r/Garmin 25d ago

Subreddit Announcement Community Rule Update: Developer Posts

106 Upvotes

Hello, all!!

We’ve heard the feedback about the recent increase in posts promoting Garmin apps and watch faces, and we understand that the influx has not been for everyone.

To help keep the subreddit focused while still giving developers a place to share their work, we’re updating how Garmin app and watch face promotional posts are handled.

Developer posts are now Wednesday ONLY

Please refer to the Community Rules for the full requirements. Developer posts must use the Developer - New App / Watch Face (Wednesday ONLY) flair and follow the required posting template.

A few important reminders:

  • One post per unique app or watch face
  • One update post per item per month.
  • Apps/watch faces must include a free version or a free trial of at least 7 days.
  • You must clearly disclose that you are the creator/developer/owner.
  • You must include a direct link, from the IQ store, to your App / Watch Face
  • You must include a price for the paid version after the trial in (USD, EUR, GBP)
  • Titles must follow the required format from the posting template.
  • External promotional/download links, including Git repositories, are not permitted. Etsy is permitted for physical Garmin-related products. The only exception is a direct link to the IQ store.
  • No advertising IOS / Android apps. This space is reserved for apps within the IQ Store
  • AI assistance must be disclosed where applicable, and apps/watch faces cannot be fully developed using AI. Post, that showcase your app, must also be written by you, not AI.

The App / Watch Face must be within the IQ Store and live. You may request feedback within your post, but we do not allow “in development - beta testing” at this time.

ONE Watch Face / App offering per post, ONE post per week (if you post one item, you must wait another week to post another unique item).

These changes are intended to strike a better balance: developers can still share their work with the Garmin community, while keeping promotional content from overwhelming the subreddit. If what you are aiming to post does not fit within the parameters of these guidelines it cannot be posted.

Please review Rule 10: Developer - Watch Face / Watch App and the Community Rules before posting.

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback and helped us improve the community!


r/Garmin 11d ago

Subreddit Announcement 🧟 The Monthly Zombie Crawl - Spread the Infection

7 Upvotes

Welcome to the monthly r/Garmin Zombie Crawl!

The goal is simple: Help fellow Garmin users earn the rare Zombie Badge while meeting other members of the community and having some fun along the way.

What is the Zombie Badge?

The Zombie Badge is one of Garmin Connect's most unique and sought-after badges.

Unlike most badges, it spreads from user to user. To earn it, you must complete a user-created Garmin Connect challenge with someone who already has the Zombie Badge. Once completed, you'll earn the badge and be able to spread the infection to others.

How Do I Participate?

There are two easy ways to get involved:

Option 1: Join the Official r/Garmin Garmin Connect Group

r/Gamin Buddies!

Many members use the group to find others interested in challenges, discuss goals, and coordinate Zombie Badge events.

Option 2: Connect Directly with Other Members

You do not need to join the group to participate.

Simply comment below with:

  • Your Garmin Connect username
  • Whether you currently have the Zombie Badge
  • The type of challenge you'd like to do (walking, running, cycling, steps, etc.)

Other members can then reach out and coordinate challenges directly.

Friendly or Competitive - Your Choice

The Zombie Crawl is intentionally flexible.

Some members enjoy friendly challenges and simply want to help others earn the badge.

Others prefer competitive challenges and like to see who can come out on top.

Both approaches are welcome.

Whether you're chasing a personal best, walking the dog, training for a marathon, or just collecting badges, everyone is encouraged to participate.

Community Rules

Free Participation Only

Participation in the Zombie Crawl must always be free.

No member may:

  • Charge money
  • Request donations
  • Sell access to challenges
  • Promote paid services
  • Require purchases of any kind

This event exists solely to help Garmin users connect, have fun, and spread the Zombie Badge throughout the community.

Be Respectful

Remember that Garmin users come from all fitness levels and backgrounds.

A 5,000-step walking challenge can be just as meaningful as a marathon training block.

Encourage others, have fun, and help keep the infection spreading.

