File Transfer Mode

uhm... not sure if I understood that combination properly but it does not working on my Edge 840 :-(

that's for a watch

:-(

TL;DR if your watch is plugged into a computer, but is not in data transfer mode, then switching USB Mode to MTP / mass storage actually will cause the watch to go into data transfer mode.

Unfortunately as noted, USB Mode isn't available on Edge.

flocsy🤠 said:

I don't remember how is it in edges, but in watches there's the USB mode in the system settings. If it's there on edges, try to see if it's changable while connected. But I would be surprised if it worked

Actually this does work (more details below), but it's not that helpful bc as pointed out:

- it's a lot of button presses

- the option isn't available for Edge devices

But here's more details for any interested watch devs.

Background:

- USB mode can be either "Garmin" or "MTP" / "USB Mass Storage". (MTP is for music devices and mass storage is for non-music devices.)

- The default value is "MTP" / "USB Mass Storage"

- Regardless of USB mode, if you plug your watch into a USB power brick or battery bank (with no data connection), then it charges but you can still use the watch normally. (A small charging overlay appears on the screen.) I'll call this "charging mode".

- If USB mode is "MTP" / "Mass Storage", if you plug your watch into a computer (or anything with a data connection), it will automatically go into data transfer mode. The watch will display a full-screen charging UI, and you will be unable to do anything with the watch (except press Back to eject it)

- If USB mode is "Garmin", if you plug your watch into a computer, it will prompt you to "Use MTP / Mass Storage?" If you select yes, it goes into data transfer mode. If you select no, it goes into charging mode, so you can continue to use the watch normally. Some users like to use Garmin mode either because they want to charge using a computer and continue to use the watch normally, or they believe Garmin mode is necessary when charging with a powerbank, if they want to use the watch normally. (I've never seen a powerbank that causes a Garmin to go into data transfer mode, but I'll take their word for it)

Using USB Mode to re-activate data transfer mode without unplugging the cable:

1) Connect watch to computer as normal, and let the watch go into data transfer mode

2) Eject watch using the the Back button. The watch will now be in "charging mode".

3) Navigate to Settings > System > USB Mode and select MTP (or Mass Storage). If it's already set to MTP / Mass Storage, it's enough to "re-select it" by pressing START. The watch will go back into data transfer mode.

I guess this could be a boon for anyone who's worried about excessive wear and tear on their cable. (Or for people who sometimes have problems getting a data connection due to a flaky cable. But then again you have to pick up the watch to change the setting, so it doesn't really help if you have a flaky cable that loses the connection when it moves around)

Dumb question, but have you tried putting your Edge to sleep and waking it, using a short press of the power button?

I don't have an Edge so I have no idea if this would work.

EDIT: there is a documented method to force an Edge into USB mass storage mode, but it's not suitable:

- turn off Edge

- hold Lap button for up to 30 seconds

Yes, tried thte sleep - unsleep method but not working. I am going to try holp lap x 30" method and let you know. 

Simone85 said:

I am going to try holp lap x 30" method and let you know. 

Is that really better than unplugging the cable and plugging it back in tho? It might be faster to just power cycle the edge.

Probably not... I was only trying to find an easy way to enter File Transfer Mode via the Edge software. 

But if the easiest way is plug-unplug USB cable I'll stay stick to it. 

Thanks!

No problem. Sorry I couldn't really help.

If you ever develop for Garmin watches, you can use the USB Mode trick, although I still think unplugging the cable and plugging it back in would be faster and easier.