Forerunner 965 - Recent Threads

Why do manual activities created on Garmin app often not sync to watch? This happens regularly.

7599617 — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:24:02 GMT

If I create a manual activity in the app it often doesn't sync to the watch. It sometime works if I go back into the activity and edit it and then manually sync but not always. It also sometimes works if I delete the activity and create it again but it's inconsistent.

FR965 after 29.05: optical HR sensor dead (no LED), battery 100→0% in under 24h, backlight dims randomly — factory reset does not fix

3600480 — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:06:09 GMT

Device: Forerunner 965, software 29.05

Symptoms, all starting immediately after the 29.05 update and none present before:

Optical heart rate sensor does not work at all. No green LED on the back of the watch, day or night. Wrist HR shows "--" continuously. Verified: Settings > Sensors & Accessories > Wrist Heart Rate is On, no external HR strap is paired, watch is worn correctly.
Battery drains from 100% to 0% in under 24 hours. Prior to the update I was getting 14 days on the same usage: always-on display on, no music, gesture backlight, 5 activities/week without GPS, with GPS 1-2. No settings changed. Battery was normal on the previous firmware for 2 years of ownership.
Backlight dims unexpectedly during normal use — the display dims to low brightness while I am looking at it and the wrist-gesture timeout should not have triggered.

What I have tried:

Full power off (hold Light button until shutdown) and restart — no change.
Factory reset (Settings > System > Reset > Delete Data and Reset Settings) — no change. HR LED still does not light on a freshly reset watch, before pairing to the phone.
Checked for further updates — watch reports it is up to date on 29.05., no beta updates available either

Same as last year... 3 years and counting now.

nick_nz — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 07:39:34 GMT

Another year has passed, not much has changed.

Average time for runs are still not being recorded correctly as the time will keep ticking over until the watch has detected you are on the lift travelling upwards.

I've made detail notes of this in the following closed thread.

https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/running-multisport/f/forerunner-965/354102/skiing-double-counting-runs

During the activity the watch should pause the time if it detects you're not travelling downhill, like it did with the 945.

Can't play/stop music

6027244 — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:14:38 GMT

The play/stop button won't work with Music Control. I can adjust the volume and go to the next/previous track, but when I hit play, it immediately stops. I used this option constantly with my Phoenix 6s and it's driving me crazy, please help.

Garmin Run Coach no longer in sync with app after firmware update

oddsignals — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:17:02 GMT

After installing the latest firmware update yesterday, my Garmin Run Coach plan is no longer in sync between the iPhone app and my watch. After finishing a workout, it is no longer marked as completed in the app - instead, an additional, completed workout are added next to the original one which is left as unfinished.

New workouts are also not appearing in the list on the app, only on the watch. The race I'm training for is just two weeks away, so I don't really want to try deleting and re-adding it as I'm supposed to start tapering down in a few days and I don't want to risk messing things up. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

Feature Request: Double-Tap Screen Zoom for Improved Readability

EmilioME72 — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:42:10 GMT

I would like to suggest adding a screen zoom function to Garmin touchscreen watches, specifically designed to improve readability for users who are not wearing their reading glasses.

Suggested functionality:

- A double tap on the touchscreen would temporarily activate a zoom mode.
- The content currently displayed on the watch face would be enlarged, for example by 1.5× or 2×.
- The zoom should work on the current watch face and, ideally, on data screens and widgets as well.
- A second double tap could return the display to its normal size.
- The zoom function could optionally be configurable in the watch settings, including the zoom level and activation method.

This would be particularly useful for users with presbyopia or reduced near-vision, who can normally read the watch perfectly well but may have difficulty reading small characters without their reading glasses.

A smartwatch is frequently checked in situations where putting on reading glasses is impractical or impossible—for example during exercise, walking, cycling, driving or outdoor activities.

This would be a relatively simple software feature that could significantly improve the accessibility and usability of Garmin touchscreen devices.

I believe a temporary, user-activated zoom would be a valuable addition to the Garmin user interface.

