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How are your buttons doing long term?

10001
7 months ago

I have had my Epix (Sapphire, non-pro) since April 2023 and have been using the buttons nearly all the time. I had Fenix 2 and 5 (buttons robust) and never got into touchscreen that much.

The issue that I am now facing is the UP/MENU (left-middle) button "pressed-in" almost completely, has no click and almost no bounce back, making it increasingly difficult to use. Thinking about it, it is likely the button I am using the most, not using touch and having to navigate the menu does that to you.

I have read on this forum that people have been facing button issues previously, some think it is the usage underwater, chlorine, salt etc.
I mostly run, boulder and bike, but have surfed/swam with it on a couple of occasions. The button failure is mechanical and seems to have happened gradually, it lost movement over time.
Have already given the watch multiple baths in soapy/clean water to make sure it has nothing to do with dirt and grime, but that changes nothing. Already contacted Garmin and will run the bath one last time as I was asked by the customer support before starting the RMA process. 

But since my warranty will run out soon after I likely replace my watch, I am now worried that it is just a matter of time before it happens again and then I am left with a generally good watch that I will struggle to interact with, if I can at all.

How are your buttons after long(er) term use, if you are using them?

  • 0 7 months ago

    I've had my 51mm Pro since June 2023. I only ever use the buttons, coming from years of Fenix ownership previously. My buttons are perfect and always have been.

    I never do watersports, so sweat when running is the worst offender for possibly causing trouble. The watch is off my wrist when cycling. Maintenance cleaning is limited to staying on my wrist in the shower.

  • 0 7 months ago

    Epix pro and swimming several times a week in the sea and all good. I believe most of the problems have been with non-pro models. Either way, if you’re having problems Garmin Support is the way forward as you've done.

  • 0 7 months ago

    I also had a button issue this summer with my Epix Sapphire (the white one) after about of two years. I used it in the water only while on holiday in the summer, so maybe during some swims once per year.
    In my case the DOWN button started acting up, either registering no press or multiple presses.
    The watch was replaced, no problem. 
    PS: in my case I had a 3 years extended warranty from the shop from where I bought the watch, and they exchanged it with an Epix Pro. Your warranty/replacement policy may be different.

  • 0 7 months ago

    Still crispy and clicky.  I've had my E2 Non-Pro since the day it came out, almost 3 years now. I do believe others had squishy buttons at launch, but I never had this issue and still going strong.  I did get the Fenix 8 AMOLED and HATE the buttons.  They require much more force to register a press.

  • 0 7 months ago

    For OP original post, I mean, could it happen again with the replacement watch from Garmin?  Perhaps?  But they replaced my Epix 2 non-pro a full year out of warranty with a GPS issue.  I don't think they will abandon you out of warranty.

  • 0 7 months ago

    I just had my one year old Epix Pro replaced for a similar issue. 2 buttons stopped working. They actually *were* working but I had to push extremely hard to get them to respond. It made them useless for things like the flashlight. Bike, rock climb, swim.

    I was 2 months post my 1-year warrantee. Garmin, without any argument, replaced it with a refurbished model. Unfortunately - the same color wasn't available. So that was a bummer.