Forerunner 170 - Recent Threads

[BUG] "Neon Lights" watch face – Unchangeable white background on date field (at 3 o'clock)

9953030 — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:45:02 GMT

Hi everyone,

I would like to report a bug regarding the stock "Neon Lights" watchface on my forerunner 170.

In brief, the date data field located at the 3 o'clock position has a solid white background contour/box around it. This white background is completely unchangeable via customization settings and makes the date/day characters entirely unreadable due to the lack of contrast. I believe date background should either be transparent/black or match the custom color accent so that the date text remains clearly legible.

Could the software team please look into this for a future firmware update?

Thank you!

"My music" (local storage music) is not working.

9008826 — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:15:04 GMT

I used Airpods 2nd generation.
When I hold the down button to access music, the songs are there, Airpods are connected, but as you can see in the last screen, the music title and time doesn't appear.
And if I press the play button or touch it, it won't play the music. The play triangle icon never changes.

What I tried but the issue still persists:

Made sure I selected "my music" for "music providers"
Uploaded music using garmin express and file explorer
Made individual song files .mp3 into playlist in the file format of .m3u8
Reset the watch

what is W16?

moschenin — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:00:59 GMT

why glance shows W16? but in glance setup page is date.

Forerunner 170 Series - Software Version 18.29 - Live

Garmin-Dan — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:04:00 GMT

Software version 18.29 is now available for Forerunner 170 Series.

You may manually download this software update once available by following the path below:

Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates

Forerunner 170 Change Log: • Fixes an issue where enabling quiet start for an alarm could fail to take effect.
• Fixes other minor issues.

Forerunner 170 Music Change Log: • Fixes an issue with voice alerts still sounding in silent mode.
• Fixes an issue where enabling quiet start for an alarm could fail to take effect.
• Fixes other minor issues.

Will the case back with screws mean the battery can be serviced on newer models like 170?

6125703 — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:01:47 GMT

I never saw photos of the case back for the 170 until recently, when someone mentioned they now appear to have a separate piece attached by screws. Older models had a monolithic plastic "tub" for a case.

Does this new design mean that there will be more official support for battery replacement service?

The new Fenix 9 also seems to have this design too. It will be interesting to see if all other new models start having this design, including future Enduro and Instinct generations.

Being able to physically replace the battery and seal the case again would be the first requirement. Another would be a supply chain to get equivalent quality replacement cells...

forerunner 170 - sleep stats not accurate

fzhcary306 — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:06:19 GMT

hi,

I have been using the watch to monitor my sleep.

I found the basic functionality of calc sleep duration isn't accurate.

- sometimes the sleep data is missing, it's not detected at all

- most of the time, it doesn't detect the whole length of the sleep. I have set the sleep time from 10:30 to 6:30, but sometimes, i sleep early, or sleep later than 6:30. it just don't track the whole period. there is one time, it has a 1 hour gap between 2-3am that i was sleeping, it shows awake.

So with this, my sleep score often track < 60.

please improve the algorithm. I am not looking for any advanced function like deep sleep, REM, etc. just the basic functinality please.

if you need anything, let me know.

thanks!

Foerunner 170 - swimming laps stats not accurate

fzhcary306 — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:00:17 GMT

hi,

I am using my 170 to track my swimming. I swim at a custom size pool, around 22 feet. I set the size. but the laps report is not accurate, sometimes is 0.

I read the article (tips for suing pool swim workouts ...) . still have a question. do you require user to press the lap button on each lap? that will be very inconvenient.

here are some data

1. :17.5 22 1:20

2 :24.1 0 0:00

3 :06 0 0:00

...

Thanks!

Forerunner 170 Series - Software Version 9.21 - Live

Garmin-Kevin — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:58:03 GMT

Software version 9.21 is now available for Forerunner 170 Series.

You may manually download this software update once available by following the path below:

Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates

Change Log:

Fixes a potential issue with the display that could cause unexpected behavior and inconsistent gesture response.

