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Brand new Instinct 3 software version 5.21

KarNadendla

I bought a brand new Instinct 3 yesterday and it came out with the software version 5.21. 

No matter where I tried to update the software, be it directly on the watch, on the phone in Connect app and even after connecting it to the Garmin Express in my Macbook, there is no option to update the software.

My batter life is only showing 11 days and I believe the old software is not the best experience to have on the watch. 

if this is the case, not sure why I nought Garmin in the first place? or is it a problem with the device, should I return and buy another one? 

Can someone please help

  • 0

    Why in the *** are we forced to use a computer to access Garmin express in order to get the current software for a new watch, in 2025?!

  • 0 in reply to Garmin - LF

    It doesn't work. Why is the only solution to this accessing Garmin express from a computer? 

  • 0

    For those of you who have attempted to use Garmin Express to download update: 

    Once I had downloaded the update it was still showing as older version of the software. 

    I was prompted to download Garmin connect IQ. Once this was downloaded my watch suddenly had the newest and updated software. 

    The option to complete download only occurred once I had disconnected my watch from the computer. 

    Vis-á-vis - download Garmin connect IQ and you should have access to the most recent software update for your Garmin. 

    In answer to another persons comment 'why do we need a computer to do this in 2025' - I couldn't agree more. The fact we need to access a computer to add a software update to a watch in 2025 is absolutely ridiculous. Garmin are top of the range fitness watches, and should have this sorted already. 

    @Garmin what if you don't have a computer!? 

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member

    I received my Instinct 3 50mm solar today, and could not get it to update either. So I hooked up to garmin express, and it gave me the option to update, but the update failed because it said there was not enough memory to update.

    Then, I noticed on the garmin connect app on my phone, it said transferring update. I let that finish, then i was able to update the software. I assume that it creates a placeholder for the file, and claims that much memory until the file is transferred to the watch, and that is probably why I was getting the error message in garmin express.

  • 0 in reply to Garmin - LF

    I have tried EVERY method of updating the out of box 5.21 software my Instinct Solar 3 50mm watch.  This is beyond ridiculous. Please provide a clear set of instructions that work.  I have used Garmin Express via Windows, and mobile apps. I deleted the files on the PC and powered off and on precisely as instructed.  Nothing worked.  This is not right.  

    Clear inatructions. And answers please. How is a company getting away with this in 2026??? Thank you.

  • 0 in reply to 8297089

    An update to above. I repeated the above process of power cycling my watch and reconnecting it to a PC twice. After randomly accessing both the Connect and Connect IQ apps twice, the watch advised a v.12.23 software update was avaliable. I selected it and it downloaded in 5 minutes. 

    I appreciate this isn't likely to help anyone as this was a trial and error experience. I do love my watch but I can't imagine all consumers are going to have the means, ability or patience to do this.

    I feel conflicted as I had recommended my watch to four friends. 

    Garmin, you have some work to do.

  • 0 in reply to 8297089

    What you’ve seen is just the tip of the iceberg.
    Garmin has completely gone off the rails.

  • 0 in reply to 8297089

    I had exactly the same problem, contacted Garmin support with no outcome (today is saturday so I cannot blaime the nice person who gave me couple of hints) and then got the same random solution. I did a full reset of the watch and then some update went on. I messed up deleting the famous update file but somehow it still worked. Now I see the latest verison is in use. Not sure what's going on but i had the same problems with my instinct solar first generation. Hope one day Garmin will make the whole process better.

    It seems that a full reset to factory default might help, then reinstal everything from zero in Garmin Express and Connect.