Connect Fenix 5x to Android smartphone to delete or move files

Former Member
Former Member
Connecting the Fenix 5x to a laptop or desktop is no problem via USB. But what about the connection to a smartphone? It's not about loading activities on Garmin Connect, but about deleting or moving files (especially maps, e.g. custom maps of type .kmz) on the Garmin Fenix 5x. So the smartphone should recognize the Garmin clock like an external drive.
Who has experience and can pass it on?

Thank you

Background information:
As map I mostly use Custommaps. But there is a limitation of the maximum number of possible tiles: 500. If I am on the road for a longer period of time, I have to be able to change the maps. It would be a bit too sporty to carry a laptop with you on a tour lasting several days. That's why it would be appropriate to use a smartphone to take control.
  • ilovegps I have tried connecting my 5+ to my android phone but it does not get recognised as an external storage device - its only a rudimentary test so there may be a way to force it
  • No problems with fenix 5 series. USB-OTG cable required, your phone should support this cable also. After connection system asks for type of connection. Open Google file manager and copy/delete whatever you want.

    Fenix 5 Plus series cannot do this. These devices enter MTP mode only. However, Garmin decided to restrict this mode to Windows only and do not support other platforms. That is "by design" feature and will not be changed.
  • As an interesting by product - connecting to the phone really screwed up the battery usage stats - before the connectioj I had about 5 days up time now I have 18 + days whereas 1st thing this morning it was 16 days !!
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    Thank you so much for your help.

    The following combination works fine
    - GARMIN Fenix 5x
    - HAMA USB 2.0 OTG Adapter and HAMA Micro USB OTG Adapter Cable
    - SAMSUNG Tablet Galaxy Tab S2 and SAMSUNG Smartphone Galaxy J3

    I use as file manager: "ES File Explorer".