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Advice to new buyers. And possibly existing buyers who have not updated to 4.1 or 4.11.

DCeremuga
over 5 years ago

I encourage others to contribute or post corrections!

The initial software, 2.30 that comes with the watch is very stable, but lacking some important features.  The following "Official" version was 3.00.  3.00 was and still is probably the best software release I've used on a Garmin Watch.  I have yet to have a glitch with it and all of my Apple Devices (iPhone X, AirPods, AirPods 2), my running gear (Garmin Running Dynamics Pod, Garmin Food Pod, Runscribe+, Scosche Rythme+) all work great and at the same time.   So here are some things to consider.

  1. Turn off auto updates (under the system menu).
  2. If your watch is running 2.3, consider downloading the 3.0 update and manually installing it.  There is an reputable site that allows the downloading of all firmwares for all Garmin Watches, but I will not post the link.  Google is your friend.  You will be doing this completely at your own risk.  Basically you just rename the file to GUPDATE and put it in your GARMIN folder on the watch, reboot the watch.
  3. IF you get prompted to install the 4.10 update after connecting to Garmin Express, because it WILL download it onto your watch, just hit your back key a few times to get out of it.  The back key is your bottom right side button.   Then you should make sure Garmin Express is NOT running in the background and connect your watch to the PC.  Then manually browse the folders on the watch.  In the GARMIN folder you will see the GUPDATE file.  Just delete it.  That is the 4.10 trying to install.
  4. Run with the Stock watch faces.  I love some of the 3rd party ones, but I'm not convinced they aren't a contributor to some of the problems we see.  Until we get a new stable firmware/software release, I'm sticking with the stock watch faces.
  5. Don't be concerned with the battery life so much.  the Pulse OX is a battery killer.   I don't think it's helpful for every day use to be on all of the time, but it is very helpful to look at after you sleep.  Sleep Apnea is a major problem and this is one of the few watches that can monitor your SPO2 through the night and spot a desaturation.
  6. If your screen seems washed out, blue'ish all the time, return and replace your watch.  This isn't normal.  There should be a tint of blue with the backlight on, but it shouldn't wash out the information.  You can see some examples from other threads on the forum.

Wonderful watch, enjoy it.  Coming from an AW5, I miss being able to respond and interact with my phone, but in some ways it's nice.   I will say that I do use a belt clip and wear my AW5 on it when I go out and about.  I have just about everything turned off but the watch face, texts, phone and cellular.  It's my lifeline "just in case".

Thanks!

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  • 0 over 5 years ago

    I agree with switching to 'stock' watch faces when debugging problems.  Also remove any CIQ custom fields on data screens.

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    I am assuming on a Mac you need to run Android File Transfer to browse files on the watch?

  • 0 over 5 years ago
    DCeremuga said:
    Don't be concerned with the battery life so much.  the Pulse OX is a battery killer.   I don't think it's helpful for every day use to be on all of the time, but it is very helpful to look at after you sleep.  Sleep Apnea is a major problem and this is one of the few watches that can monitor your SPO2 through the night and spot a desaturation.

    Indeed. Here is what I recommend for PulseOX:

    All-day PulseOX: Useful if you've traveled to a much higher elevation, and want to track how your body is acclimating. That is literally the only time you should use this setting, and after your body is acclimated, it serves no purpose anymore and you can turn it off.

    Sleep PulseOX: I'd always recommend using this for a few weeks, just to give you an idea of your sleep quality. But unless you suffer from serious sleeping issues, you probably don't need to use it 365 days a year. I used it for a few weeks while I experimented with sleeping positions to see which ones were giving me the best oxygen saturation, and once I figured that out, I turned if off entirely. If I start having sleep issues again, I'll turn it back on for a few weeks again.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to C.sco

    Exactly what I do.  all-day off.  Sleep on.  I get fantastic battery life, even running it all night.   I'm probably going to turn it off since I don't drop below 97% at night.  Slight smile

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 5 years ago

    If they dont' t find a solution soon , i Will return my watch , if everyone do the same maybe Garmin put a solution soon , I can' t understand how is possible an expensive watch doesn't work well , Samsung or Sunnto have good watches too. Maybe Garmin thinking that the money is free for everyone , one watch of this tipe and price  can' t fail so much.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 5 years ago

    Tengo un fénix 6 x zafire y el volumen  no lo puedo controlar desde el reloj , todo el mundo que tiene el mismo reloj se queja de lo mismo , el servicio dice que está intentando arreglarlo pero sigue fallando , la gente ha instalado las versiones beta pero sigue fallando o se le estropea otra cosa , en cuanto a Garmin pay , al menos en España está muy limitado en cuanto a los bancos con los que puedes pagar , si llego a saber estás cosas antes de comprarlo , no lo hubiera comprado , estoy decepcionado con el reloj , estoy pensando en devolverlo , no entiendo cómo un reloj de alta gama o que dice ser el mejor en su categoría da estos fallos . El que este este pensando en comprarlo yo le recomiendo que no lo haga , por lo menos hasta que solucionen todos los problemas que da.