Can't connect my Fenix 5X with my Macbook Pro

I know this is a known issue... But I haven't heard any response from Garmin so far...

Is there a way to connect my Fenix 5X with my Macbook Pro? My Mac doesn't recognize my Fenix as a connected device... I'm stuck in firmware version 5.30 and Garmin Connect doesn't update my Fenix... And I need to use Garmin Express to update and also upload maps to the watch... :(

Top Replies

maryooshek over 7 years ago +4 verified

Try this:

1. Before connecting go to Menu->Settings->System->USB Mode and change to Garmin.
2. Connect your watch. Fenix will ask if you would like to use it as a Mass Storage. Say "Yes"…

All Replies

0 TheOtherPhil over 7 years ago

I've been able to connect my 5X to my 2010 MBP and my 2016 MBP with a USB-USBC adapter without issues. I've had my 5X since pre-release and have used every beta. I've also loaded my own maps without issue. I would suggest that the issue isn't widespread and affects your specific devices. Take your MBP and 5X to an Apple store and let the genius' have a look. They'll likely try connecting up the 5X to another Mac in-store.

0 Z-74 over 7 years ago

Updates should still go through Wi-Fi. I don't think it's a Mac problem... there's people complaining about bad usb cable/connectors and that's probably where the problem is.

+1 maryooshek over 7 years ago

Try this:

1. Before connecting go to Menu->Settings->System->USB Mode and change to Garmin.
2. Connect your watch. Fenix will ask if you would like to use it as a Mass Storage. Say "Yes"
3. After a few seconds, you should see your watch in the Mac
4. If the watch still will be not visible, disconnect, repeat step 1 and in the step 2. choose "No" (as a result your watch should be connected to a Mac in a Garmin mode)
5. Wait 10 seconds, and with the watch connected repeat step 1 but change Garmin to Mass Storage.

It works on my side (PC).

Best Regards,
Mariusz

0 eritola over 4 years ago in reply to maryooshek

That worked, thanks. Odd. My watch was working fine, then started having the issue where the MBP wouldn't recognize it. Well, good now. Thanks.

0 FIferJanis over 2 years ago in reply to maryooshek

The question was for a Macbook Pro though... PC solutions aren't going to work.

0 9814741 over 1 year ago in reply to maryooshek

Worked on my Mac! Thank you!

0 ackolla over 1 year ago

That may be caused by gunk and/or corrosion preventing all the pins to connect correctly. I've had the same issue several times (I own a 5-year-old Fenix 5X) and have always resolved it by gently brushing the connector on the Fenix for a couple of minutes with a toothbrush (an electric one works fine too). The key is to make sure that:

You're brushing with isopropyl alcohol, as this alcohol doesn't harm the metal and plastic parts.
The bristles of the toothbrush are soft.
You switched off the device before cleaning

before cleaning	after cleaning