How to access F5X+ as a storage device on a MAC

Hello all,

I am unable to access my new F5X+ as a storage device to install BETA.

I have changed settings to GARMIN from MTP - soft reset / plug back in = no change

Have tried using AndriodTranfer = no change

Noted throughout even GarminUpdater will not locate device though GarminExpress does = odd?

Have read as its a music storage device it maybe formatted in a manner MAC cannot see???

Have tried USB cords from previous FX5 no change.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

CAM

Top Replies

Campbell_Carroll over 6 years ago +1

OK, I retried using Android File Transfer... I noted after quitting GE from the top menu (as a Mac user) turning the watch off after making sure usb was set to Garmin, reconnecting the watch brought Android…

All Replies

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

You have to use the Android File Transfer app. It's a stupid solution, but it should allow you access.

https://www.android.com/filetransfer/

0 Campbell_Carroll over 6 years ago

You have to use the Android File Transfer app. It's a stupid solution, but it should allow you access.

https://www.android.com/filetransfer/

Hi CBSalad,

Thanks for the reply mate. I will give it another go, when I used it last, it repeated was asking for a Samsung / only useable for Samsung devices??

Like I said I will give it another go in a few hours and let you know how I go.

Thanks,

CAM

0 Campbell_Carroll over 6 years ago

OK, I retried using Android File Transfer... I noted after quitting GE from the top menu (as a Mac user) turning the watch off after making sure usb was set to Garmin, reconnecting the watch brought Android File Transfer active and I was able to access the watch as a recognised storage device.

Thank you for all who gave me advice.

Cheers.

0 jim_m_58 over 6 years ago

You shouldn't need to switch to "Garmin" mode, as it's still an MTP device with that. The key is to have Garmin Express shut down, and it sounds like you want to do that before you connect the watch. (I'm a windows user, but the MTP stuff is the same for other Garmin devices with music, like the 645m and va3m, so it's come up since about March)

0 Campbell_Carroll over 6 years ago

You shouldn't need to switch to "Garmin" mode, as it's still an MTP device with that. The key is to have Garmin Express shut down, and it sounds like you want to do that before you connect the watch. (I'm a windows user, but the MTP stuff is the same for other Garmin devices with music, like the 645m and va3m, so it's come up since about March)

Thanks Jim, it certainly was a process of elimination.

0 WD over 6 years ago

Also, on a Mac, if you have the setting in Garmin Express Preferences checked to stay running in background, then even when you close GE there is a service left running. You can see it in Activity Monitor. You'll want to ensure it is also shut down.

0 Hach19 over 6 years ago

The same thing happened to me in 2 Fenix 5x plus watches. both of them had Bluetooth die after the first 2 days of use. return the watch immediately

0 Campbell_Carroll over 6 years ago

The same thing happened to me in 2 Fenix 5x plus watches. both of them had Bluetooth die after the first 2 days of use. return the watch immediately

Hassan,

I haven't had that issue - though I have only upgraded to F5x+ for three days and so far no issue other having it connect to my iMac - thanks for the heads up though.

TJ,

Understood and the workaround is no bigger from my perspective. I've noticed when I connect and GE is not running at all Android Transfer kicks in straight way.

Thanks.

0 Hach19 over 6 years ago

This has been really helpful. thanks to the original poster and all those that responded. one question though: Android File Transfer allowed me to browse the Fenix 5x plus and see its content but there is still no "eject option. Do you guys just pull the cable without ejecting or is there another process that I am not aware of? does pulling the cable without ejecting put the device at risk? I currently shut down the computer before unplugging the cable.

0 NemoSandman over 6 years ago

You don't need to eject your Garmin watch, there is no option for that, just unplug it and everything is fine.

The connection to MAC OS issue has been solved since the 30th of June...

https://forums.garmin.com/forum/on-t...nnect-to-macos

And Android File Transfer has been featured on this forum since the first beta appearing on the 7th of July...

https://forums.garmin.com/forum/on-t...1-beta-release

It is often just a matter to read and search for info...