Brand new Instinct 3 software version 5.21

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

  • 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?!

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

  • 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 6 days ago

    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.