Fenix 8 - Respiration data wrong since software Update in Feb

This shows longterm data of a Fenix-8 from beginning of Feb till eof Feb

With the software update around mid of Feb the Resp Data changed dramatically:
- much higher variance now
- measuring higher respiration values

The same can be seen on other devices, for example a VivoActive 5

Top Replies

Garmin-Laurie 8 months ago in reply to h-OS +1 verified

Update April 9, 2025:

Our engineers have indicated they are aware of a change in respiration rate with the most recent software update. They are indicating this is by design. A March 2025 software update…
Bitti 8 months ago in reply to Garmin-Laurie +4

Garmin-Laurie I've noticed the same change on my Forerunner 965 (when firmware changed from 20.32 to 22.12). However, the change has definitely not increased accuracy. Before the change all my 4:4:4:4…
7791542 8 months ago in reply to xyan +1

it´s connected to a firmware update.
3304969 8 months ago +1

You can clearly see that the update caused the issue. I hope Garmin engineers are seeing the same thing because they keep saying "within expected ranges". So frustrating. If they just look at…

All Replies

0 xyan 8 months ago

https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-8-series/405245/2x-respiration-rate-since-feb-18-2025

I doubt it will be addressed though. It looks as some update in the backend services or some common OHR module? Since also my FR965 does it and the Fenix 8.

0 7791542 8 months ago in reply to xyan

it´s connected to a firmware update.

0 3304969 8 months ago

You can clearly see that the update caused the issue. I hope Garmin engineers are seeing the same thing because they keep saying "within expected ranges". So frustrating. If they just look at history prior to update and then after it is clear to see.

0 h-OS 8 months ago in reply to 3304969

Within expecting range ? Sorry, engineering is not woo woo. Breathing rate is Either it is accurate or off. No such thing as within expecting range. Garmin seems to turn into a low quality toy company. We here are kind Garmin lovers, or else when this screw up shows in public media, it will be bad for Garmin.

+1 Garmin-Laurie 8 months ago in reply to h-OS

Update April 9, 2025:

Our engineers have indicated they are aware of a change in respiration rate with the most recent software update. They are indicating this is by design. A March 2025 software update improved the responsiveness and accuracy of the respiration rate feature. This may result in more variability (higher and lower respiration rates) compared to the previous software version.

Using the Respiration Rate Feature on My Garmin Watch

0 h-OS 8 months ago in reply to Garmin-Laurie

One YouTube is better than 100000 words

youtu.be/XnESfRWkP9o

0 mcbit 8 months ago in reply to Garmin-Laurie

https://internalsupport.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=2yEgS0Pax53UDqUH7q4WC6&productID=886725&searchQuery=respiration&tab=topics

Access blocked to this link.

0 David Richards 8 months ago in reply to mcbit

Try https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=2yEgS0Pax53UDqUH7q4WC6&productID=886725&searchQuery=respiration&tab=topics

0 mcbit 8 months ago in reply to David Richards

Thanks that worked

0 Bitti 8 months ago in reply to Garmin-Laurie

Garmin-Laurie I've noticed the same change on my Forerunner 965 (when firmware changed from 20.32 to 22.12). However, the change has definitely not increased accuracy. Before the change all my 4:4:4:4 breathwork activities have correctlly shown respiration rate of 4 (which is very close, considering that one breathing cycle lasts for 16 seconds). After the firmware update similar breatwork activities show a respiration rate around 6-8, which is 1.5 - 2 times the correct rate.