Approach S42 - Recent Threads

S42 Approach critical issues

3930977 — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:33:47 GMT

I received my S42 watch about 3 years ago. Went to wear it last week and the screen shows lines and nothing more .I assume it is charging because there is a difference in lighting when I turn it off but can't see anything on the screen other than lines. I called support. I reset but nothing has changed. My husband has 2 Garmin watchest; Tactical and Fenix 6. Both are still working fine after 4-5 years. I wish that my watch would have been as reliable and dependable as these 2 watches. I'm reading that other Approach owners are having issues with their watches as well.

RE: S42 Approach critical issues

3531783 — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 11:17:19 GMT

I have a S42 golf watch, last 3-4 weeks it shows lines and occasionally a green triangle on the screen and won’t let me charge past 5 percent.

i have tried to get help but no solutions given to me other than buy a newer watch.

RE: Clear data for fresh start?

Shakes — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:57:18 GMT

Is there a way to select the whole year? or do we have to toggle every course we played for the whole year?

Clear data for fresh start?

9745087 — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 06:55:05 GMT

Coming into the new year I would like to clear my data for a fresh start - is this possible? Thanks [emoticon:33306c418930400bac28808410f8ac8b]

Hi, I’ve watched videos on my S40. I can’t get it on, I’ve charged it, while it’s charging I see a faint charger. I’ve held down button for 30 seconds and get nothing, unplug I can’t get anything on screen. Please help.

Former Member — Mon, 20 May 2024 17:24:21 GMT

Hi, I’ve watched videos on my S40. I can’t get it on, I’ve charged it, while it’s charging I see a faint charger. I’ve held down button for 30 seconds and get nothing, unplug I can’t get anything on screen. Please help.

RE: Hi, I’ve watched videos on my S40. I can’t get it on, I’ve charged it, while it’s charging I see a faint charger. I’ve held down button for 30 seconds and get nothing, unplug I can’t get anything on screen. Please help.

Christian_ODQA — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:55:17 GMT

If you have cleaned the contact points on the back of the watch, tried a new charging cable, and tried charging in a different area (computer or wall outlet). Then it maybe best to reach out to our product support team for additional assistance via chat, phone, or email. Please use the below link to get into contact with them using any of the three methods.

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?contactOverride=true&productID=743387&tab=topics

RE: Hi, I’ve watched videos on my S40. I can’t get it on, I’ve charged it, while it’s charging I see a faint charger. I’ve held down button for 30 seconds and get nothing, unplug I can’t get anything on screen. Please help.

4065400 — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:24:55 GMT

Only get rectangluar box with Lightning Bolt in middle and three dashes on right side of box.....won't turn on I have cleaner the pins.....can you help?

RE: I cannot connect to my s42 to my phone

seilogramp — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:25:06 GMT

Which phone do you have?

If the old phone or any other mobile device is nearby, be sure to uninstall Garmin Connect and any other Garmin apps from those devices, and remove the Garmin S42 from the Bluetooth settings.

Then follow one of these instructional videos.

Android:

youtu.be/N-JzFgK8Ui8

iOS:

youtu.be/lNXMLM9ZP2I

I cannot connect to my s42 to my phone

Tizzycrew — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:55:09 GMT

I recently purchased a new phone. When I went to connect my s42 Approach, it wouldn't connect. I reset the s42 to factory settings hoping to clear the previous phone. Still doesn't connect

RE: Batterie

2640131 — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:06:01 GMT

es ist ungewöhnlich, dass bei einem neuen S42 nach nur einem Tag im ausgeschalteten Zustand bereits 25 % der Batterie verbraucht sind. Auch wenn alle Verbraucher wie Licht, Bluetooth oder andere Funktionen ausgeschaltet sind, sollte der Akku im Standby deutlich länger halten. equifaxcredit

Batterie

komeni — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 09:20:18 GMT

Guten Tag,

nach einem Tag ausgeschaltetem S 42 (NEU) ist 25% der Batterie verbraucht ??

Auch mit ausgeschalteten Verbrauchern ( Licht, Bluetooth, e.t.c.) ist die Batterie am ende der Runde auf 18 % Ladung ?

das kann doch nicht richtig sein.

eine Antwort wäre nett Gruß KK

RE: The handicap calculation is wrong

Garmin-Cody — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:25:53 GMT

The same information my previous response applies to the Approach S70. Updating your course maps and confirming if you have handicap scoring enabled with a specific handicap entered in the golf settings on your watch is applicable to correcting the issues with your handicap reflecting the current value you are seeing.

