Forerunner 970 - Recent Threads

Ghost touches when scrolling through Menu

Tim — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:21:17 GMT

My new forerunner 970 has an issue where when I’m scrolling through the glances, it’ll sometimes act as if I clicked on a glance while I’m just scrolling. I notice there’s like a micro lag when this happens. Almost like it stops registering the scroll and registers a touch instead

had This issue on 3 Watches already.

RE: Ghost touches when scrolling through Menu

Andy.Little — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:51:38 GMT

I cannot replicate the issue from the video swiping through the bottom menu. But I have the issue scrolling the evening and morning reports.

RE: Ghost touches when scrolling through Menu

Akhmed — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:38:27 GMT

Today I checked two more watches from the 8N315 series. All of them had a sensor issue—more pronounced on some, less so on others. They came with firmware version 16.28 out of the box.

RE: 4 months later, the music screen still isn't working

7581323 — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:35:49 GMT

Still having the same problem after updating

4 months later, the music screen still isn't working

7581323 — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:43:25 GMT

[View:/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/1059/20260821_5F00_173104.mp4:320:240]

When I scroll through the screens during an activity, the music screen just doesn't show up

Screen 4: Training Data
Screen 5: Music
Screen 1: Running data

When I press one time the button at the bottom, I'm supposed to go to the music screen, but it stays on screen 4. If I press it again, I end up on screen 1—and vice versa. The music screen exists, but it doesn't display anything other than the current screen (4 or 1), and the same thing happens when I go to Settings.

RE: 4 months later, the music screen still isn't working

Garmin - DK — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:46:59 GMT

Thanks for the post 7581323 . We are currently rolling out a new software version for the Forerunner 970 (version 18.29). Please try updating and let us know if you continue to experience this same concern about the music screen not appearing.

RE: 4 months later, the music screen still isn't working

7581323 — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:28:42 GMT

Garmin-Kevin

Option to change data field color on watch faces (e.g., RUN)

Fabse — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:25:25 GMT

I would like an option to change the color of the data fields on different watch faces (e.g., RUN). Bright white is too harsh, especially when I use a more subtle clock hand color.

Version 18.29 - SkiErg to Strava fault - Cadence naming

hakanwidlund — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:11:24 GMT

The new activity for SkiErg in version 18.29 seems to work fine.

– However it does not come up in Strava. Importing FIT-file manually to Strava works but no laps nor power for example.
Maybe this is some Strava issue, I dont know.

– The cadence it called "Swim cadence" in the Connect mobile app and "Oars cadence" in Connect Web. At least in the Swedish versions.

My 970's screen is off and I cannot turn it back on.

Pz4pete — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:29:18 GMT

I have tried the 30 second reset. I have plugged it into garmin express but it says that it is locked and to enter the pass code which of course I cannot do without the screen. I have tried to blindly toggle the display through the control menu. I have even taken off all other controls (except for on/off which you cannot take off) I am at a loss. What do I don? This seemed to happen back in July to but then somehow went away.

Undo step for structured workouts + safer Back/Lap (Forerunner 970)

4096363 — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:14:18 GMT

During a structured workout, an accidental BACK/LAP press immediately advances to the next step. Unlike manual laps, Lap Undo isn’t available in workouts, so there’s no way to revert and resume the previous step. This often occurs when opening/closing Music controls; due to slight UI lag, the key press lands on the workout screen and unintentionally advances the step.

Steps to reproduce

Start a structured workout (warm-up → intervals → recoveries).
Open and use Music controls.
Return to the workout screen.
Press BACK/LAP by mistake → step advances; no undo available.

Expected behavior

Ability to Undo step and return exactly to the previous step (restore timer/targets/alerts).

Why it matters

Preserves data integrity (step duration, pace/HR averages, time in zones, Training Load/VO₂max estimates) and reduces user frustration (rain, sweat, gloves, quick interactions).

Proposed solutions (any/all)

Add Undo step for 5–10 s after a step advance in structured workouts.
Optional confirmation to advance step (double-press or long-press).
Option to disable/remap BACK/LAP during workouts or when the Music screen is active / right after exiting it (anti-ghost press window).

Thanks for considering—this would meaningfully improve workout reliability and UX.

RE: Undo step for structured workouts + safer Back/Lap (Forerunner 970)

2988393 — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:47:54 GMT

it is absolutely mind boggling how poorly implemented this is

RE: Undo step for structured workouts + safer Back/Lap (Forerunner 970)

JasonTurk — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:46:06 GMT

I ran into this problem today. I accidentally hit the lap button and ruined the structured workout. Very poor design.