Headphone stutter after 10 minutes, even with 29.05

foobarbaz123 — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:12:17 GMT

---

I have a brand new Forerunner 965, updated to the latest software version (29.05) and am experiencing severe bluetooth headphone audio stuttering after 10 minutes. The only "solution" seems to be to disconnect/reconnect the headphones, which temporarily resolves the stuttering, only for it to return 10 minutes later.

I'm using Soundcore Life A1 (TWS) earbuds that are up-to date software-wise. I have used them for over a year without issue with my old Forerunner 645M. I've never had connection issues with the buds pairing with my phone or laptop, or my old Forerunner, so the 965 or its software is the obvious suspect.

I've been able to somewhat reliably reproduce the issue in an isolated environment: with the watch on my desk in front of me (~ 30cm from my earbuds) and all other bluetooth devices disabled. If I disconnect/reconnect the headphones from the watch, then listen to music, I get stuttering at around 10 minutes.

My testing has involved listening to the same few albums over and over and combinations of the following:

1. Hard-resetting the headphones
2. Placing the headphones back in their case between tests
3. Toggling off/on the headphones via the watch between tests
4. Using only one earbud with the other in the case

and nothing seems to consistently reproduce/not the issue, but I am getting stuttering in the majority of my tests.

Are there any effective solutions been found to this issue? I'm happy to try whatever troubleshooting Garmin can advise.

Audio prompt bug after update to 29.05

7437613 — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:52:41 GMT

After installing the new update tonight, my watch is announcing lap completion too early. For example the audio prompt says "Lap 4" while the watch screen still shows a distance of 3.13

Forerunner 965 Series - 29.05 - 100%

Garmin-Kevin — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:49:29 GMT

Software Version 29.05 is now available for the Forerunner 965 Series. You may manually download this software update by following the path below:

Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates

Change Log

Fix an issue with syncing strength personal records to Garmin Connect.
Fix an issue with configuring heart rate and power fields from Garmin Connect Mobile.
Various bug fixes and improvements.

965 watch stopped syncing & won't connect via Bluetooth to any device I own; tried defaults, tried a complete reset, tried reinstalling the app, tried pairing on a brand-new device.

stennan_ — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:54:29 GMT

Hi,

Connction issues

Have been having issues with my watch for the past 2 weeks, and it is driving me insane. First my watch lost connection with my phone and refused to "re-pair". I reset the Garmin app and "forgot the Bluetooth device" on my phone. Still no connection on my phone.
Note: I added all possible permissions to the Garmin app every time I reinstalled it, as "location" or "phone" permissions are sometimes needed to connect devices on Android.

But the watch still would sync periodically with my tablet until yesterday, when it also refused to complete the setup process despite me wiping the connection on the tablet.

I also completed several restarts, and the watch would show the spinning blue circle with the text "syncing" being displayed for about 5 seconds before reverting back to the QR code.

EDIT: SW bundle 28.05, GPS:13.00 ANT/BLE/BT: 28.27 Delta Downloads Enabled, SYS Hash 57e0abc

Backup and resets

I have tried backing up my settings and activities via WIFI with no success. I even added a brand new mobile hotspot connection with no password on 2.4GHz, which the watch accepted as a valid Wi-Fi, and the watch shows up as being connected to the hotspot network. But I keep getting error code 0500.

I tried resetting to default settings, but the connection issues remained as described above.

I have tried doing a complete reset and removing account/activities. The connection issues remain despite my retrying all connection attempts as above.

I finally tried to connect a 3rd Android device running Android 14 that has never been connected to the watch, and I am getting the same errors as described above.

Any other methods to factory reset or use SW to try and reconnect?

I feel like I'm at my wits' end here, so if anyone knows of any other way to reset the device, I will probably start a Warranty Claim.

Bad altimeter night calibration

2831976 — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:19:51 GMT

Hello,

Has anyone else experienced this? Everything was always fine, but after a trip, when I came back to home, I started having issues with the altimeter. Where I live, the elevation is 75 meters above sea level, but after the automatic nighttime calibration, the watch registers an elevation of around 50 meters. If I calibrate it manually in the same spot, it reads correctly at 75 meters. It also works fine while running or cycling, responding accurately to elevation changes. The problem is strictly with the automatic nighttime calibration.
I’ve tried restarting the watch and the phone, and even rinsing the watch—following Garmin’s recommendation to soak it in water for 5 minutes—but nothing helped.

