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Garmin Vivoactive 4s failed after swim

CarltonPete
10 months ago

This has been raised many time  before but I cannot see any satisfactory solution.

I had a Vivoactive 4s which failed in February 2023.   Thought it was just bad luck and I bought a replacement.   This watch lasted until December 2023.   The same symptom both times -screen went black when there should have been enough charge, tried charging and watch became very hot, dead as a doornail!

Garmin support were great and I received a credit for a replacement.

I sent up all my features.I use the golf app, walk, and swim.  This watch lasted 3 days!  I had done walks over 2 days, and a 300m swim.  Garmin have again given me a credit.

I really like the watch .  It does everything I need and is simple to use but don't want to go through this process again.  

Does Garmin recognise that there may be an issue?

Is there a fundamental problem with this watch?   

Is it truly waterproof?  

Can anyone recommend a good alternative?

I would like to see it investigated properly.

Thanks, Peter

  • 0 7 months ago

    I just had the same issue, watch completely dead after a swim.  they'll send me a replacement for $150.  Did they give you a full replacement?

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to 2020407

    Hi, Garmin gave me a refund and I purchased a venu2s (slight price difference).  I have used it for tracking walks for 3 months and  just this week resumed my swim program.  I have done 4 sessions so far and no issues ( So far!) .  I am tentative with it and select the swim program and hit go before i jump in the pool and stop it when I get out. Regards Peter

  • 0 4 months ago in reply to CarltonPete

    Hey! I just had the same issue. I haven’t gotten a response from Garmin yet. This is the second time I would need this watch replaced. I love the watch, but I don’t want a watch that dies every couple of years. 

  • 0 2 months ago

    This just happed to me and Garmin said they’ll give me 20% off a new watch since they discontinued the VivoActive 4S.  I think I am going to move to the Apple 10. 

  • 0 1 month ago

    Hi, did you purchase the watch directly from Garmin? Is that why you were able to get a refund?

    I purchased the Vico 4s in Feb 2023, and after swimming with it, it did the same thing as yours and was dead by April ‘23. I took it back to the electronics store where I bought it from and got a replacement new watch. I actually avoided wearing it whilst swimming from then on as I didn’t want to go through the whole hassle of it breaking again (which I know is something I shouldn’t have to do as the bloody watch is meant for swimming!). Fast forward to this week - I wore my watch in the pool with my 10month old baby and what do you know - it died again! 

    I am unsure if the electronics store will be able to help me as it’s been over a year and a half since I got the replacement, so I am thinking to try to liaise with Garmin regarding this issue.

    I also really like the size and functions of this watch.

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to 1291899

    I wrote to Garmin through their online support page.  They went through their process and I received a credit at the store I bought it from(JB HiFi In Australia).I did need the receipt. When that failed I went back to Garmin again and received a credit - that was quicker as it was quite new!  The store suggested trying a different watch so I used the credit and a bit more on a Garmin Venu2.  Been good for 10 month now but I'm actually apprehensive and each time I can't see the display I think the worst!  Silly really!

    I suggest going directly to Garmin - a sports watch should be able to handle vigorous splashing with a 10 month old babyGrinning.

    Let them know the whole sequence of events including reluctance to wear while swimming even though that's a feature.

    Good luck

  • 0 27 days ago

    Hi all,

    Just an update: I called Garmin and told them the issue with my watch (see previous posts on this thread); they asked for photos and a video of the issue. They have offered to send me a refurbished Venu 2S or I can get a refund from the store I bought it from (JB HI-FI). 

    Garmin have admitted there is a fault with the watch. Given that I got this watch in April ‘23 (second VivoActive after the first died in Feb ‘23), I am pretty impressed with the interaction with Garmin and their solutions. 

    I was on hold on the phone for 40mins when I first called them; but I’m definitely glad I waited it out. 

    Hope others are able to get a solution from Garmin too.