fēnix 8 Series - Recent Threads

RE: Fenix 8 Amoled 51mm disapeared power on animation

5237614 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:58:02 GMT

Any Fenix 8 owners receive 21.40 yet? is it even released..

Fenix 8 Amoled 51mm disapeared power on animation

6849825 — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:05:42 GMT

After the update on 21.25 disappeared power on animation (blue triangle and animation topo Fenix 8). When I turn on the clock, the screen doesn't display anything. After a time, is turned on watchface. Reset settings does not help. What can I do?

RE: Fenix 8 Amoled 51mm disapeared power on animation

PGyuri — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:34:43 GMT

Good news! I have a Fenix E watch (as I mentioned here before), but the problem was also present on it. It was just updated to version 21.40 and everything is fine. The boot animation is back and the watch starts / restarts normally.

RE: wrong voice on Iphone using Garmin Fenix 8 pro navigation

Edwin — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:34:32 GMT

The solution is like Garmin KD mentioned;

1: Change the voice by changing on IOS (iPhone) Settings —> Accessibility —> Read and Speak —> Voices —> choose Voice

2: restart your iPhone

This is tested with IOS 26.5 (beta), and Garmin software version 21.39

wrong voice on Iphone using Garmin Fenix 8 pro navigation

Edwin — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:55:32 GMT

Dear support,

I configured on my Garmin Fenix 8 pro a dutch woman voice. If I adjust to use the voice on my watch I got a womans voice, but if I configure to use my Iphone I got a dutch mens voice. What do I have to do to get a womans voice on my Iphone (IOS 26.4)?
The default voice on my Iphone is a womans dutch voice.

kind regards,

Edwin

Need a way to turn off adaptive (auto) brightness

Horgh — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:32:10 GMT

Dear Garmin,

The Fenix 8 43mm AMOLED is extremely hard to read in dark rooms and/or at night due to the adaptive brightness. That "feature" dims the display in dark environments to the point where older eyes can't read it. In brighter environments it is easy to read, and I can readily reproduce the problem if I turn the display on while my hand is covering the watch. It is absolutely the light sensor that's driving this behavior.

This is NOT an issue with my brightness setting, that's already set to maximum.

This is NOT an issue with night/sleep mode, the problem exists during the day.

This is NOT a problem with my watch face, I'm using one of the default faces.

This IS a problem with the firmware and the fact that there is no way to disable adaptive brightness. This oversight (or terrible design choice) is ruining an otherwise great watch for many of us.

Fix it.

RE: Need a way to turn off adaptive (auto) brightness

Iant.. — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:22:46 GMT

This thread will still be going in 3 years and Garmin won't have done anything, it's been 15 months now lol.

Ongoing Software Issues – Considering Return

9764157 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:21:19 GMT

I’ve been following Garmin for years, but only recently decided to buy one. Unfortunately, I’ve had to return it multiple times. The hardware is not the issue—it’s largely as expected. The problem is the software, which has been extremely disappointing. I chose Garmin because I like the MIP color display and solar charging, and the Garmin Fenix 8( I bought tactix 8) series with its microphone, speaker, and inductive buttons really appealed to me. What I don’t understand is how a company of this size, now on its eighth-generation product, can still have software in this state.

Below, I will go through the issues I’ve encountered one by one. I can’t comment on the accuracy of activity tracking, but most of the problems I’ve faced are frustrating software bugs.

1. Garmin Connect app management can trigger a watch reboot
In the Garmin Connect app, users can manage which apps appear in the watch’s app list. If I attempt to enable all available apps, the watch consistently reboots when I tap the “+” icon on the last app.

I have already contacted customer support and provided video evidence. I was told someone would follow up, but I never received any response. This issue still persists on firmware version 21.39.

2. “Trolling Motor” app does not appear correctly
I do not actively use the trolling motor app, but I noticed inconsistent behavior. When entering edit mode in the app list, the “Trolling Motor” app appears. However, after confirming the changes, it does not show up in the actual app list.

I am unsure whether this is related to the issue described above.

3. Bluetooth calling and audio crackling
There are noticeable crackling and distortion sounds, especially right after a call connects. Occasionally, this also happens during calls.

