Garmin Edge 840 does not connect to Garmin Express

AlexSmallet
4 months ago

I just received the device today. It synced with the Garmin Connect on my iPhone automatically and asked for software upgrade. Then I wanted to connect it with Garmin Express on my mac, but it won't find the device. I use the latest Garmin Express 7.24.0.0 and Software version 24.55 on the Garmin 840. I have other Garmin Devices connected to this machine OK, i.e. - Edge 830, Forerunner 920XT, Varia Bike Radar, and Garmin nuvi. All devices work OK via USB. Any idea what can be wrong with the 840?

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to aputland

    I had it in the USB MTP mode - twice. Didn’t work either time. Ended up on phone with Garmin. It eventually connected but then had an error downloading the update. Will try again I guess eventually. 

  • 0 1 month ago

    I too had the issue with getting my 1-day old Edge 840 to connect to Garmin Express on two mac computers running two different operating systems. Used original cable that came with the unit. My other Garmin units have no issue connecting with either of these computers. CAUTION: The "press the lap button until you see 'USB MTP Mode' on the screen MAY BRICK YOUR 840!

    Once I did that I was able to get Garmin Express to finally connect with the 840 (success!) But after, I could not eject the unit properly from Garmin Express, and the screen on the 840 would not leave the "USB MTP Mode." Tried hard reset, holding power down for 30 seconds, holding lap down again, various other combinations and nothing worked. Called Garmin Customer Support, and Garmin advised me that there was no fix for this, and that the unit would need an exchange which is underway.

    I have been a long time Garmin customer and have had many of their devices. The fact that there is difficulty connecting to their own app (Garmin Express) which up until very recently was a prerequisite for updates, etc. on two different Mac operating systems is worrisome. TL / DR - Advise against the "holding the lap button down" method to get Garmin Express to recognize the 840.

  • 0 28 days ago in reply to Pawel_R.

    Worked for me as well. Was able to connect to my 840 edge but I think you mean Garmin Express here not Garmin Connect, which is the phone app? Anyway, thanks for the tip!

  • 0 16 days ago in reply to Pheori
    Pheori said:

    I managed to do a similar system with Garmin Express on Windows. 

    1. Disconnected from Garmin Connect on Phone (turn off WiFi and Bluetooth)

    2. Ensured Garmin was on  and not connected to phone

    3. Connected to PC with a USB cable (not the one included as it seems like it can only do power)

    4.  "Wait so it will start and will display cable connection screen with EJECT Button in RIGHT BOTTOM corner."

    5. Start Garmin Express

    Thanks for your help!

    WORKED 12-04-2025

  • 0 13 days ago in reply to paduncan70

    Do you get new edge 840 from Garmin? Because this happened to me yesterday and there's nothing I can do...

  • 0 10 days ago

    Poeh, none of the mentioned options worked for me! I can see that the USB-connection is good; the Apple Mini (with Sequoia) even recognizes that it is a Garmin. But Garmin Express does nothing. Also not visible in the Finder.

    I had the same issue with my Canon Photocamera after updating the Mini to Sequoia. The camera did not connect anymore. I then found on the internet that an update of Canon Utility was required. Apparently Canon did an update of their software for the new Apple software. Looks to me that Garmin should do the same with Garmin Express. Software has never been their strongest point....

    Jos.