Forerunner 170 - Recent Threads

Pack Weight for Run/Trail Run Activity

9902468 — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:43:26 GMT

Firmware: 18.32

Metric: kg (kilogram) or lbs (pounds)

Bug: The Pack Weight does not allow for decimal values. It only accepts whole values example 4.0 (the default). Pressing up/down buttons or using touchscreen does not allow the decimal part of the value to be changed.

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.

RE: Bouldering and Indoor climbing not in activities.

Vizi — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:24:11 GMT

Garmin rarely listens to users and implements requested features based on suggestions. What they do is take some of those ideas and implement them in new model, but not in existing one.

RE: Bouldering and Indoor climbing not in activities.

Achill — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:09:23 GMT

What is the typical timeframe for implementing that? Or is it not even implemented on devices that aren't new? How should I record the activity in the meantime?

Sbaglio conteggio forerunner 170

paolacasula2 — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:57:26 GMT

Come tanti utenti Garmin ho il problema del conteggio errato delle vasche, parlo anche di 400 mt in più conteggiati. Ho usato per anni garmin swim2, e questi problemi non li aveva. Si sa qualcosa di un aggiornamento che risolva questo problema che rende il garmin inutilizzabile? Poi se vigliamo aggiungere il cardio che da frequenze troppo elevate, il training effect che sovrastima ogni allenamento, neanche avessi fatto un ironman..ci sono previsioni di un aggiornamento che tratti questi problemi? Attendo risposta..

GPS time update

7600761 — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:44:13 GMT

Hi, I’m in Morocco, and my watch doesn’t set itself to the correct local time (GMT+00)

when it connects to GPS; instead, it keeps showing the old time (GMT+1).

Backdate firmware fr170m?

4975446 — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:48:25 GMT

Updated my stock 170 music last night and I really don't like any of the updates and it just feels off. It just fine as it was.

Is there any way to revert it to the original or an earlier firmware version?

I think it said 7.61 but I might remember wrong.

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.

RE: ru glance of 170 is incorrect

4147193 — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:36:57 GMT

My forerunner 170 music will not recharge when connected to my computer. It worked for about a week, then stopped recharging.

Forerunner 170 Series - Software Version 18.32 - 100%

Garmin-Kevin — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:59:27 GMT

Software version 18.32 is now available at 100% Phased Rollout for Forerunner 170 Series.

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

Menu > Watch Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates

Change Log • Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when changing screens during an activity. • Prevents smart notifications from sounding a tone when the device is in silent or do not disturb mode. • Fixes an issue that could cause the alarm vibration to be unintentionally disabled. • Fixes potential issue with Spotify music playback after skipping songs via paired Bluetooth headphones. • Fixes other minor issues.

RE: Display problem

FilthySVK — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:20:41 GMT

A month ago, I ran into the exact same problem with my 255 watch. I sent it in for a warranty claim and got a refund. Garmin is junk; they make "premium" watches out of cheap, non-premium materials...

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.

[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!

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

RE: Stroke and lap count is not working.

1501559 — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 06:44:41 GMT

Hello Andrey

The version I have so far is an official release not a beta one . Current version is either one or two upgrades since I got the watch. No change at all, I was thinking to switch to more expensive model of Garmin by trading my used watch.after reading your experience I will switch to apple watch and stop my nightmare with Garmin watches

Regards

RE: Stroke and lap count is not working.

andrey_ — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 06:35:04 GMT

Hello Omar,

Have you noticed any changes in the beta version of the firmware?

Based on my ten years of experience using Garmin watches, I can confirm that Garmin’s algorithm for pool workouts is one of the most flawed on the market, both in terms of distance calculation and swim technique assessment. I used to use top-of-the-line watches (Fenix, Tactix, Enduro), but for a number of reasons, I switched to a cheaper model this year. There’s no difference. I constantly (at least once a week) get an error in the distance calculation on the 5th lap (the watch displays 25 meters instead of 50). I don’t know if this will ever be fixed.

"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

RE: Stroke and lap count is not working.

1501559 — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:31:41 GMT

Hello Andrey I carried a fully guided test with Garmin s support, there is an issue apparently with current firmware version. They advised to stop testing and to enroll in the beta version. I did, and now waiting for beta release. I don't know when this will happen. I hope it happens soon.

Btw, I borrowed an apple watch, worn it beside Garmin, apple watch worked perfectly from first attempt. Correct total laps/ distance/ swim type detection and stroke

Regards

RE: what is W16?

moschenin — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:51:06 GMT

thanks
They really saved space.

what is W16?

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

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

RE: what is W16?

Former Member — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:49:00 GMT

Wednesday 16

RE: Foerunner 170 - swimming laps stats not accurate

1501559 — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:35:49 GMT

hi there,

i am facing the same situation, i swim 20-30 minutes daily free style non stop, swimming pool size is 20 meters. the watch doesn't work. it counts only few laps, for example 200 m while i swim 800m.

i was so excited to buy the watch, bought online from Germany, shipped it to Greece and then to Kuwait. (US store cancelled my order 4 times) . since i received the watch it didn't work even one time.

The latest solution given to me by garmin support, is to stop testing it , enroll to beta version and wait for couple of weeks until the new beta version gets installed. to do that you have to sign in to your garmin account, click watch upper left, choose your watch and enroll to beta program.

FYI, the scenarios i tried covered: auto rest on/off, pushing very hard from the wall, switch watch position from left to right, glided for 4 seconds instead of 2, swim faster, very delicate freestyle stroke. none worked.

i thought my watch is defective, apparently it is not. but forerunner 170 is not as powerful as advertised on net for indoor swimming, maybe for other sports it is ok , i just swim!

good luck

regards

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 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.

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!

Forerunner 170 - Recent Threads

Pack Weight for Run/Trail Run Activity

Bouldering and Indoor climbing not in activities.

RE: Bouldering and Indoor climbing not in activities.

RE: Bouldering and Indoor climbing not in activities.

Sbaglio conteggio forerunner 170

GPS time update

Backdate firmware fr170m?

ru glance of 170 is incorrect

RE: ru glance of 170 is incorrect

Forerunner 170 Series - Software Version 18.32 - 100%

Change Log

RE: Display problem

Display problem

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

Stroke and lap count is not working.

RE: Stroke and lap count is not working.

RE: Stroke and lap count is not working.

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

RE: Stroke and lap count is not working.

RE: what is W16?

what is W16?

RE: what is W16?

RE: Foerunner 170 - swimming laps stats not accurate

Foerunner 170 - swimming laps stats not accurate

Forerunner 170 Series - Software Version 18.29 - Live

forerunner 170 - sleep stats not accurate