Based on reports from other users, this issue may also affect music playback, particularly after firmware 21.39. In my case, I did not notice this issue on earlier firmware versions.

4. “Coming Up” app instability
The “Coming Up” app (a first-party Garmin app intended for basic task/to-do functionality) is highly unstable. After a few interactions (scrolling or tapping), the app freezes and causes the watch to reboot almost every time.

Upon reopening, a Garmin IQ error icon (exclamation mark) is displayed. This behavior appears to be consistent and reproducible.

5. Firmware update inconsistency (OTA vs actual version)
During initial setup, the watch shipped with firmware 15.32. When attempting to update via OTA, the device repeatedly indicated that it was already on the latest version, even though 21.39 was available.

Customer support was unable to resolve this. Eventually, after connecting the watch to a PC, the OTA update was somehow triggered (Garmin Express itself did not perform the update).

Additionally, the Garmin Connect website also incorrectly reported that the device was on the latest firmware.

6. Touchscreen unresponsiveness during calls
During phone calls, the touchscreen occasionally becomes unresponsive. The only workaround is to exit the call screen using physical buttons and then re-enter the call UI, after which touch functionality resumes.

7. Music transfer and format limitations
I encountered repeated errors when transferring music via Garmin Express. The transfer process stops after a few files and reports an error, requiring multiple retries to complete.

Additionally, the watch does not clearly specify supported audio formats. For example, 96 kHz audio files play at incorrect speeds. Neither Garmin Express nor official documentation provides clear guidance on format limitations.

RE: Need a way to turn off adaptive (auto) brightness

2386525 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:31:19 GMT

I can confirm I was also able to change the brightness of my sleep mode. Would LOVE that option for all day! I frequently pull my watch out from under a shirt and have to face it to the sun or light source to get it bright enough to read. If we can control all day to not go down to minimum brightness I would be thrilled!!

RE: Fenix 8 Amoled 51mm disapeared power on animation

4297285 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:01:35 GMT

After a month, I have decided to put my device up for sale due to the refusal in Mexico to take responsibility for the warranty. I will lose money, but it’s a lesson learned. I gave up a device that worked just fine maybe even better for one that costs at least five times more.

I’m going back to Coros, knowing that I never had an issue like this before, or a bad experience whether with the device itself or the support. This time, both the support and the refusal to honor the warranty in my country left a bad taste.

Watchface Portal 3 fields top and bottom

Madureira — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:12:02 GMT

Hello. Let’s vote for the Garmin bring back the Portal Watchface like the old stile for recent Garmin products, to be possible add 3 field on top and bottom data information.

Thank you

forums.garmin.com/.../watch-face-portal-again

Disappointed with DLC coating durability on Fenix

8961480 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:16:44 GMT

I am beyond disappointed with the durability of the Fenix 8. For a premium 'rugged' multisport watch, the DLC coating on the bezel is incredibly weak. I've been using Garmin for years, but this model scratched after just a regular session in a swimming pool. This is unacceptable for a device at this price point. It’s marketed as tough, but it feels fragile. Avoid the dark coatings if you actually plan on using the watch for sports.

RE: Disappointed with DLC coating durability on Fenix

2529455 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:46:01 GMT

Looks like it's taken a decent hit against the corner of a granite counter or something equally as hard. I'm not sure even the DLC would save steel from denting like that as it's really only useful for preventing light scratches.

RE: Disappointed with DLC coating durability on Fenix

bluefish — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:07:40 GMT

[quote userid="2312480" url="~/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-8-series/434445/disappointed-with-dlc-coating-durability-on-fenix"]the DLC coating on the bezel is incredibly weak[/quote]

Your photo shows the light-colored model. This model does NOT have a DLC coating.

ONLY dark-colored models are available with DLC.

RE: Fenix 8 Amoled 51mm disapeared power on animation

Sportbilly13 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:41:06 GMT

Let's start by filing a complaint with Garmin through the relevant authorities in our country. Only then will they be forced to provide a solution or upgrade us to another model by returning the old watches.

