My Fenix 8 AMOLED firmware bricked

Max P 9 months ago

Well this is a shame. Got my fenix 8 in the mail tonight but after an initially promising setup with Garmin Connect on iOS it lost connection with my phone and wouldn't reconnect automatically. I tried connecting to Garmin Express where it was recognized but wasn't able to do anything besides update maps. It seems like I got sent a bricked software update the watch prompted me to execute and now it's not connecting to wifi nor reading Bluetooth. I've reset all factory settings and data, and tried the trick to press light button eight times on the about screen only to see a "Save RAM Region" option but no firmware reset. Any ideas here or is Support going to have to send me a totally new software flash? Can't find any downloads.

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0 Dr Phil 9 months ago

Shutdown the watch.

Press top left then immediately press and hold top and bottom right.
On first beep release top right.
On second beep release bottom right.

See how that goes. If you still have problems contact Garmin Support.

0 bluefish 9 months ago

you will want to try (re)installing this using Garmin Express.

Connect the watch with a computer
Launch Garmin Express
Add the device
Click on Tools and Content
Click on the Utilities tab
Select Additional Updates
If the WIFI version is available, select to install this
Disconnect the device and allow the update to install

If this doesn‘t help, contact Garmin Product Support

0 Max P 9 months ago in reply to Dr Phil

Same outcome with the hardware button procedure

0 Max P 9 months ago in reply to bluefish

I went to utilities in garmin express when plugged in and found no additional updates to download

0 take-c.rc51 9 months ago

I experienced the same issue. Following the instructions from support, I sent the device to the repair center, and it was replaced

0 2023526 9 months ago in reply to Dr Phil

I followed your instruction but my watch booted as normal. Could you pls help recheck the button press sequence?

0 bluefish 9 months ago in reply to 2023526

2023526 said:
Could you pls help recheck the button press sequence?

How to Reset My Garmin Outdoor Watch

..“

Unprompted Reset

This reset will clear all settings, user profile, records, activity history, Connect IQ content, and other data.

It is recommended to read the steps in full below before performing them.

Ensure the watch is powered off.
- You may need to hold LIGHT for up to 30 seconds to turn the watch off.
Press and hold BACK and START/STOP.
Press LIGHT to power the watch on while holding these two buttons.
After the first beep release START/STOP.
After the second beep release the remaining buttons.

The reset is successful if the watch finishes powering up and goes through initial setup. Try the steps again if initial setup does not appear. Following the reset, place the watch outside with a clear view of the sky for a minimum of 20 minutes to acquire satellite data.“…

https://support.garmin.com/en-GB/?faq=wxPmdnWsev1xGRUf58oDC8&searchQuery=reset%20outdoor%20uhr

0 zombiemonkey 9 months ago

I have also encountered the same problem. How can I solve it?

0 take-c.rc51 9 months ago in reply to zombiemonkey

In my case, according to the response from support, the issue was with the Bluetooth module, and it was a problem that could not be resolved through firmware or software updates.　It was replaced with a new one.

0 bluefish 9 months ago in reply to take-c.rc51

take-c.rc51 said:
the issue was with the Bluetooth module, and it was a problem that could not be resolved through firmware or software updates

The problem here first occurred at the same time as a software update :

Max P said:
It seems like I got sent a bricked software update the watch prompted me to execute and now it's not connecting to wifi nor reading Bluetooth.

Was it the same for you?