RE: Current pace shows ZERO

Garmin - KS — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:24:33 GMT

4639054 I noticed your Forerunner 970 is currently running software version 17.39. We've begun rolling out software version 18.29, which includes a fix for pace/speed dropouts, particularly during interval training. The update is currently available to 20% of users, but you can manually check for it by going to Menu > Watch Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.

If you're still experiencing this issue after updating to 18.29, please create a new forum thread and include your current software version along with any additional details about when the behavior occurs. This will help us review your report and gather the appropriate information if further investigation is needed.

Thank you!

Current pace shows ZERO

4639054 — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 23:32:41 GMT

Hi everyone / Garmin Support Team,

I am experiencing an issue where the pace chart drops to 0 (flatlines at the top/maximum value on Garmin Connect) right after pressing the manual lap button during a run.

Issue Summary:

Device: Garmin Forerunner 970

Activity Type: Running

Description of the Problem:

The recorded pace suddenly drops to 0 (or flatlines completely) during the middle of the run.

This occurs right after I manually trigger a lap (press the LAP button).

Other metrics like Heart Rate and Elevation continue to record properly, but the Pace data is lost/flatlined until a later point or the end of the activity.

The overall average pace and distance seem to be affected/distorted due to this drop.

This bug starts from the latest software update which happens almost a week ago.

17.33 audio volume bug

Germano — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:55:37 GMT

After this update, every time I go to the audio volume when streaming music or podcasts, the audio level decreases automatically without me touching any button. I also think the new layout is ugly, but that's not a bug, it's a matter of taste.

RE: 17.33 audio volume bug

Garmin - KS — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:58:46 GMT

We believe the audio volume concerns discussed in this thread have been resolved. If you're experiencing this behavior, please ensure that you have the latest software version installed (currently v18.29) and then test again.

If you continue to experience audio volume concerns after updating, please create a new forum thread with details about your setup, including the software version currently installed, the type of audio prompts affected, and any troubleshooting you've already completed. This will help us review each report individually and gather the appropriate information for further investigation.

Thank you!

Forerunner 970 - Software Version 18.29 - 50% Rollout

Garmin-Dan — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:42:18 GMT

Software version 18.29 is now available at 50% rollout for Forerunner 970.

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: • Enables the voice command feature with the "OK Garmin" wake word.
• Adds a suggested quick workout for running.
• Adds the XC Ski Indoor activity.
• Adds context to volume control.
• Improves the flashlight shortcut to cycle through the on, off, and strobe modes during an activity.
• Reduces false unlocks when using the touch lock feature.
• Fixes an issue that could result in pace/speed dropouts, especially during interval training.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset during a strength activity free workout.
• Fixes the onscreen lap shortcut no longer showing in HIIT workouts.
• Fixes an issue with not being able to start a suggested multisport workout.
• Fixes an issue with selecting rest days for daily suggested or Garmin Coach plan workouts.
• Fixes an issue where the training days shown on the watch might not match the days shown in the Garmin Coach plan .
• Fixes volume level not returning to correct setting after water ejection.
• Fixes an issue that could cause music volume to increase after an alarm sounds.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when installing audio prompt software and host software simultaneously.
• Fixes other minor issues.
• Updates translations.

Does DEM work on your watch?

smbkrun+3 — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:22:56 GMT

I always get "Calibration Failed" works fine in my 965

RE: Does DEM work on your watch?

smbkrun+3 — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:02:01 GMT

I did a factory reset on my watch and still can't get DEM to work, not a big deal but kinda weird my 965 DEM works

RE: Current pace shows ZERO

4639054 — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 22:51:43 GMT

Still experiencing the same issue…

RE: Ghost touches when scrolling through Menu

VictorGalache — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 09:28:20 GMT

That is the serious part: they are aware of the problem, yet they do nothing to solve it

RE: Ghost touches when scrolling through Menu

Akhmed — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 08:58:30 GMT

I'm surprised by the lack of a clear response from Garmin, this problem is widespread. If they exchange the watch for a new one when I file a warranty claim, it means they're aware of the problem.

RE: Ghost touches when scrolling through Menu

topcaser — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 08:49:53 GMT

Hi, I experience that problem with 8N317. My last replacement was also faulty, but I don't know the number any more. Hotline told me, that one replacement was produced in February the other one in May. Sounds not like a short glitch from the supplier

RE: Ghost touches when scrolling through Menu

Akhmed — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 08:44:26 GMT

Are you also experiencing problems with your touch screen?