment works - and maybe make my training more efficient !

My approach is based on information from the following Firstbeat patent, especially the parts related to:

cumulative time in intensity zones
%LTHR
%AnT speed
modified intensity
aerobic vs anaerobic training effect logic

patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/.../US20230414143A1.pdf

I am now looking for a few interested users who would be willing to test the data field and compare its output with Garmin’s final results after activities.

The most useful test sessions would probably be things like :

easy endurance runs
tempo or threshold runs
long intervals
short intervals / 30-30 / 200 m reps
sprint sessions

What would help most is feedback such as:

Garmin’s final workout label
Aerobic / Anaerobic Training Effect
load distribution (Low / High / Anaerobic)
screenshots or observations from the data field during the activity

This is still an early test version, so I fully expect the model to need refinement. The idea is simply to improve it step by step with real-world comparisons.

If anyone is interested in testing it or discussing the logic behind Garmin / Firstbeat workout classification, the code to copy/paste (after update with your personal values for LTHR, LT pace (converted to speed) is in the post below.
PLEASE NOTE : I use a Fenix 8. I tried to optimize the code not to be too heavy on memory but if you want to give it a try, better check on a short run first if your device is capable of running the DF. It made my watch crash a few times when displaying the map screen. So I recommend not using maps or music if you are interested.

Thanks a lot !

Stair Stepper Data Fields Idea:

kemsweller — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:37:10 GMT

Stair Stepper Data Fields Idea:

Is it possible to change the data input for the Stair Stepper?

1. Add a field for the number of floors climbed (even if this is a manual input by the user).

2. Change the data of number of feet climbed by manual input (like the distance for Indoor Rowing) rather than scrolling from 0 to over 1000.

DataField that just show the number of notifications compatible with fenix 8.

KQGT — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:52:29 GMT

DataField that just show the number of notifications compatible with fenix 8, now there exist a widget but you have to push buttons, when i was walking i just want to now how many notifications i have to check when i end my workout, the datafield exists but not for modern models of garmin.

Porsche Connect app integration for FENIX PRO

9827708 — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:21:59 GMT

Porsche offers integrations with iOS and Tizen Wearables to do lock/unlock, use horn/flashing, climate (preheating) and other cool stuff on wearables for other brands then Garmin. I just bought my Garmin for skiing and in the summer control all Garmin equipment on my boat, but there is no current Porsche integration. Someone suggested me to create a setup using Nabu Casa Home Assistant, but this is far to complex to setup and maintain, so can you please create a widget for my FENIX PRO that allows me to use Porsche Connect services?

Feature Request: API for Native Body Composition / Weight writes (Health Data)

LukeSwimmer — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:58:27 GMT

Dear Garmin Connect IQ Team,

I am the developer of a popular scale reader application for Xiaomi scales. My users, especially those using devices like the Instinct 2X Solar, are constantly requesting a feature that is currently restricted within the Garmin ecosystem: the ability to update the User’s Profile Weight and Body Composition directly via a Connect IQ app.

Currently, we can only use FitContributor to add data to a recorded activity. This is suboptimal because:

UX/User Profile: It doesn't update the actual weight chart in Garmin Connect (health stats), only the summary of a "Generic Activity."
Activity Clutter: Users have to save a "dummy" activity just to record their weight, which clutters their training calendar.
Hardware Constraints: On low-memory devices like the Instinct 2X, maintaining a stable FIT session while managing BLE communication is extremely difficult for developers.

My Proposal: Please consider exposing a new API or extending UserProfile to allow authorized Connect IQ apps to write directly to the user's Health metrics (Weight, Body Fat %, Muscle Mass).

This change would make Garmin the most open and useful health ecosystem for users who own 3rd party scales, fulfilling the requests of thousands of dedicated Garmin users.

Best regards,

Luke

Indoor Rowing Data Fields Idea – Estimated Distance, Split Pace & Distance per Stroke (Fenix 8 Solar 47mm)

Felipe Dalton — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:07:40 GMT

Hello Connect IQ Developers!

I’d like to propose an idea for an indoor rowing data fields:

Objective:

Provide more meaningful rowing metrics when training without a smart rower, relying only on watch sensors.

1. Estimated Distance (Calories-Based Model):

Even without connected equipment, watches already calculate calories and effort metrics. This means distance could be estimated using a physiological relationship:

D = ((C − 300) / 9.6367)^(1/3) × T

Where:

D = Estimated distance
C = Calories per hour
T = Elapsed workout time

This concept is similar to how rowing machines derive pace from power and would require:

Calories burned
Elapsed time

2. Estimated Split Pace (500m):

Using the estimated distance, split pace could also be derived:

Split Pace (500m) = Elapsed Time / (Estimated Distance / 500)

This would allow users to see a familiar rowing metric even without a connected rower (maybe even use it with the virtual pacer?).

3. Estimated Distance per Stroke:

If stroke count or stroke rate is accessible:

Distance per Stroke = Estimated Distance / Stroke Count or alternatively;
Distance per Stroke = Speed / Stroke Rate

Is stroke detection or stroke metrics accessible enough from a Connect IQ data field, or would this require a full Connect IQ app?

I’d love to hear thoughts from experienced Connect IQ developers.

Thanks.

Is it possible to add bmw key to Garmin watch?