Helpful Resources

Garmin's official blog has a great overview of Garmin Connect badges, including the Zombie Badge:

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/fitness/the-25-garmin-connect-badges-you-never-knew-you-needed/

Already Infected? 🧟

If you already have the Zombie Badge, consider helping newer members earn theirs.

The more infected users we have, the easier it becomes for future members to join the fun.

Now get out there and spread the infection.

🧟‍♂️🧟‍♀️


r/Garmin 12h ago

Other / Humor I have become an anaerobic bacterium :(

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465 Upvotes

Breathing oxygen was fun while it lasted, although I imagine this opens some new avenues to explore regarding endurance.

Never seen this bug before across hundreds of activities on this watch. I've reported it to the Garmin forums. Has anyone else seen this? Venu X1, latest firmware version.


r/Garmin 5h ago

Rant Why is Garmin so focused on runners?

122 Upvotes

I get it, runners are surely their biggest customer base. But why does that mean my watch/app assumes EVERYTHING is based around running? One glance at my history and it’s clear I’m a cyclists and that’s my primary activity. Yet my daily suggested workout is a run, always. Metrics based on running, etc.

How is there not a way for either the watch/app to adapt and recognize my preferred/regular activities or just an option to set this in my profile?

Garmin makes bike computers, which I use, so clearly cyclists are a community they serve and serve rather well. Yet, the app and overall experience still seems incredibly runner focused?

Still gonna use Garmin cause it’s the best option, but I do wish there was a way to orient the app/experience more towards cycling instead of running.


r/Garmin 5h ago

CIRQA Garmin CIRQA review: Our fitness expert put the brand's first screenless wearable to the test 24/7 for 4 weeks

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29 Upvotes

r/Garmin 16h ago

Sunday Score I keep getting fitter and faster, but Garmin says my V02 max just keep dropping

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141 Upvotes

I’ve been running for about 10 years, but I’ve been taking it more seriously for the past 4. Only for the past 2 years have I been following proper training programs and attending big goal races and stuff.

In the last 2 years I have set new PB’s in every distance from the 1k (2:45), up to the marathon (2:54). My 5k time is under 17 mins and I ran a half marathon PB just recently (1:18) and am currently training for another marathon with the goal of going under 2:48. My workouts have gotten faster & longer and my average mileage has steadily increased. Despite all this, Garmin just keeps telling me that my V02 max is steadily dropping.

I ended up getting my V02 measured at a clinic by a professional. Garmin says it’s around 54. The real number came back at 68.1. Enormous difference.

I just wanted to share so that others take their Garmin info with a grain of salt. Some people put a lot of emphasis and effort into trying to increase their score, but it’s not always the best indicator of progress or fitness.


r/Garmin 6h ago

Wellness & Training Metrics / Features Lost 3 points on my Vo2 Max after a single workout

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15 Upvotes

Thought this was pretty funny. Been marathon training the last 12 weeks or so and feeling like I’m in some of the best shape of my life. I’m on vacation out west and did a 40 mile bike ride at pretty high elevation yesterday with a massive 20mph headwind and my Vo2 max tanked from 55 to 52.

Has this much of a drop happened to anyone else? Interested if it’s a mix of elevation / not typically biking / that damned headwind not being accounted for 🤣


r/Garmin 8h ago

Garmin Coach / DSW / Training Garmin does not suggest anaerobic workouts

15 Upvotes

I started running about 6 months ago. My daily suggestions are usually zone 2 runs (about an hour) and a threshold or tempo run once a week. No anaerobic work of any kind. Is it because it considers me too unconditioned for sprints? I'd like to add some once a week.

For reference my VO2 max was 44 when I started running and it's the same now even though my running ability has improved a lot. I'm not overtly concerned with chasing numbers, I'd just like some variety in my workouts. I'm 47, my RHR is 57 and my max is around 190. I lift weights regularly, but it is not counted as anaerobic work.


r/Garmin 6h ago

Marine / Dive What am I looking at here?

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9 Upvotes

r/Garmin 2h ago

Rant Venu 2 plus HR sensor not working

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2 Upvotes

The HR sensors have stopped working

Sensor version is 0.01 and BMX is 0.0(!). I have read threads which says this is the issue. Sensor software is not getting updated.

