Third-Party App Ideas - Recent Threads

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

Data corruption issue

3797278 — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 17:10:42 GMT

We have a scenario where two users logged in with the same Garmin account but on separate Garmin devices. We are retrieving their watch data from the following endpoints:

Garmin Health
Garmin Health Daily
Garmin Health Heart
Garmin Health Respiration
Garmin Health Sleep Daily
Garmin Health Sleep
Garmin Health Stress

Our question is: In this case, is the data from the two devices still distinguishable per user, or will the data be merged under the single account?

If needed, we can provide additional details from the devices to assist with your investigation.

Build an Activity To Monitor HR While Sleeping

-Doug- — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:18:42 GMT

I've got a very specific health issue and I need an activity to monitor my HR while sleeping. This would be for my Venue 3. Here's my requirements:

Settings
	Data Screens
		Screen 1
		2 Fields	Top:	Time of day
			Bottom:	Heart rate

		Screen 2
		3 Fields	Top:	Time of day
			Middle:	Heart rate
			Bottom:	Countdown

	Color
		Red ONLY

	Alerts
		Heart Rate
			High Alert


	Countdown
		Hours:Minutes:Seconds

	Duration
		Hours:Minutes:Seconds

Usage
	Start activity with top right button
		Screen 1 shows
		Fit file created

	If HR is ≥ High Alert for ≥ Duration:
		Alert continues until bottom right button is pressed
		Screen 2 shows
		The Bottom data field (Countdown) displays a countdown timer that starts from the time the HR went over the High Alert (not the time the bottom right button was pressed).
		When the Countdown reaches 0, an Alert continues until bottom right button is pressed

In words:

I've got a heart issue and I need my watch to monitor my HR while sleeping. Should my HR exceed the "High Alert" setting (say 100 bpm, for example) for the "Duration" setting (say 60 seconds, for example), a High Alert warning will sound and continue sounding unit a physical button is pressed. A countdown timer will also start (say 3 hours, for example) concurrent with the time of exceeding the "High Alert" setting. If the "High Alert" setting is exceeded but the "Duration" setting isn't exceeded, it wouldn't count.

I'm currently using the Cardio activity to test this out and it kind of works. It is missing the Duration setting so I get a lot of false positives. It also doesn't have the countdown timer which is critical as it represents when I need to wake and take specific medicine!

Thanks to anyone that is willing to take this on!

Doug

The new watch face has been released for several days and cannot be viewed in the China region

3312759 — Fri, 30 May 2025 16:15:27 GMT

It has been on the shelves for several days and I have received a notification through email, but I am unable to view the watchface application I uploaded in the China region （The watchface has no restricted area）

apps.garmin.com/.../26e89ba2-0ac7-4186-8fd0-561ae5b3a995

[Request] a Soccer Referee App

5064831 — Wed, 14 May 2025 17:07:21 GMT

I currently use Refsix on my apple watch. I used to use it on my Garmin, but it seems to crash after nearly every single game. Requiring an uninstall of Refsix to recover. Since I referee multiple games a day this is very inconvenient. Their support appears to be non existent as I've put in a bug/support ticket weeks ago and the most I've gotten is a request for which match this occurred.

The features I was hoping for are:
1. Set countdown timer of my choosing(count up would be a bonus)
2. Record goals scored including player number that scored as well as time.
3. Record Yellow and Red cards issued, and by what player and including time issued. (If yellow or Red given to a player already with a card, a warning would be a bonus)
4. Match Summary accessible during and especially after match showing goals and cards issued, what time and by what player
5. This is an absolute bonus, record the whole thing as an activity, perhaps soccer match played?

I know there are several other Referee apps out there, but the only one I have found that includes card issues is Refsix and I just can't trust it.
I would be willing to pay a one time price to use this app.

Page loop conditionned for descent

V4l — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:55:28 GMT

Hello Garmin community,

I trully need a function that doesn't appear on the original garmin edge os and I don't know if it's feasible.

I am using the page loop on my Edge 530 because I like to get all my info while biking. It appears to be not that much safe when i am descending. I would like to stop the page loop when the displacement is above 45kph and that the slope is higher than 4%. That way, the app will stop loop on navigation map to keep focus on the next road corners.

I never coded with Monkey C for now and doesn't know the environment so i would like to get feedback. Is it worth to investigate on this and is it feasible with a device app ?

The idea is getting an addon wich is always running while activity is on a certain activity profile.

Thank you for your help