9798738 — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 18:59:02 GMT

Someone please create an app or functionality to add a bmw key to the Garmin watch so I have a backup to my phone. It's on Apple watch and Samsung wallet. But no way to add it to the Garmin watch.

Feature request: Ability to set a wake up alarm based upon Body Battery value like 90% or 95% or 100%.

JeffG — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 23:24:00 GMT

I have a Forerunner 265 and love it. I use it to track my Body Battery. I'd like a way to set a wake up alarm that turns on when my Body Battery reaches 100% or some settable value like 90% or 95%.
Conversely I'd like an alarm that vibrates when my Body Battery reaches a settable low value,. e.g. 20%, that indicates it is time to go to bed.

looking for a developer with experience in Monkey C.

8612849 — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:54:22 GMT

Hello,
I am developing a paid widget for Garmin Connect IQ and I am looking for a developer with experience in Monkey C.

It is a simple “habit tracker” (Start/Stop) widget that measures specific steps using the watch's daily steps.

I already have the product defined in a one-page PRD (clear flow, metrics and scope).

Do you have experience developing widgets or apps for Garmin?
If so, could you share any published projects or repositories?

Thank you.

Вітаю всіх! Є такий додаток як Welltory - трекер здоров'я, однак годинники гармін не передають сирі дані для нормальної аналітики. З годинниками Apple Watch все ок. Це можливо якось виправити, було б чудово, якби гармін ділились сирими данними. наприкл

5857763 — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:51:03 GMT

Можливо потрібен додаток сторонній ?

Feature Request: Alarm that can only be dismissed after a certain number of steps (“Movement‑Unlock Alarm”)

9412070 — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:55:42 GMT

Hello Garmin team,
I would like to propose a feature that could be very helpful for many users.

Idea:
An alarm that can only be dismissed after the user has taken a certain number of steps (e.g., 20 steps).
Optionally, a short movement trigger (e.g., 10–30 steps) or a minimum heart‑rate increase could also be used.

Why this would be useful:

prevents turning off the alarm while half asleep
supports morning routines and helps users wake up more effectively
ideal for people who struggle to get out of bed
fits perfectly with Garmin’s focus on activity and health
technically feasible, since step and movement sensors are already active

Important:
This should be a system‑level feature, not a Connect IQ app, because only the system alarm is reliable and allowed to run in the background.

I would really appreciate it if this feature could be considered.
Thank you very much!

Ambient noise level checker app

Marcell Juhasz — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:10:51 GMT

I would like to have an app that checks the ambient noise (decibel) using the onboard microphone of the Venu X1. Ideally the app would show a scale and assign categories to all noise levels representing how loud a room is for example. It would be useful especially the Venu X1 is closer to a smartwatch then a fitness tracker.

If there is already an existing one I would be happy to have a look. Also, I would be happy to develop this app, would be great to understand if it was feasible in the first place to access the mic.

Many thanks.

Temporary Gearbox information on my edge when shifting

Ron_K. — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 13:36:15 GMT

Can you build a pop-up in the Edge 1040 when shifting my SRAM AXS gear that shows what gear I am using?

How to get battery of pedals using BLE

6866414 — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:34:46 GMT

I am coding an android app that uses BLE to get the pedal battery. I use
val batteryLevel = characteristic.getIntValue(BluetoothGattCharacteristic.FORMAT_UINT8, 0)
But the return value is always 85. I have been using Rally RS200 pedals for quite a while but I don't see the battery percentage decrease but it is always 85. I am wondering if I am doing it right. Has anyone been able to get the pedals battery percentage via BLE?

Is it possible to manually install a data field from one model edge to a newer model?

kguralnik — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:15:06 GMT

I recently found out that the developer of one of my favorite data fields passed away. I recently upgraded from a 530 to a 540 and the field is not available for the 540.

Was wondering if it is possible to manually install it, since I have it on my 530 already.

Thank you.

Was wondering if there is a developer that can recreate a data field?

kguralnik — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:08:38 GMT

I recently found out that the developer of one of my favorite data fields passed away. I recently upgraded from a 530 to a 540 and the field is not available for the 540. Was wondering if there is a developer that can recreate?

It probably did more, but I only need something simple.

In a single field, it rotated the ascent, descent and difference. The settings that i cared about were how often it changed, and what fields it actually displayed.

Personally, I only used it in a 1/2 wide field, and rotated the ascent and difference every 3 or 4 seconds.

If i knew how to do it. I would.

Thank you.

a program that will have a sleep schedule

3639915 — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 09:00:04 GMT

I use Garmin Fenix 8. I need a program that will have a sleep schedule and wake me up according to the point on the schedule that I can put this point on. That is, I need to wake me up as soon as I fall asleep, wake me up after the first phase of deep sleep, or wake me up after the second phase of REM sleep. I also want it to automatically include a request to record a voice note after waking up.
Yes, in the latest update there is a regular alarm clock, it works with phases, but it doesn't suit me... I am ready to finance such a development, which should belong to me after receiving it.
Who would undertake such a development?

Shabbat watch face

flocsy🤠 — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:04:01 GMT

What features would you like in a watch-face created for observer jews?

Time table for students

3718026 — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 01:00:49 GMT

So you can upload your classes on Garmin through its settings, and it says your next class is math, for example, it says your next class is math at 12.40