Easy access to favourite Connect IQ App

Getting to a CIQ app is something determined by the platform (FW) folks, and there's no way to change that or do a "shortcut".

On the 23x/630/735 it's as you describe, and yes, it's a few presses/swipes. But on a va or va-hr, you just press the start button, and CIQ apps are just another app on the list, like the native run, and can be re-ordered so your favorite app (of any type) is at the top of the list. On devices like the Oregon, there is a connect IQ button on the main screen that takes you right to CIQ apps, etc.

(press start/stop, select "Activity", select "IQ Apps", select "Stopwatch"). That's a lot of clicking for something I use frequently.

Not that many more button-presses than to start a tracked run or ride using the factory-installed activity profiles (or ‘apps’).

On the 23x/630/735 it's as you describe, and yes, it's a few presses/swipes.

There's no ‘select "Activity"’ on the FR235 as a distinctly separate step from ‘select "IQ Apps"’. If the Stopwatch app was the last thing I used, then it's just three presses of the Select button from the watchface.

In comparison, if Run was the last thing I did, then to start a new tracked run I'd also have to press the Select button three times from the watchface, or at least twice with the caveat that I'm prepare to wait for GPS and Wrist Heart Rate to be ready after the first button-press.

Not that many more button-presses than to start a tracked run or ride using the factory-installed activity profiles (or ‘apps’).

True, but I do runs or other activities no more than twice a day (usually only once or none), so I don't care how many buttons I have to press to get there, while I use the stopwatch anything between 5-10 times per day.

There's no ‘select "Activity"’ on the FR235 as a distinctly separate step from ‘select "IQ Apps"’. If the Stopwatch app was the last thing I used, then it's just three presses of the Select button from the watchface.

Almost true, as I ALWAYS have to select the stopwatch app from the list, because after selecting "IQ Apps" the menu is always positioned at the first IQ app (I have more than one IQ app installed) on the list regadless of which app I've been using recently. Maybe if I found a way to reorder IQ apps I could save some clicks.

In comparison, if Run was the last thing I did, then to start a new tracked run I'd also have to press the Select button three times from the watchface, or at least twice with the caveat that I'm prepare to wait for GPS and Wrist Heart Rate to be ready after the first button-press.

Not true, because I'd also have to press "Activity" and select "IQ Apps" from the list.

So to sum it up there are 2 scenarios:

1. I've been using stopwatch recently:
1.1 Press "start"
1.2 Press "start"
1.3 Press "down" to select stopwatch (possibly more than once if I had more IQ apps installed)
1.4 Press "start" (stopwatch disclaimer message appears)
1.5 Press "start" (stopwatch is ready to use).
That's at least 5 button presses to get to the stopwatch.

Now second scenario:
2. I've been using other activity recently (for example run):
2.1 Press "start"
2.2 Press "up" to enter activity selection.
2.3 Press "up" to scroll to "Apps" (possibly more than once if activity other than run were selected)
2.4 Press "start" to select "IQ Apps"
2.5 Press "start"
2.6 Press "down" to select stopwatch (possibly more than once if I had more IQ apps installed)
2.7 Press "start" (stopwatch disclaimer message appears)
2.8 Press "start" (stopwatch is ready to use)
That's at least 8 button presses to get to the stopwatch.

To be clear: This is not a showstopper for me. I can live with that, but if anyone knew a shorter way to access the stopwatch that would be nice.

Maybe if I found a way to reorder IQ apps I could save some clicks.

You can re-order how they show. From GCM on your phone or Garmin Express. On your phone, go to Garmin Devices>(your device)>Connect IQ>Applications. On the top-right is "REORDER". You can do it in GE under "Manage Apps".

The Fenix 3 has shortcut options when holding down one of the two right hand buttons.

Surely this feature can be added in a firmware update. Calling Garmin FW folks? 😎

You can re-order how they show. From GCM on your phone or Garmin Express. On your phone, go to Garmin Devices>(your device)>Connect IQ>Applications. On the top-right is "REORDER". You can do it in GE under "Manage Apps".

I reordered my apps and now I can get to the stopwatch in 4 clicks of the same button in most cases. I think I can live with that. Thanks for your advice.

The Fenix 3 has shortcut options when holding down one of the two right hand buttons.

Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking about. Pity the 735 doesn't have a hot key shortcut option.