Fenix 7 Pro SS buttons stopped working after 2 sea swims

So mu second Fenix 7 Pro SS broke after 2 sea swims (my first one broke also after a sea swim, even though I regularly rinsed it with fresh water.. got it exchanged for the new one). I had it for 3 weeks only..

Does this happen with all Fenix 7 Pro watches, or am I just really unlucky?

Should I consider switching to a different watch/brand? I need my watch for swimming, running and biking.

Top Replies

Garmin-Laurie 10 months ago in reply to Marek +0 verified
Hello 9661779

I am sorry to hear you are having trouble with the button. It is true, cleaning the buttons can help with this. Garmin would recommend using these steps for cleaning the buttons:
1. Submerge…
9661779 9 months ago +3 suggested

Update: got my 4th F7 Pro SS. It broke after 5 swims. Up/Menu button stopped working.

I feel like this series of fenix watches just isn't for sea swims... I also feel like *** and very much scammed out…
PhiPhi 9 months ago +2

Same first signs with back button on my second Fenix 7 changed last September 2023 after 8 months of use.

I have a feeling that at the end of summer I will have to return it again...
9299710 6 days ago in reply to 9661779 +2

hey, did your 6th watch last longer for your? or you are still in the loop?

All Replies

0 Vizi 10 months ago

It does not happen with all watches, some people do not have such problems, but it did happen with quite a few Fenix 7 and Epix watches. Some people replaced watches several times and it kept happening agaib. One or few buttons stopped working and watch needed to be replaced. This was usually for Fenix 7 and Epix (non-pro versions). Fewer people had exactly same issue with Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro.

I do not think that you are unlucky, I think that bad button design and/or manufacturing in Fenix 7 and Epix watches persists in pro versions as well.

You should try to replace the watch and try new one. If same thing happens, it is clear that this is not watch that can withstand your activities (although it should, swimming is supposedly supported).

0 Marek 10 months ago

1 you can try to rince in warm clean water for few minutes and after shake out water if it doesn't help
contact Garmin support

I had the same with my Fenix on last week of my diving holiday when I had 3 dives from both so didn't have shover I mean time

but as watch was still on guarantee Garmin replace it for me

+1 Garmin-Laurie 10 months ago in reply to Marek

Hello 9661779

I am sorry to hear you are having trouble with the button. It is true, cleaning the buttons can help with this. Garmin would recommend using these steps for cleaning the buttons:

Submerge the watch in warm/clean water for 10 minutes.
Remove the watch from the watch.
Press the buttons repeatedly.

If there is no change, the device may need to be replaced. For this, you will want to contact Garmin Product Support.

0 sandiegosteve 10 months ago

Work with support. I went through 3 F7's averaging about 8 days before they died. Support is great. Now I'm on a F7 Pro (forget exact model, has solar and safire), and it has lasted 6 months so I think I'm in the clear. I have had it under a wetsuit while in the ocean.

0 Dr Phil 10 months ago in reply to sandiegosteve

sandiegosteve said:
I have had it under a wetsuit while in the ocean.

FWIW I wear mine over the wetsuit and have not experienced any problems with the F7Pro buttons swimming several times a week in the sea or pool.

0 9661779 10 months ago

Thank you all for replying. I'm definitely going to my local support (when I get home) and asking for a replacement. I've tried the 10 minute submerge in water tip a couple of times during the last week, but no cookie.. Hopefully my next F7Pro will be my last one.

0 9661779 9 months ago

Update: got my 4th F7 Pro SS. It broke after 5 swims. Up/Menu button stopped working.

I feel like this series of fenix watches just isn't for sea swims... I also feel like *** and very much scammed out of my money.

Will continue this thread if I get a 5th watch.

0 9661779 9 months ago in reply to sandiegosteve

How do you clean your watch after sea swimming?

0 2529455 9 months ago in reply to 9661779

I take mine in the shower with me, soap it up and click the buttons a few times whilst the water is running over it. This dislodges the salt and grit which can get in behind the buttons.

0 9661779 9 months ago in reply to 2529455

And this is with F7 Pro?