Problem with the loading cable

Try charging with a power pack, there is no flaky connection for me when doing so as opposed to disconnection issues on a PC, probably the USB port on the computer that has the issue

No problem charging watch with pc usb, watch continues​ charging even if pc connection is broken...

Charging is not the problem but when I need a stable data connection e.g. for installing maps from base camp.
The connection is affected by moving the cable at the connector to the watch so i don't think it is a USB problem at the PC.

I just received an email from italian support that inform me they will send me another charging cable next week, maybe they have give a look at this thread... However i don't think that cable can resolve this issue because on my opinion is just a cable or a watch design flaw...

Look at it this way now you have a spare charging cable but it most likely will not fix your issue it did not fix mine. Italian support probably looked on the US side and discovered that there are indeed open cases, I am one that has an open case that has been escalated to engineering.

It appears that when the cable is slightly moved the data pins get just insecure enough to cause the computer to see a disconnect.

The interesting thing is that now that I'm back home I tried to reproduce it on my DESKTOP machine, and was unable to. I can bounce the watch around on the desk, wiggle cable, etc -- no problem, no "boing", no disconnect.

Both are Win10 machines, and both are USB2 ports -- so I have no idea why my laptop is (materially) more-sensitive, but it is. This also explains why I never saw the problem before -- I was using my desktop machine instead of the laptop to talk to the watch "on cable."

Guess I'm one of the lucky ones, zero issues with the charging cable and communicating with my MacBook. I don't plug it in frequently however.. most of what I do is over BT/Wifi and charge it using my old F3 charger

been having this same issue on a MAC Laptop. Here is the response from the Garmin support people. Tried all the steps and nothing seems to make the data work. hmmm puzzling. Maybe the response will help others even though it does nothing for me.



Dear Richard,

I'm happy to help,

If your device is not being detected by express please ensure you are on the latest version:
Garmin Express -

Ensure Garmin Express is up to date
Verify the correct device is selected in Garmin Express
Click Tools & Content
Confirm that the serial number shown matches the serial number printed on the label of the device
If the serial number does not match, click Home and select the correct device or click Add a Device to add the device to Express
Ensure that the time, date, and time zone on the computer are set correctly
If there are corrupt files on the device, Garmin Express may display the error Some files could not be uploaded to Garmin Connect as shown below:

If this error occurs, the activity or activities listed will need to be deleted from the watch. If unsure how to delete activities, click the Owner's Manual link in the prompt to display the owner's manual for the device.
Restart the computer
Create a test activity or record 50 steps on the device and attempt to sync the data again
The test activity can be deleted from Garmin Connect after a successful sync

I would also advise performing a Boot Block:

Device not recognized by the computer: fenix 3 series, fenix 5 series, fenix 2, D2 Bravo, epix, quatix 3, and tactix Bravo

Mass storage devices typically appear as a drive on your computer, allowing easy access to data on the device regardless of operating system. Occasionally, the device may not appear as a drive. To troubleshooting an outdoor USB mass storage device that is not being recognized by the computer the following steps can be performed.

If device is not recognized as a drive after one minute, the steps below will be necessary.

Check that the interface cable is securely attached to the watch.
Answer Yes to any prompt to enter mass storage mode
Unplug the USB cable from the computer.
Turn the device off and then back on again.
Restart the computer.
Plug the USB cable directly into the device and the other end directly into a USB port on the computer and not a hub or docking station.
The device should automatically go into Mass Storage mode, which is indicated by the USB symbol below the time.

If the device is still unable to be recognized by the computer you can force the device to go into mass storage mode:

Disconnect device from computer
Power device off
Press and hold the Start/Stop button (top right)1
Plug device into computer
Wait until device is recognized by computer (may take up to 30 seconds)
If prompted, install USB device drivers:
Choose, "No, not at this time"
Click Next
Choose Install USB drivers automatically (Recommended)
Click Next and wait for USB driver installation to complete
Click Finish
Release appropriate button(s)
To check the computer's recognition of the device:

Windows PC: hold the Windows key (between the Ctrl and Alt on the keyboard) and press the letter ‘E’. The device will show in this window if the computer recognizes it.
Mac: the device will show as an icon on the desktop, labeled "GARMIN", or it can be found by selecting Finder from the dock and viewing the device list on the left-hand side menu within the window.
Note: If the computer does not detect the device, try plugging it into a different USB port. If the problem persists, try another computer, if available.

I would also advise performing a soft reset:

fēnix 5X - Resetting Your Device
I would finally recommend cleaning the charge contacts on the unit and charging accessory:

In some cases, one of the contact points on the back of the device or on the charging accessory may have become oxidized. This can be due to exposure of sweat, such as while wearing it on your wrist, and can prevent the device from receiving a proper charge. If the device is not taking a charge, try cleaning the contacts on both the watch and the charging clip/cradle.
The following non-abrasive substances can be used to clean the contacts:

Rubbing alcohol/Isopropyl (Recommended method)
Eye glass cleaner
Electronic screen wipes
Pencil eraser
Once all contacts have been cleaned, clear any debris or liquid. You should now be able to connect the device to the computer or wall outlet to charge.

To watch a video on how to clean the charging contacts of your device please click here.

Kind regards,

Max

Garmin Europe

Same problem here. Slightest touch of watch/ cable causes a disconnect.

Fenix 5X, v2.9. Garmin Express 5.3.1. MacOS 10.12.5, 2017 Macbook Pro with Touch bar.

same issue here.

I checked on my tablet, laptop and PC, all of them will charge just fine but as soon a slightest move side to side is detected, it loses data connection. I'm afraid a major redesign of watch/cable will be required here.