Troubleshooting Garmin Sync Issue HRM-Pro Plus

I have paired my Epix 2 Pro with HRM-Pro Plus, and after every run and hike, I click on "Save Activity."

Next, I click "Download" to download activity data from my HRM-Pro Plus (as I understand that I need to add data from the HRM to the activity which I have finished).

As a result, on my watch, I have 1 activity with data from HRM. But in Garmin Connect, I have TWO activities. The first shows me with the watch and HRM, and the second shows the same, but all statistics are different - calories, BPM, and cadence.

Logically, there should be only one activity with synced data, but in my case, every time there are 2, and as a result, both are going to TrainingPeaks, Strava, and Apple Health.

How can I fix this? How do I sync the activity with HRM before saving it?

I have tried downloading data to the activity with some delay, and the result is the same. All devices are running the latest software.

Some comparing in duplicate activities:
Distance 8.01 km 8.01 km
Time 49:58 49:58
Calories 727 C 662 C
Avg HR 169 bpm 168 bpm
Training Effect 5.0 4.1

all different better i see on charts...

  • Here: forums.garmin.com/.../hrm-pro-plus-problems-syncing, I have read the recommendation, "You only need download the data after an activity where the watch and strap have been separated. If you’re walking, running, cycling where the strap and the watch are always connected the data is recorded throughout the activity and saved when you stop and save the activity. ."

    Next question: Why is the data different? And why do I have one activity on the watch but two in Garmin Connect?

  • 1. Remove the HRM Pro connection from the Phone BT , you dont need it connected to Connect at all.

    2. Just pair HRM with watch and start your activity and save it as normal

    3. The HRM should connect when you start the activity

    4. Make sure the HRM settings are Pace and Distance Indoor Only. As you want to use GPS for normal activities outdoors)

    Not sure why its different info, can be the way the HRM and the Watch algorithms differ.....

    I only used download data if Im pool swimming with the HRM Swim as that data doesn't automatically transmit as one is in water. And it asks at end of activity.

  • Yes, that also surprises me. I have finished today 1 run and have two in connect with different data. Also, 1 EMS Compex session with HRM and have another 2 with different.

    I have had this problem for about 1 year but thought that it was pushed from Strava or some other app which connected to my account, but only a week ago i have noticed problem in HRM when I have run without a phone and did the same. I have 1 session as needed...

    I think unpairing will help for some time.

    Why do you recommend HRM speed and pace only indoors? For example, Stryd sensors or Garmin HRM Plus and their Pod in the manual recommend using it for all activity contexts because GPS is lazy sometimes.

  • The pod takes over the GPS so if stride length changes , like slow then fast runs etc I don't think the distance and thus pace is accurate. I find the GPS is accurate for me.  The calibration can be out.  There are a number of reports in the forum of people reporting strange distances and then one finds they are using the HRM PRO and this setting being on always make messy distances , well that is my experience.

  • So, I have unpaired today HRM Pro Plus from my phone, and after downloading HR on the watch, it has created a second activity with data from HRM. Unpairing does not solve it.

    But I have tried turned off my phone (same with turning off Bluetooth), then save activity and downloaded HR from HRM on the watch. Next, I turned on my phone, and as a result, I have one activity with HRM data as needed without this dancing.

    I have also reset the watch, unpaired it. No sense... Only helps save activity on the watch and download HR without the watch being connected to my phone...

  • So, I have unpaired today HRM Pro Plus from my phone, and after downloading HR on the watch, it has created a second activity with data from HRM. Unpairing does not solve it.

    Because connection between phone and HRM is not a source of problem.
    It was discussed here many times and as somebody above already said.
    You don't need to download HR data after activity when your HRM was connected to watch, it will always cause this problem because GC will download one activity when you finish and second when you update original with downloaded HR data. And yes, disabling BT in Phone will help but only because GC has no option to download any data from your watch.

    Follow Garmin suggestion and use HR download option only for activities like SWIM or other when you know that your HRM wasn't connected to your watch, otherwise you will have this issue all the time.

  • But why two items for the same activity with different data like BPM and as a result calories? Logically that need be same

  • But why two items for the same activity with different data like BPM and as a result calories? Logically that need be same

    You are right, should be but are not and I cannot give you answer how.
    It might be that calculations differ when data are recorded during activity and after.

    Officially Garmin said "if your HRM was connected to the watch during activity there is no need to download the same data after.