Unable to reset

My Instinct started to alternate between the Garmin screen with the triangle in the upper right, this would be the normal watch face when the watch is first turned on, and a white screen.

I tried to reset the watch with the Master reset and the Secondary reset but both were unsuccessful.

I can turn the watch off and on but that's it.

0 trux over 5 years ago

If you are absolutely sure that you did the master reset correctly following the official instructions, and it did not work with either of the two methods, then it looks like the time for getting a new watch.

You could perhpas try the Fenix-style master reset - on the website they claim it is for Fenix and Instinct, and I already saw this type of reset recommended for Instinct somewhere else too, but never tested it, so I cannot guarantee it really works: https://www.gundogsupply.com/fenix-master-reset.html

And there is yet another reset method I saw for Garmin Descent MK1, so it is even less likely to work with Instinct, but when nothing works, then it may be perhpas worth of trying too: https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/descent-mk1/184140/device-not-charging/931699#931699

0 7423480 over 5 years ago in reply to trux

Thanks for your reply Trux. I did try the Master and Secondary resets a couple of times without any success. I did try the Fenix reset without any success either. Unfortunately I would have to agree with you, I will need a new watch. This is very disappointing. My daughter bought me that watch for Christmas. It worked fine out of the box but as soon as I used the Garmin Connect software on my laptop it crapped out. A friend who has an Instinct convinced me to try the Connect on my phone and it fixed the watch. The next day is when this current condition developed. I don't want to give up on the watch but nothing is working to fix it.

Thanks again for your help, Trux.

0 trux over 5 years ago in reply to 7423480

I edited my original post a few minutes after sending it, so have a look at the last paragraph with the MK1 reset, perhaps it can help.

Also - when you plug in the USB cable, can you access the folders on the watch in file explorer?

0 7423480 over 5 years ago in reply to trux

I did try the MK1 reset but it didn't work.

When I plugged in the charging cable my laptop made a notification sound but nothing opened up on my laptop.

I did try to connect to the watch from my phone but my phone couldn't find the watch

0 6619804 over 5 years ago in reply to 7423480

Just for sure - did you THIS "Secondary Master Reset"

https://support.garmin.com/ms-MY/?faq=OkQ0pbsjum027l0E0QGR48

where the "Start button" should be "GPS button" ?

I had the same problem twice and I have the 3rd Instinct watch. It was caused by harmful course file. I did not know this "Secondary Master Reset" before and I would like to test it - download the harmful course file again and try this reset. But if it did not work, I will have to wait another few weeks for the 4th new Instinct...

0 7423480 over 5 years ago in reply to 6619804

I did try the Secondary Reset, a couple of times. The most recent attempt was this weekend. Nothing is working for me

0 6619804 over 5 years ago in reply to 7423480

Today I found - after many attempts - that after the Secondary Reset it is necessary simply wait for 3 minutes. Then Instinct offer a language, etc.

0 7423480 over 5 years ago in reply to 6619804

Thanks! It's worth a try!

0 7423480 over 5 years ago in reply to 6619804

Well I tried, but still nothing. I did plug the charging cable into my laptop with the watch connected, but it didn't show up on the laptop. I think the watch is just an expensive paper weight. I'll never buy a Garmin watch again.

0 trux over 5 years ago in reply to 7423480

Why don't you apply the warranty, and do not request a replacement? Seeing that Instinct was first released at the end of 2018, there is a good chance it is still under warranty. And if you are in Europe, it is certain, since the 2 years warranty for electronics is mandatory in EU. Not sure about your country, but you can contact Garmin anyway - sometimes they replace faulty devices even after the warranty period.

https://support.garmin.com/?faq=tCaD277YAn08GTNzP4OraA