Watch loses Bluetooth connectivity

Former Member over 4 years ago

I apologise I am sure this issue has happened before but this is really bugging me!

My watch will no longer sync with my phone automatically - I have to open the Garmin Connect app and then it will sync over my data. Also, no notifications will send over from my phone to the watch either - even when the watch/app say they are connected. I have literally tried everything apart from factory resetting my phone (OnePlus 5T), which I would prefer not to do but I am getting to a point where I may have to do it. Any ideas when the newest version of watch firmware will come about (hoping this might help)? Also, very open to suggestions outside of: (1) forgetting/reconnecting watch Bluetooth, (2) factory resetting watch via system menu, (3) reverting back to the old firmware (13.51 tried but did not resolve issue), and (4) reinstalling Garmin connect app and re-adding the device.

I should mention that I always get that Connect Sync Service notification that will not swipe away and I routinely get the (Android permissions needed for notifications - restart your phone...), which I do but it never helps and the issues still persist. To the best of my knowledge I have tried to setup the Garmin app to run unimpeded on my phone. It just makes me think it is a watch firmware issue because the newest version 14.10 came out about when I have noticed this issue.

It's such a shame because when I bought this watch 6 months ago it worked flawlessly but this just makes me wish I upgraded to the sapphire glass version so I'd have WiFi connectivity to rely on for connectivity instead. FYI every other aspect of this watch is working and I still really love it but I really started relying on my smart notifications to my watch!

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0 Doktorko over 4 years ago

It looks you did what you should, like factory reset, reinstalling Garmin connect app etc.

What can still help and I would propose to check is: Make the app as an exception from battery saving. Try to install lower version of Garmin connect via APK - try the one available when you bought watch which worked. Version history is i.e. here: https://www.apk4fun.com/history/140867/

I do not think this should be caused by watch firmware.

0 Doktorko over 4 years ago

Just to add - I used to have Samsung 2017 A3 mobile in the past and after phone updated to new firmware - higher android version, my watch 5X stopped to synchronize at all, neither manually, was impossible to pair it. Luckily I have saphir glass model, so I utilized WiFi over 2 months, until Garmin fixed it in new version of Connect app. So another suspicious may be phone update in your case - was there any recently?

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Doktorko

I thought I would quickly update on this issue. The new 14.20 firmware update solved my Bluetooth connectivity issue. It has been about a week on this update, and my watch has been stable and is now working normally as it should be. I imagine I was not the only one with the issue from 14.10 because it did not seem to last long before a new update was released. Either way, glad to have my watch back in proper working order. I really do like this watch!

0 Doktorko over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

would not believe, watch firware was last suspicious for me, anyway, I am happy your issue is resolved.

0 5928330 over 4 years ago in reply to Doktorko

I have the OnePlus 5 and Version 14.20 and still loses Bluetooth and no notification!

Any solutions out there? Thanks.

0 marrr over 4 years ago in reply to 5928330

On my 7t i had to make an exception in battery optimation, and it also had som querky setting that turned off Bluetooth when phone was in dnd/sleeping mode.

0 Doktorko over 4 years ago in reply to 5928330

agree with marrr, first check this settings, should help, let us know.

0 1011610 over 4 years ago

Garmin’s workaround doesn’t work for all. I came across a Garmin video explaining in detail that Bluetooth issues could be solved by unpairing the device, cleaning Bluetooth data and cache, and then re-pairing. While this worked for some Decks Contractor, it didn’t for me.

0 4565111 over 4 years ago in reply to Doktorko

I noticed that the disconnection occurs only when I close the Wear OS App. Yesterday I tried not to close it for a full day and I never got disconnected. Basically, when using the button or gesture to see Air Conditioning Installation all opened apps, don't use the "close all" button.

+1 cfimarco over 3 years ago

Fenix 6 it’s a great watch in paper, in reality the glitches are really annoying if you are really into the smart watches / sport watches. The GPS accuracy and tracks sucks, the Bluetooth connectivity sucks, not to mention minor things like weather widget update, Garmin Connect outage and so on.
As for the GPS I use a Stryd Footpod, I’m sick and tired of the F6’s lack of accuracy and horrible tracks... As for the Bluetooth the only one quick way to get rid of the problem (on iOS) is going to settings > Bluetooth > my devices and “Forget this device” (the Fenix 6) then the Fenix 6 will appear available device, on the watch it will appear a pairing six digits number to be keyed on the phone and you are back in business. (Why don’t I have to do it with the Polar Grit X who is alway connected? I don’t know..)