The handicap calculation is wrong

Actionmanson — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 17:49:00 GMT

I have searched and searched and can find no answer to why the garmin app is showing i am 0.6 handicap when I average 21+ over 18 holes. Best I've ever done is 16+. In any other app im 22hc so why cant garmin show me the same? Its frustrating that I need to use other apps to get a true handicap

RE: The handicap calculation is wrong

Actionmanson — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:50:24 GMT

Hi thanks for the reply, I actually have the s70 I don't know why its in the s42 section. My scoring was on garmin golf, what is the best scoring to use? Everything is up to date. I input exactly what shots I take and there is no way im 0.6hc 😅. It seems with other forums that this is a common problem

RE: The handicap calculation is wrong

Garmin-Cody — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:44:59 GMT

Update the course maps on your watch using Garmin Express to get them up to date to the most current version, which should reflect (25.20) for all regions as of September 23, 2025.

The instructions for updating the course maps on your watch can be found through the Garmin Support page linked here: Update Golf Courses and Device Software on an Approach Golf Device

If you continue to see concerns with the handicap, check to see if your watch has Handicap Scoring enabled by opening Golf Settings > Handicap Scoring > Then check and see if you have a local handicap or index/slope method enabled on the watch.

More information can be found regarding the Garmin Golf Handicap Calculation through the links below:

RE: Locating Satellites/Wait for GPS

Garmin-Cody — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 21:57:02 GMT

Check your About menu accessed through the gray gear icon at the bottom of the main menu on your S42. Then scroll to the bottom of your About menu and confirm what the section is showing in "Current EPO Info: CPE" and if the CPE is showing expired, then sync your watch through the Garmin Golf app on your smartphone so the satellite data can be updated on the unit.

If you continue to have concerns, please contact Garmin Support for further assistance!

Locating Satellites/Wait for GPS

Ernie Lee92 — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:15:58 GMT

My Garmin Approach S42 is always 'locating satellites' when trying to find my course im playing golf at. And when I go to start an activity, it shows the 'wait for GPS' message..

Plugged into Garmin Express and made sure it was up to date with the 8.30 software. And updated all courses. Still no joy.

Not ideal! What can I do next?

RE: Adding a Round

Garmin-Cody — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:43:58 GMT

The round would have to manually created through the Garmin Golf app but there would not be the shot data.

At the end of the round, opening the round menu by tapping the button on the upper right side of the watch will allow for the "End Round" option to be selected to save the round. If start on a hole other than 1 and have to transition back...the end of round will not automatically prompt the save round option on the screen since you are not ending on hole 18 in a 1-18 hole order.

Adding a Round

9420445 — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:51:07 GMT

Yesterday I played 18 holes, but started on the back 9 first. Yes, I changed the the starting hole to 10, and when completing the 18th hole, changed to hole 1. The score on the watch did show correctly, but don't recall getting the SAVE ROUND message, When I got home, I synced the watch with Garmin Golf, but my round didn't show. Is there a way to add the round manually? I still track score, putts, and penaties on the scorecard. Is there a way to add this "missed' round manually from home?

RE: S42 cannot locate courses

Garmin-Cody — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:20:18 GMT

I recommend following the steps outlined the Garmin Support page linked here: Update Golf Courses and Device Software on an Approach Golf Device

If that does not, please contact Garmin Support for further solutions to speak with a Golf Specialist.

S42 cannot locate courses

5874701 — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:24:08 GMT

How can I get my 4 year old Approach S42 to locate golf courses?

RE: Is the S42 compatible with CT1 sensors

Garmin-Cody — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:17:50 GMT

The Approach CT-1 sensors are compatible with the Approach S44, S50, and S70 models only at this time.

The S42 is compatible with the Approach CT-10 sensors (which have more features) but is not compatible with the Approach CT-1 sensors.

Is the S42 compatible with CT1 sensors

8013599 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:52:19 GMT

Is the S42 compatible with CT1 sensors

My watch disconnects from phone when I leave golf cart

3972162 — Thu, 09 May 2024 22:05:13 GMT

My Garmin s42 disconnects phone phone when I walk away from golf cart and phone. It vibrates and says disconnected from phone.

RE: My watch disconnects from phone when I leave golf cart

Garmin-Cody — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 21:52:59 GMT

I have sent you a direct message requesting some additional information on the concern to submit to our Quality & Engineering team for further review.

- Thank you