Fenix 5S Course Sync Issue

Former Member
Former Member
I've just upgraded from a Fenix 3 to a 5S and am having some issues.

Firstly I've tried to upload some courses to my watch in exactly the same way that I did with my 3, from Garmin Connect Mobile on iOS via Bluetooth, but they don't show up on my watch.

Secondly Garmin Connect says that there are sync issues (although helpfully fails to state what) with a red exclamation mark, but I've just checked and an activity does sync to the watch when complete, so this is at least working.

I've also just tried to install the Running Power Connect IQ app, and got a Device Communication Error notification...

Any thoughts or ideas gratefully received.

Richard ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1352878.png
  • I see that you are connected by WIFi, maybe the connection is not good, maybe try with the BT connexion between your phone and the 5S. You can also try by connecting your 5S on your laptop then launch Web Garmin Connect and Garmin Express to load the route and the connect IQ app.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    I assumed that WIFI was simply stated as the 5S has wifi capability, I didn't realise that it meant that it was connected via wifi. I have tried to configure wifi without success - but I simply get the attached screen, the watch says wifi networks found, then goes back to the standard watch face. I can't turn wifi off on the watch, as when I select it, it simply tells me to configure via Garmin Express. Not particularly useful if it's trying to connect via wifi, but won't let me configure wifi!

    However, as it managed to sync an activity after it finished, clearly some BT connection is working....

    I have managed to upload a .FIT file via USB which appeared on the watch, but it's not a very simple or convenient process.

    Any advice appreciated!ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1352978.png
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    The courses do not appear on my watch via BT, hence why I tried using USB, but that adds several more steps to the whole process, hence why I'm keen to sort out the connectivity issue. Sorry if this wasn't clear in my first post :O
  • I dont understand : you talk about a course you want to upload to your watch, I thought it was a GPX file. And after you talk about a FIT file, FIT is a file AFTER an activity. You transfered with USB a FIT file from your laptop to the watch ??? Sorry maybe my english is too bad to understand exactly your issue...
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    A course can be saved as a GPX or FIT, they are interchangeable, but Garmin's seem to like FIT files better. The only way I currently have of uploading courses, or any data it would seem, is via USB, not bluetooth. I am trying to find a solution to the communication issue between phone and watch. The fact that USB works is irrelevant to my issue.