What functionality is wifi used for?

Former Member over 6 years ago

I'm trying to determine what functionality I would lose if I did not get the Sapphire version and did not have wifi. I found this on another thread. Can anyone confirm this is true?

"Wi-Fi isn't a necessity, it was a cost-option on the Fenix 5. The only advantage it gave you was quicker syncing over Wi-Fi which was independent of your phone, so that's all you'll lose out on if you stop using it (but still use Bluetooth)."

Is wifi used for anything else besides syncing to your phone faster?

Is it possible to transfer music from your computer to the watch using bluetooth? Or can this only be done using wifi? Or is transferring music wirelessly not possible and you have to use a cable either way?

Thanks!

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

I'm pretty sure that the Spotify syncing of music requires Wi-Fi. Other than that, everything else can be done via USB.

0 jlgranth over 6 years ago

Although WiFi only came with the sapphire version of previous watches, it is now standard for all versions of the fenix 5 plus series, sapphire or not. It is used to upload completed activities and is the only way to sync music from streaming services (e.g. Spotify). But that is all it is used for. The WiFi on the watch does not allow you to transfer music files, like mp3 files on your PC, to the watch. This also can not be done via Bluetooth. Currently, the only way to transfer music files like these to the watch is via Garmin Express and a USB cable.

I chose sapphire because I wanted a more resilient glass and didn't want to bother with a screen protector. So far this has worked well for me.

0 Browner40 over 6 years ago

The Wi-Fi and bluetooth are on the same chip. I think any of the music enabled devices also have Wi-Fi standard.

0 AJ0305 over 6 years ago

Unlike the 5, all Fenix 5+ have wifi.

So need to decide.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

On watches like the Galaxy Watch, and more, Wifi can also be used to connect to your phone for notifications and such as, when you are not in bluetooth range.
Does Garmin Fenix do the same thing with Wifi?

0 jim_m_58 over 6 years ago

No. on the f5+ devices Wifi will be used to xfer playlists from Spotify (for example), to upload activities to garmin connect, and can be used to download new firmware. Wifi isn't even connected the majority of the time.