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Stuck in boot loop / Triangle of Death

Martin
4 months ago

My Descent M3i went into boot loop today when I tried to start a running activity.

I have tried to turn in off and on (hold the Light button) - this goes back to boot loop.

I have tried to reset (hold the the Light button to turn off, then hold Start and Back and turn on, release the Start after first beep release Back after second beep) - this does not work, I don't get even the first beep just more of the triangle.

I understand from other forums there is a worldwide issue on several watch models today. I am creating this thread to keep as placeholder specifically on the Descent Mk3i forum.

  • 0 4 months ago in reply to Le-Chamoix
    Le-Chamoix said:
    It is a problem with a faulty GPE file. Fenix/Epix series can be fixed without hard reset. - Connect the watch to the computer - Hard power down the watch by holding the light/power key for ~30 seconds. - Press light/power key once and immediately press the start/stop key. Hold start/stop key for 30 seconds - Check the computer to see if the device mounted - In the Garmin/RemoteSW/ directory, delete the GPE.bin file - Disconnect the watch from the computer. Do not connect the watch to the phone until Garmin has repaired the GPE.bin file!!!

    Thanks a lot! You save my date! This works perfect! Shame on Garmin Support who doesn't know today at 12:22 !

  • 0 4 months ago

    I followed the steps listed here and my one note for you guys who are still working on it is be patient it will take a bit of time. I as using my mcbook so I fixed the issue using garmin express. I want to give a big shout out to the community who, you guys rock. As for garmin and their support u guys are an absolute disgrace

  • 0 4 months ago in reply to AlbanLB

    This FINALLY WORKED for ME AS WELL!!! Thank you!! You guys ROCK!!!

  • 0 4 months ago

    I never thought it was going to work! Was trying different things over 3 hours. What finally worked was a windows 10 with new install of garmin express and multiple attempts to hold the START button for 10 seconds after the Blue Triangle would appear. would continue to hear the new windows device found beep, but what it worked is when the windows disconnect beep sounded and finally Garmin Express saw the mk3. Thank you everyone for post.

  • 0 4 months ago

    It WORK !

    • It was detect by sound but without Ani storage location!
    • Solution, after the "connection sound" while pressing start button and no function "press several time one start button quickly! 
    • Backgroup computer use Garmin express searching

    Good luck it took me 3h...

  • 0 4 months ago

    I wonder about the following.

    My last GPS activity was a couple of days ago and everything worked normally.I haven't experienced yet any problems.

    Should I delete the faulty file as a precaution before my tomorrow's activity or not ?

    UPDATE.

    I don't seem to have a GPE.bin file in my watch

  • 0 4 months ago in reply to Johnkokk

    You are lucky. 
    My last activity with GPS was Monday afternoon and my watch was affected. 
    IT looks doesn’t matter how often you do activities with GPS, satellites location file will be pushed to the watch randomly. 

  • +1 4 months ago in reply to Adam-1972

    Updated January 30, 2025:

    I am sorry to hear you are having trouble with the watch. 

    We are aware of an issue that may cause the watch to be stuck in a boot loop. Our engineers are working on a solution for this. In the mean time, you can try these steps to get the watch working again:

    Windows:

      1. These steps will require the following to complete:
        You will need to install Garmin Express to your computer.
        Power/data cable for your watch.
        Open Garmin Express on your computer.

      2. Connect Descent Mk3i to computer.

      3. Wait for the watch to reboot and immediately press and hold the start/stop key when you see the blue triangle.

      4. Continue to hold the start/stop button for 10 seconds then release the button.

      5. Wait 30 seconds for Garmin Express to find the device.

      6. From the computer locate the Garmin drive and select the Garmin folder.

      7. Locate the RemoteSW folder and delete the contents inside the folder.

      8. Disconnect the watch from the computer.

    For Mac users:

     

    For a device to enter MTP mode users would need a plug-in like:  https://openmtp.ganeshrvel.com/

    Specific steps on mounting the F7/Epix Pro:

     

    1. Open Garmin Express on your computer.

    2. Connect Descent Mk3i to computer.

    3. Wait for the watch to reboot and immediately press and hold the start/stop key when you see the blue triangle.

    4. Continue to hold the start/stop button for 10 seconds then release the button.

    5. Wait 30 seconds for Garmin Express to find the device.

    6. Once the watch is recognized, you will need to force quit Garmin Express

    7. Select Apple Menu>Force Quit>Garmin Express>Force Quit

    8. Locate the Garmin folder in the OpenMTP program. If you do not see the folder, try selecting the refresh option in the program.

    9. Within the Garmin folder locate the RemoteSW folder.

    10. Delete any .bin files located inside the RemoteSW folder.

    11. Disconnect the watch from the computer.

    12. The watch should reboot and start up normally. We suggest that you now sync your watch with either the Garmin Connect app, or Garmin Express.

    If these steps do not resolve this issue, please contact Garmin Product support. 

  • 0 4 months ago in reply to Garmin-Laurie

    I have a descent mk3i and all the tests done so far were unsuccessful.  My watch still shows the blue death triangule

  • 0 4 months ago in reply to 5169073
    5169073 said:
    I have a descent mk3i and all the tests done so far were unsuccessful.  My watch still shows the blue death triangule

    If you have tried all of the steps above in their entirety, and are still having this issue, I would recommend contacting Garmin Support. This will allow them to collect specific details of your experience, to see a solution can be found.