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Computer needed for updates?

Former Member
Former Member over 4 years ago

Hello all,

Currently have an Edge 530 on order, having previously used a 200 then 130.

I’m reading some conflicting reports on this...

As far as I can tell there are software, GPS, and map updates. Are there any others?

Do I need a computer to update any of them, or will the mobile app be sufficient? Can the device do it alone over wifi, even?

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    You need a computer for the map updates.  The other ones can be done via the mobile app.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago

    Thanks for the reply. Not having up to date maps shouldn’t be a big problem.

    One other thing I’m wondering. When I get home, I normally stop the ride outside of my wifi range. With the 130 it would send the ride over Bluetooth to my phone, which would upload it using mobile data (costing me money - albeit not a lot). 

    Is there a way to make it only upload activities over wifi?

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

    I have no idea as I don't use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections.  Not having your phone connected should force it to use Wi-Fi.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

    Stop the ride when you stop. Only proceed to the Save step when you are in wifi range.

    Also, your phone will likely switch over to sending data over wifi (instead of cellular) once it is in range. The 530 doesnt know this - all it knows is that there is a data connection. 

    A 1 hour ride is about 250 KB of data. (This is with a dual sided power meter, external speed sensor, HR data and 1s recording). Even a 9 HR ride on the weekend was just over 2MB. We are not talking large volumes of data.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Wongataa

    The 530 will upload with whichever data connection it locks onto first after saving your ride. You have the option to turn bluetooth off completely, which would mean it will need to wait until it is within range of your WiFi network to upload, or you can connect it to a computer for Garmin Express (I understand you've mentioned a computer is not an option). 

    If you use the bluetooth connection for features during your ride, you would need to manually disable this connection before hitting save on the ride. This is a workaround similar to what has suggested. 

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago

    Thanks everyone. I didn’t realise the data upload was so little over mobile, I won’t worry about it.

    I now have the unit, and it’s saying it’s up to date with 7.00. No idea how to check GPS version. With the 130, I could update through the app no problem.

    I paired a Garmin Flare RT light no problem, but it has a mystery toggle for “auto-deceleration”. Will need to investigate further. Only wish that, for example, the lap button which I’ll never use could cycle through light modes.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

    You can go into Settings > System > About to see what SW versions you have installed. Any available updates will sync through the mobile app within 24 hours of the SW's release. 

    What taillight do you have? I am not familiar with a Fare (you have insider info I don't even have Stuck out tongue closed eyes) but I would be happy to help with settings if you can confirm which taillight or radar you have. Former Member

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Garmin-Blake

    Hi, after turning off the unit completely and back on, it did decide there was an update. No idea if it updated through my phone or directly through wifi, but now up to date.

    I have Bontrager Flare RT (whoops, sorry, wrote Garmin earlier)I had assumed this auto deceleration option was a mis-label of another feature as the Bontrager makes no reference to this brake light functionality. I’ll need to see if it works. Just wish there was an easier way to change light settings through the computer - ie. turn off when on cycle track, quickly turn back on when back on road sections of route.