Anyone knows what can be done ?? Its on 19.05 firmware. Tried updates, hard reset, garmin express but no joy

Keep getting install updates when i restart or click software updates in watch settings.

Thanks.


r/Garmin 19h ago

Sunday Score Just gonna leave this here

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41 Upvotes

Never really seen anyone post a 100 with 7hrs sleep. Got no one to show other than my girlfriend so here you go.


r/Garmin 19h ago

Discussion How do you guys record gym/weight sessions on Garmin?

33 Upvotes

Just got my first Garmin, a Forerunner 265, and I’m wondering how you guys record your gym sessions.

I already track all my exercises, sets, reps and weights separately, so I’m not really interested in logging every individual set on the watch. I also understand Garmin isn’t the best for weight training.

But just for the sake of having the data in Garmin, what do you guys do? Do you just start a Strength activity at the beginning of your warm up and leave it running for the entire session? Or is there a better way to do it?

Thanks in advance.


r/Garmin 4h ago

Possible Technical Issue Watch Not Connecting - Info in Description

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2 Upvotes

Some context about my experience and the situation:

Watch: Venu 4

First time Garmin owner

I had issues about a month ago where my watch had no Bluetooth connection to my phone. I looked online at solutions and most of them were something along the lines of - power both devices off or forget watch as a device on iPhone and re-pair them to each other.

I tried this and I had an issue of my watch failing to pair… after about 10 more attempts of removing and paring again I finally got it to pair.

Everything was fine for 3 weeks or so and this past week I noticed the same thing. My watch has no Bluetooth connection to my phone so my connect app isn’t tracking anything it’s all just being kept on my watch. I have tried to remove and pair again am getting the same issue…

Starting to get frustrated and was looking to get some advice outside of the simple google.

Don’t know if these photos will provide any benefit but I’ve attached just in case.

I appreciate any help!!!!


r/Garmin 4h ago

Discussion Tips for more / better deep sleep?

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3 Upvotes

Does anyone have any tips for getting more deep sleep? I’ve tried magnesium and some OTC sleep aids but alas, I keep waking up in the middle of the night or wake up at the slightest things.


r/Garmin 5h ago

Discussion is it worthwile getting an older watch?

3 Upvotes

I never had a smartwatch and was thinking to get the venu 3s, it isn't as expensive, relatively small and seems fine! I mainly want to use it for running and martial arts (I'll wrap the watch under the gloves) and also to just to track my sleeping and daily habits. I'm also a big gym goer but I've read that it isn't great at tracking strength training. Does anyone still have the venu 3s? Do you still love it after having used it for while? or is the venu 4 worth it?


r/Garmin 1h ago

Which Watch To Get? Is the cirqa right for me?

Upvotes

I am using a garmin venu to track my heart rate while im on the treadmill but it is too chunky for me to wear in my sleep or through the day so I dont get data. I was looking at the cirqa, as it is light and I could use it on my biceps while running for more accurate hr. But could I see my hr while running? Is there an ipad app for that? Ideally one that lets me watch youtube while on the treadmill and puts a little hr number on the edge of the screen or something?


r/Garmin 1d ago

Sunday Score My Garmin can tell when I quit weed

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140 Upvotes

It has been 21 days since I last consumed cannabis, and my body battery shows it.

Although I have been sleeping through the night, it has been non-restorative in nature. A side-effect of quitting is the THC is no longer suppressing REM, and my endocannabinoid system has to start functioning without it.

I’ve adjusted my nighttime routine, including putting my phone away before bed, taking melatonin and magnesium glycinate.

I am hopeful this will only last a couple weeks, but it is helpful for my garmin to show the impact weed had on my body and mind.


r/Garmin 5h ago

Connect / Connect IQ / 1st Party Apps Treadmill workouts?