Clear All Notifications Option

2750104 — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:42:47 GMT

User Problem:
Managing notifications on the Garmin Forerunner 965 can be cumbersome, especially when app notifications are enabled. Users often receive a large number of notifications throughout the day, and the current process requires clearing them one by one. This is time-consuming and can lead to a frustrating user experience.

Proposed Solution:
Introduce a "Clear All Notifications" option within the notification interface, allowing users to remove all notifications with a single action. Additionally, an auto-clear feature could be provided, enabling notifications to be automatically removed after a configurable period of time. These enhancements would improve usability and make notification management more efficient.

Running Lap Timing Failure in 28.05

GarminMarathoner — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 01:50:46 GMT

Noticed this in the last week or so - one my screens is lap time, lap distance, lap pace etc. Normally I just don't even review this except for workouts on manual laps. But even at start my lap time is 120 hours 57min and counting. Lap pace is therefore 00:00;00. The time could be total cumulative time for something. I tried a few times and then had 121 hrs etc.

And when laps are pressed it's always 4:34:89. Doesn't matter if it's a second or an hour, it's 4:34:89 on watch.

Actual downloaded data is correct this is entirely erroneous on the watch.

Fix for "Content Expired" message

kierkito — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:33:17 GMT

I hate this message so much. Please Garmin make this refresh in the background automatically.

Imagine being all set for run, you have a tight window. go to start your music and get this message. IT happens too frequently. With everything else that just works without intervention, is there not a way to avoid this message?

DSW Forerunner 965 disappeared

MrsColombia — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:40:35 GMT

Hi everyone!

Before you tell me to go to

From the watch face, select Start button.
Select Run or Bike.
Hold MENU.
Select Training > Workouts > Today's Suggestion.‍
Select Start button to disable or enable prompts.

I've done that.
So here is my issue. I had an active Garmin Coach Plan active, which I had to cancel because with current temperatures in Germany it is absolutely impossible to stick to the plan. Usually, after I cancelled a plan, I still got the standard plan-unrelated DSWs before starting a run. By mistake, I once chose "do not show again" and since then I haven't been able to reactivate them.
The thing is the option "Today's Suggestion" does not appear in the menu any longer. Only my own training list is shown.
If a plan is active and I go to Training / Workouts / Settings the option show DSW is active. But ONLY if a plan is active.

I've done the recommended hack "activate a new plan - sync with your watch trick - deactivate new plan" - but nothing. DSWs are only shown if a plan is active. And yes, I've restarted the watch and it's also on the latest software version.

Any ideas how to solve this?

Foreunner 965 & Polar Verity Sense Lactate Threshold Update…

8383166 — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:27:10 GMT

I’ve just bought a Polar Verity Sense optical heart rate monitor to use with my Forerunner 965. Can anyone using this pair tell me if the Auto Lactate Threshold will auto-update using data from the Polar Verity Sense? I’ve read conflicting reports, some suggesting it will only auto update if the devices are connected via ANT+. Anyone have personal experience? Thanks!

Beta 29.04

jkissane_ — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:04:26 GMT

Only one change that I can see:

Bundle: 28.05 -> 29.04
GPS: 13.00
WiFi: 28.27
CIQ: 5.2.0
BMX: 21.1.0
WHR: 21.01.00
ANT/BLE : 28.27
TCS: 7.21
Sensor Hub 35.10
NFC: 3.5.8
WLT: 3.2.14

I bought a Garmin FR 965 watch; I used to have a Polar. I have two questions! How do I transfer scheduled workouts from TrainingPeaks to Garmin Connect? How do I transfer all my old workouts and results from Polar Flow to Garmin Connect?

2050644 — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:56:54 GMT

I bought a Garmin FR 965 watch; I used to have a Polar. I have two questions! How do I transfer scheduled workouts from TrainingPeaks to Garmin Connect? How do I transfer all my old workouts and results from Polar Flow to Garmin Connect?