Forerunner 170 – course navigation

3562630 — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:33:47 GMT

When following an imported GPX course, can the FR170 display the same navigation data fields as a Garmin Instinct?

For example:

Distance remaining to the end
Distance/time to next point
Total course elevation profile during navigation
Remaining elevation gain

Beta 18.19

9919012 — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 14:55:12 GMT

I have updated to beta version 18.19Which I found to be the value HR When I pressed the running activity mode, the pace fluctuated a lot, running at a pace of 9, but...HR I went to 154, which is only a 3-minute run.

Stroke and lap count is not working.

1501559 — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:53:52 GMT

My forerunner 170 is not working well with stroke and lap count, since I bought it, I tried tightening it, reset it sensors by switching it off and on.

I swim for 30 minutes freestyle, all what I get is less than 90 strokes and distance of 280-300 meters.

Anyone facing similar issues?

Thanks

Omar

Incorrect Time Zone near the Iran–Armenia border

6238465 — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:45:37 GMT

Hi,

I have a Forerunner 170, and I am experiencing an issue with the automatic time zone.

I live very close to the Iran–Armenia border. Sometimes, while I am in Iran, the watch automatically switches to Yerevan (Armenia) time instead of Iran Standard Time (UTC+3:30).

Auto Time Zone is enabled, and I have tested both Set Time with GPS and Set Time with Phone.

I noticed something interesting: when I start and complete a GPS walking activity, the watch usually detects the correct time zone again and the issue is resolved.

However, after some time or under certain conditions, it may switch back to the Yerevan time zone even though I have not left Iran.

I have also noticed that when the watch is showing the wrong time zone and the time no longer matches my phone, notifications sometimes stop appearing on the watch. Once the correct time zone is restored, notifications work normally again.

Has anyone else experienced this near an international border? Is this expected behavior, or could it be a software bug?

Device: Forerunner 170
Software Version: 9.17

Forerunner 170 Series - Software Version 9.19 - Live

Garmin-Kevin — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:38:29 GMT

Software version 9.19 is now available for Forerunner 170 Series.

You may manually download this software update once available by following the path below:

Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates

Change Log:

Fix treadmill calibration

Display problem

Former Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:13:59 GMT

There is a small mark/bubble-like spot along the edge of the display. It cannot be permanently removed. If I press the area or wipe it firmly with a microfiber cloth, it disappears temporarily, but after a few hours it reappears in the exact same location. It is only visible at certain viewing angles.

Health Stats widget stuck on 'Waiting'

moschenin — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:09:07 GMT

Health Stats widget stuck on 'Waiting' status on the watch for over a month, despite health data syncing and displaying correctly in Garmin Connect (web). Soft reset did not resolve it

This has been going on for about a month, ever since I bought the watch.

its the problem with long weeks day name

moschenin — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:06:47 GMT

its the problem with long weeks day name

ru glance of 170 is incorrect

moschenin — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:42:38 GMT

hi) i use 170 and its 170's glanse is looking bad with long days name of sunday and monday on ru.

Intensity minutes only count if an activity is being tracked

DJGShef — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:20:44 GMT

On my previous Garmin (Instinct) any periods above a certain heart rate level counted as moderate or vigorous activity, depending on predetermined levels.

This still applies for the FR170 but only when an activity is being tracked and not during normal use.

So, of I cycle home fast up a long hill but don't record it as a cycle ride, nothing is added to the total.

Is this right?

Music Stuttering

5661915 — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:05:12 GMT

Why is Garmin blocking feedback about music stuttering on the new Forerunner 170 Music

Bouldering and Indoor climbing not in activities.

9729669 — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 01:31:29 GMT

I have to change the activity type manually after the workout. I would love to just start and stop the activity on the watch.

No more daily workouts suggested, planned ones disappeared - how to get them back?

2887702 — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:44:29 GMT

Daily suggested workouts had planned runs for a week in advance, I was looking forward to this. Now eveey day states "No workout". How to get them back?

