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Feature request: use USB or BT for anything WIFI related

duksomi
10 months ago

Since there obviously will not be a fix till the end of this century, I have the suggestion to just implement (optional) using the USB or BT connection for anything that you would normally require WIFI. Of course it would be a bummer to not use a function that you paid for. But right now, you cannot use WIFI AND anything that is related to WIFI like music. So it would be an improvement to be at least able to download music again.

Another suggestion would be, to just delete all the crappy versions like 17.xx and 18.xx and start again with some 16.xx firmware (which did not have any issues with WIFI) and maybe do a better job this time with updating this version without destroying a pretty important functionality for many people.

Of course this is more like joke, but seriously. If you are not able to fix the WIFI issue within a quarter, maybe try another approach.

But I like the 16.22 FW... no issues I know of. And as long as I don't watch the changelog or youtube videos about it, I don't know what I miss with the updates. Well, I know one thing that I am missing... LOSING MY WIFI FUNCTIONALITY!!! It's just not worth it.

Everybody have a good day. Just needed to release myself. Thanks for understanding.

  • 0 10 months ago in reply to KrapfenKringel

    The thing is... it works with 16.22 on which I am currently backdated to. So, how should my network at home or my iphone hotspot be the issue, but every other device of mine and friends and family have not issue with either network. And I tried it with not only those two networks.

    So, I am pretty sure, that you're right, that there is not really a problem at my end. 

  • 0 10 months ago in reply to duksomi
    duksomi said:
    The thing is... it works with 16.22 on which I am currently backdated to. So, how should my network at home or my iphone hotspot be the issue

    Well, hard to tell without having the access to your watch and to the AP, but since apparently Wi-Fi works fine for most people with the recent firmware, there is some incompatibility problem either with the watch or with the router anyway. Could be that v16 was more tolerant, but it is apparent that the current firmware does work for most people, hence it means you can get it working with that version too - either on a different AP, or with a different watch.

  • 0 10 months ago in reply to trux

    I guess I'll buy a bunch of iPhones, APs and Garmin Watches and test it out and keep the devices that like each other and are willing to cooperate Stuck out tongue winking eye

    Just kidding... yeah, I will evaluate the options I have or just never think about an update and just be happy on 16.22

    At least it is not a security issue like with other devices, if you dismiss updates.

    Anyways, thanks for the suggestions.

  • 0 10 months ago in reply to duksomi
    duksomi said:
    I guess I'll buy a bunch of iPhones, APs and Garmin Watches and test it out and keep the devices that like each other and are willing to cooperate

    No need to buy anything. Wi-Fi access points are available on every corner. You can also create a bunch of them with hardware you already have - old routers, wifi hotspots with your phones, tablets, computers or those of your friends or family, public APs, etc. If you test a number of APs without success, then I'd definitely ask for a replacement watch, and test it again.

    Of course, you have the full right to refuse any testing. I am just trying to help you, in the case you are willing to find the solution, but if you just came here to vent your frustration, do not care about fixing it yourself, and do not want any advices, I am fine with it.

    And if you want, post the technical data of your Wi-Fi router, and its settings (brand, model, firmware version, band & protocol used, screenshots of the configuration and status pages,...). Perhaps we can spot something suspicious.

  • 0 10 months ago in reply to trux

    ... BTW, one of possible reasons why the Wi-Fi did not work after the firmware update is that the appropriate firmware component for wireless communication was not yet loaded. Firmware comes in several parts, and it can happen that all parts are not loaded in the same time. In case of any problems after an update, the first thing to do is connecting the watch over the USB cable to a computer with Garmin Express, and to check for updates with it. If any firmware components are still missing, they will be uploaded to the watch and installed.

    Once installed, hard-reset the watch - sync, then press the Light button for some 30s till it completely shuts down (hold the button through the emergency alert, if it comes), wait little bit, and then restart. No worry, no data or settings will be lost with it. [more details]. 

    In case of problems, it also wise to check the version of all components in the System » About menu of the watch. Specifically, the Wireless component at diverse main firmware versions should be as follows. In case the versions do not match, the proper functionality is not assured.

    • v16.22 » Wireless v28.09
    • v18.16 » Wireless v28.17
    • v19.21 » Wireless v28.19

    (full details are posted on the Beta Program forum, like for example here for the recent v19.21: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/387604/beta-version-19-21---check-for-updates-only)