Fenix 6 Series - 20.50 Public Release

Hello Fenix 6 customers,

20.50 is our public release that will be rolled out in phases starting Monday, February 14th. We’ve posted it here for our forum users who wish to install it immediately. This release is only a version bump from 20.42 - 20.50, so there is no change log between those versions.

Please ensure that you are downloading the correct beta software for your specific device.

Instructions for installation are available below the change log on each of the above pages.

20.50 Full Release Change Log (Since v20.30):

  • Updated the software update process to allow the user to defer the installation. This replaces the automatic install during the user's sleep window.
  • Improved robustness of nightly altitude calibration.
  • Fixed an issue on non-music devices that could cause a disruption of various metrics after being plugged into a computer.
  • Fixed an intermittent issue where the device would freeze when starting a round of golf.
  • Fixed issue that could cause altitude graph to flatline.
  • Fixed issue that would cause device shutdown when editing HIIT data fields.
  • Fixed issue where the device would create empty golf scorecards.
  • Fixed issue where the activity timer could be enabled on the Map-App.

Current beta peripheral software version numbers below. New versions are indicated in red.

GPS: 5.30
Sensor Hub: 11.01
ANT/BLE/BT (Pro models): 6.11** ANT/BLE/BT v6.15 will be rolled out to the public in an upcoming release and is therefore not included in these files. If you have already updated to 6.15 via the 20.42 beta, there is no need to backdate. If you are currently on 6.11, you will need to wait for the next beta release in order to update to 6.15.
ANT/BLE (non-Pro models): 3.00
Wi-Fi (Pro models only): 2.60

Please note, the beta updates released on these forums are not compatible for APAC region devices.

Please send all bug reports to [email protected], and indicate which model of the Fenix 6 Series you have in the subject line.

We know this post states it is a public release, yet the URL states it's a beta.  This is simply a method of delivery for public beta.  We use the same channel and therefore the 'beta' term follows each of these links.  We only note it is a public release so that you are aware it's the version to go live to the public. 

  • It's strange from Garmin, but if you do not encounter any issue with 6.15, you can keep it on your watch.

  • Just in case, I will warn users that the 6.11 component can still be found in the firmware upgrade archive from 13.10 to 14.72Beta.
    But until Garmin clearly comments, it's not clear if when upgrading to 20.50 from version 20.42 it's worth manually rolling back the BT/ANT+/BLE component to version 6.11 or leaving it as version 6.15?

  • If you do a manual upgrade, BLE firm is a separate file, so if you manually upgrade with System file 20.50 no change will be done to the BLE firm.

    If you wait until OTA public upgrade (Gamin Express or Connect), Garmin will not update existing 6.11 BLE firmware because it's the same version.

    After manually update 20.50, with BLE 6.15 installed since 20.42, i connect my F6Pro to Express "BLE" and Connect "USB" without any BLE rollback or prompt to apply 6.11 firmware.

    I never see any direct message regarding BLE over the time during Public upgrade process, other than changelog info.

    At that time Garmin does not force a downgrade to 6.11. Wait & See.

  • Everything you wrote is understandable. but I don't understand the other thing. Why in Garmin were allowed to upgrade the firmware for BT/ANT/BLE from 6.11 to 6.15 with manual upgrade from 20.30 to 20.42, but now, in firmware 20.50 this firmware component is completely absent!
    It turns out that those who are "coming" from 20.30 (or even older firmware) to version 20.50 - they will still have 6.11, and those who previously "rushed" upgrade from 20.30 to 20.42 will be after upgrade to 20.50 use 6.11 for BT/ANT/BLE.
    Why does Garmin allow such confusion in the firmware versions for the modules?

  • There will be no confusion for those that do not test Beta.

    You are a beta tester so you accept the rules, you can downgrade this firmware by yourself if you want.

  • Is it even possible to downgrade the ANT/BLE/BT without wiping the watch completely? 

  • It should because many message in the forum deal with BLE 5.x branch of code versus 6.x branch. they do not report any loss of system configuration downgrading BLE firmware.

    For example : forums.garmin.com/.../

    I have the 6.11 version downloaded for my F6Pro if you want, but maybe the 6.15 need more testing or a new version will be available later.

    But as said we are testing, some things can change without all (expected) explanations. I saw messages here about rollback to 5.x is not possible now.

  • But how can a user perform the downgrade? Through putting the old file in RemoteSW folder? I havent tested myself but have read posts about the RemoteSW folder only support upgrades but that maybe only is for GPS versions? I have the old file but I think I let 6.15 be installed until Garmin eventually tells us to downgrade. Maybe they forgot to add it in this new release.

    EDIT / Saw your link now, good to know that we can downgrade through the RemoteSW folder if we need.

  • I do not encounter any issue with 6.15, or any upgrade of BLE in the past so i do not try by myself.

    I don't think you should downgrade it if it's working, Garmin will force it or provide a higher version if necessary.

    You can reply/ask in the forum under the post that talk about BLE downgrade to obtain any feedback

  • I am sorry but this just illustrates why beta testing for Garmin is utterly pointless and you waste our time.

    You release 20.42 beta last Friday, then an RC a week later. Even if everyone sent in their bug reports on the following Monday for 20.42, are Garmin going to try to tell us with a straight face these were investigated and fixed, tested and run through QA in less than 4 working days?