How to record holds and bodyweight exercises?

exelinguy — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:36:21 GMT

I am new to the Garmin ecosystem. Could someone please guide me on how to record holds (Eg. back extension/hip extension) and bodyweight sets (eg. Bulgarian split squat) in strength training activity? Thank you.

Metronome missing?

exelinguy — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:32:10 GMT

Hello. I am unable to find the metronome on my watch. I would be grateful if someone could please guide me as to how to activate and use this feature. Thanks.

Benchmark - Forerunner 170 - comparison & positioning

socorsu — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:48:58 GMT

Hi,

Please can you use this app and give your score ? I'm following the Garmin devices since years 🤓

Garmin - Benchmark - F7/E2 comparison & positioning

First statements

System version (firmware) 9.xx is not the same like FR970/570/VenuX1/Venu4/VA6, which all run on 17.xx
SOC performance should be the same, because Garmin use the same hardware component since 2021 for 95% of their watches

---

3D Benchmark v2
- https://apps.garmin.com/apps/c8ca0ba2-b07f-451a-88da-e50305a3ec5c
CIQ Benchmark v2
- https://apps.garmin.com/apps/d3b74474-7663-42f5-9bcb-d20cd5ce96f3
WristBench
- https://apps.garmin.com/apps/bb540d17-d4d5-4151-bf2f-89234b8677bd

---

For CIQ Benchmark, please use this format :

Model Name | Model ID | System Version | CIQ version | CPU result/Pips result
example :
- - Fenix 8 47mm AMOLED | 006-B4536-00 | SW 11.60 | 454x454 | Connect IQ 5.0.1 | CPU 6.4/ 45.5 Pips
  - Enduro 3 | 006-B4575-00 | SW 11.60 | 280x280 | ConnectIQ 5.0.1 | CPU 6.5/ 45.5 Pips
  - Fenix 7X | 006-B3907-00 | SW 18.13 | 280 x 280 | connect Iq 5.0.1 | CPU 6.4/ 45.5 Pips
  - Forerunner 970 | 006-B4565-00 |SW 12.60 | 454x454 | CIQ 5.2.0 | CPU 6.4/45.5 Pips
  - Venu X1 | 006-B4603-00 | SW 10.63 | 448x486 | CIQ 5.1.1 | CPU 9.3/43.5 Pips

Forerunner 170 Series Software Version 9.17 - Live

Garmin-Dan — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:51:43 GMT

Software version 9.17 is now available for Forerunner 170.

You may manually download this software update once available by following the path below:

Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates


Change Log: • Adds support for a silent mode that can be quickly accessed via the control loop or a button shortcut.
• Allows access to the keyboard layout menu via a swipe up from the bottom of the page.
• Improves responsiveness when starting the timer.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when recording an activity.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when viewing the evening report.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when adding apps via Garmin Connect Mobile.
• Fixes an issue that could result in a failure when uploading an activity file to Garmin Connect.
• Fixes an issue that could cause an upcoming race event not to show on the device.
• Fixes an issue with syncing strength personal records with Garmin Connect.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the tones for the rest timer countdown during strength workouts to sound out of rhythm.
• Fixes an issue that could cause pool swim workouts to progress through active steps without interaction.
• Fixes send off time not vibrating during swim workouts.
• Prevents automatic track detection during trail run activities.
• Fixes a possible issue where the back and down key would not work for indoor climb and bouldering activities.
• Fixes an issue that could result in devices with many saved activity files to appear unresponsive at times.
• Fixes watch face sunset/sunrise data fields not updating.
• Fixes an issue that could result in not being able to accept an incoming call on the watch.
• Fixes an issue where the gear tracking progress bar shown after an activity does not include the just-completed activity.
• Fixes battery estimates when switching power modes for activities.
• Fixes weather app not updating when you enter the app.
• Fixes other minor bugs.
• Updates translations.