RE: Downloading and managing map issues - Fenix 8 & Garmin Express

maryooshek — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:33:31 GMT

Deleting garmindevice.xml is safe because it’s not a critical system or user-data file, but simply a small configuration file that Garmin Express uses to identify your watch and understand its capabilities (like maps, storage, and features). It doesn’t store any personal data such as activities, health metrics, or settings, and it isn’t part of the firmware. When you remove it, your watch or Garmin Express will automatically generate a fresh, clean version the next time you connect and sync the device. This is exactly why the fix works: if the file becomes corrupted, it can cause errors like failed map downloads or server issues, and deleting it forces a proper reset of communication between the watch and Garmin’s systems—without risking any of your data.

Downloading and managing map issues - Fenix 8 & Garmin Express

3064373 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:21:31 GMT

I have recently purchased the Garmin Fenix 8 47mm. I am able to download the outdoors plus maps but when i try to download the topoactive map, the watch searches for wifi networks and then shows a 'Map sync failed' message. I tried to get around this by using Garmin express on macbook but when i go to manage maps i get a server error message 'The server encountered a temporary error and we could not complete your request. Try again later.'. I have tried removing the watch and re-linking it to express and even uninstalling and reinstalling but nothing changes. I have checked and am running the latest version of each software. Does anyone have any experience with this or some suggestions?

RE: Downloading and managing map issues - Fenix 8 & Garmin Express

maryooshek — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:28:56 GMT

Do this first — seriously.

Delete garmindevice.xml

Steps (Mac-specific adjusted):

Quit Garmin Express

Connect watch via USB

Use a file transfer app (use OpenMTP if needed)

Go to:

GARMIN/

Delete:

garmindevice.xml

Eject → restart watch

Open Garmin Express → sync

RE: Lampe anstellen?

1419836 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:28:04 GMT

Vielen herzlichen Dank, funktioniert!

Lampe anstellen?

1419836 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:28:50 GMT

Wie kann man mit einerr Taste ander UHR die Lampe an der Fenix 8 Pro aktivieren?

RE: Fenix 8 Amoled 51mm disapeared power on animation

6769620 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:06:15 GMT

I returned 3 Fenix 8 because it gave me the start problem.

In case anyone does, the store offered me a Fenix 8 pro by very little difference and I decided to try it out, and after updating and using it for 1 week, I can say that the 8 pro does NOT have the ignition problem after upgrading. it seems that the problem is only in the normal Fenix 8. the pro model works perfectly.

We cannot afford to spend €1000 and Garmin is laughing at us in this way without giving any solution. I have already called the technical service 5 times and they keep saying that they do not know anything about this passing this firmware problem.

We have to make a lot of noise between everyone and teach these incompetent Garmins a good lesson.

RE: Fenix 8 Amoled 51mm disapeared power on animation

5237614 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:58:58 GMT

The fact that you can get the animation/startup screen back on 15.32 software would imply this is a firmware bug. However, after 39 pages of comments & over a month of stalling where Garmin simply says they are "looking into it".

If I gave that type of response in any corporate environment, I wouldn't have a job (and I don't charge people $1-2k for the privilege either)

RE: Fenix 8 Amoled 51mm disapeared power on animation

3360618 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:55:22 GMT

I have the same issue on my Fenix 8 Black. The watch appears to work normally, but the startup screen is not visible anymore. I do not see the blue triangle or the Garmin/Fenix boot animation. After powering on, the watch eventually goes straight to the watch face.

The watch is otherwise functional: syncing, buttons, and normal usage seem okay.

Has anyone confirmed whether this is a firmware bug, and is Garmin planning a fix?

RE: Fenix 8 21.39 returning to watch face by itself

StephChamp — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:08:28 GMT

Seriously what is going on with the Fenix 8 software right now? The bugs we are facing are critical and yet Garmin seems to think those are unique case and are sending replacement watch like if it was costing them the price of a paperclip.

Fenix 8 21.39 returning to watch face by itself

tomas_estevaes — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:16:02 GMT

After updating my watch to the v21.39 I can't use it.

I try to start an activity and the watch returns to the watch face, i try to scroll in the menus and the watch goes to the watch face by itself.

Does anyone have a fix for this please? Thanks