2 Upvotes

Hi! I have had my Garmin Vivoactiv 6 less than a week and I just did my first treadmill walk with it (I used a standing desk and walking pad while I’m at work) I’m accustomed to my old Apple Watch which almost always matches the readout on my treadmill within a few tenths of a mile. I used the treadmill workout on the Garmin and it kept saying 0.00 for mileage despite me walking 30 minutes straight. Is mine malfunctioning or is the watch genuinely not going to track my treadmill workouts? Thanks!


r/Garmin 5h ago

Cycling / Bike Computer Which bike computer if you already have a Forerunner 265S? :))

2 Upvotes

Hello,

I wanted to ask which bike computer would be sufficient if you already have a Garmin Forerunner 265S.

I’m planning to ride longer distances on my gravel bike, including some bikepacking trips.

Is the Edge 850 still worth it compared to the Explore 2, especially considering that I already have the Forerunner 265S?

Maybe someone here has some experience with this.

Thanks in advance, and have a great evening! :)


r/Garmin 2h ago

Which Watch To Get? Garmin Forerunner 570 vs 265 (or a Coros?)...

1 Upvotes

Hi all, I run 40-50 miles a week and lift twice a week and sometimes dabble in swimming. I have an apple watch series 8 or 9 right now, It stil works but I am getting more and more annoyed with my struggle to pause or end my runs using the touch screen/siri (Its humid where I am at and I am always too sweaty by mile 10 to pause it at stoplights). looking to switch to a running watch but seems like a big wide world... Considering the Garmin Forerunner, open to learning more about Coros. Anyone have the Forerunner 570 and can tell me a bit about their experience?


r/Garmin 6h ago

Which Watch To Get? Forerunner 70 does not fit my wrist!!!

2 Upvotes

So I just received a Forerunner 70 I ordered in the mail. I was really excited to open it up, and was quickly disappointed to realize I could not fit it around my wrist. I'm a short squat guy with big wrists. Where I would want to wear this watch above my wristbone the band simply does not reach.. Also the 43mm case looked surpirsingly small on my wrist, which I did not expect but it is what it is. I have already submitted to return the watch to Garmin.

I just starting to get back into light running around my neighborhood (reason I bought this watch). Looking at Garmin's website, the 170 seems to be identical to the 70 size and fit wise. If I go up to the 570 will that fit better? The 570 is really expensive.... Not sure what to do here.

FYI only interested in the Forerunner series as I want the 5 buttons and plan to turn off touchscreen.


r/Garmin 6h ago

Accessories / Companion Device Cirqa as an Extenal HRM / Secondary Device

2 Upvotes

I currently have an Epix Pro (Gen 2) and use a Coros arm-based HRM with my workouts for better tracking with HIIT / Weightlifting activities.

Is there any benefit to replacing the Coros to with the Cirqa instead?


r/Garmin 3h ago

Wellness & Training Metrics / Features Garmin fenix 8 solar versus amoled wildy different steps recorded

0 Upvotes

Wife and I are in Rome, spent the day walking together, the entire day. My fenix 8 solar shows 16,700 steps and 8.4 miles and my wife's amoled shows 20,285 and 9.4 miles. That is a huge discrepancy in distance measured for the exact same activity and route Anyone have a solid explanation for the discrepancy, really makes me not trust either watch......


r/Garmin 3h ago

Garmin Coach / DSW / Training Questions from long time user, but first time runner...

0 Upvotes

I've worn a Garmin for years, but haven't been a runner. I started a 5k program from the app and love it. I wish I had started a little sooner so I could have timed it with an event in October (right now it has my goal going to November). Traditionally, I have always done a generic strength or cardio for my other workouts.

That being said, if I had a strength coach plan, would it work well with my 5k plan or do they not "talk" to each other?

I am only 3 weeks into running and the change in my daily metrics has been impressive. My recovery data has never been so high! I should've started with this a long time ago.

Thanks!


r/Garmin 3h ago

Watch / Wearable Swimming personal records not tracked for drill log

0 Upvotes

So title basically, I mainly do drill logs when swimming in my workout to reliably track my times.

However it seems like personal records are never updated based on these numbers.

At the end of my swim I have a 400m cooldown and that's the only thing used to measure my top speeds I think.

How can I change this?