Strength Workouts not loading to Trainingpeaks correctly

RonanK — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:42:29 GMT

My last 3 strength workouts recorded via the standard strength workout on 965 do not load to Training peaks correctly.

they load into the app, but show no values for duration and TSS in weekly summary. Have also logged this with TP. It seems to upload as a 'strength builders' workout rather than a standard one

Anyone else see this

Heart Rate drops and wrong numbers

6195660 — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:19:52 GMT

Hi! Since the latest software release for the Garmin Forerunner 965, I can't go on a run anymore and rely on any heart rate data. I used to run with a Polar H10, but it doesn't work anymore. My heart rate regularly spikes to 180 bpm during a normal Zone 2 run. The H10 works flawlessly with my Edge 1040, though.

If I leave the chest strap at home and use the watch's built-in heart rate sensor instead, that doesn't work properly either. What is going on with the latest software release and the heart rate readings? Everything worked fine until about a month ago, but now I can't train based on heart rate anymore.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? I've tried resetting the watch, reinstalling the software, and everything else I could think of, but it still won't work properly.

Eduardo

2676272 — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 10:06:40 GMT

Tengo el Forerunner 945 ayer se me bloqueó de repente dando pitidos y lo he intentado resetear y no responde con el reset de fábrica arranca pero se queda en loadding Maps...no sé que hacer más

Training Load, HRV Status, Endurance Score disappeared after GPS/time glitch (Forerunner 965, v28.05)

5402398 — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:45:28 GMT

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing a strange issue with my Forerunner 965 (software 28.05) and I'm wondering if anyone has seen something similar.

This is what happened:

During an outdoor walk, the watch suddenly jumped to a different city.
Right after that, the watch time became incorrect.
I restarted the watch.
Since then, several physiological metrics have stopped working correctly.

What's still working:

All activities are present.
Every activity still has a valid Training Effect and Training Load.
VO2 Max is unchanged.
Sleep, heart rate, stress and nightly HRV values are all recorded correctly.

What's broken:

Acute Training Load = 0
Training Status = Detraining
Endurance Score reset
Hill Score reset
HRV Status (7-day average) disappeared

The most interesting part is that the raw data is still there.

For example, nightly HRV values are available for the past month, but the 7-day HRV graph restarted from yesterday, as if all previous history is ignored.

The same applies to Training Load: individual activities contain valid Training Load values, but Acute Load remains 0.

I've already tried:

Restarting the watch
Garmin Express sync
Garmin Connect sync
Verified date, time and time zone

No change so far.

Has anyone experienced this before?

Is there any way to force a rebuild/recalculation of physiological metrics from the existing data without performing a factory reset?

Thanks!

Turn of turn-by-turn audio prompts through iPhone

5353408 — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:16:38 GMT

Hi, I like to have my Garmin F965 on turn-by-turn navigation so it beeps but since last summer if I have my iPhone on sound it speaks the navigation as well. I have tried to disabled all audio prompts and also the turn-by-turn navigation but have not found a solutoin for only removing the speaking from my iPhone. Any ideas? Thanks!

How does primary device work? Forerunner 965 + Edge 850

Tomovich — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:10:40 GMT

Hello

Since beginning of this year I have an Edge 850, my first Garmin product. A few weeks ago I bought myself a Forerunner 965 watch. When I go cycling I record it with the Edge 850 either with my watch still on or with the watch at home.

I read that I should choose one of both to be the priority device and that it should be the device on which I register my cycling activities. When I open the connect app, I see that the Forerunner is the priority device. Is this correct? As I read it, this is wrong and it should be the Edge 850.

What is the importance of the primary device? If I continue as I do now, does it mean that the HR recording during cycling is the one registered by my watch? I noticed the watch is not very correct concerning HR. My Polar *** strap which is connected to my Edge 850 is much more correct.

Thanks!

iMessage notifications

9599939 — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 13:45:42 GMT

Hey all, I’ve noticed that with 28.05 I’m no longer getting notifications for any messages from the Messages app from iPhone on my watch. That includes any iMessages/RCS/text messages even though I have smart notifications for texts enabled and receive these notifications as usual on my phone. Has anyone else had this issue or found a resolution?