5 signs to improve your Garmin watch

Key Takeaways

• Problems like speed, missing features, and battery degradation can be reasons to upgrade your Garmin.
• You should also upgrade if some kind of failure seems imminent.
• Sometimes you can extend the development cycle with troubleshooting steps.

Garmin watches may not be as flashy or general-purpose as something like the Apple Watch, but that’s often their strength — since they’re purpose-built for fitness and adventure activities, their designs tend to stay relevant for a long time. That’s especially true given Garmin’s efforts to retrofit new software features to older hardware.

Smart watches need to be upgraded at some point, and that’s where this guide comes in. Don’t worry, I’ll actually prevent you from buying a new watch if you don’t have to. We all love the feeling of releasing a new tech gadget — but the longer you wait, the more meaningful the upgrade.

1 The interface is flexible

Death by a thousand (slow) cuts.

Garmin communications are rarely described as buttery smooth. That’s usually fine, since if you’re running or lifting weights, your main concern is probably logging workouts rather than flying through menus. If your watch is a few years old, however, its UI may feel sluggish, at least compared to newer smartwatches with updated processors and more memory. That can be annoying, especially if you depend on time-sensitive features like offline browsing.

It’s up to you to decide when you’ve had enough, but before you add the Epix Pro to your shopping cart, try rebooting your watch first and/or removing any unnecessary content from it. Still choppy? Check if a software update is available. If not, a factory reset may do the trick.

2 No more software updates

Supporting news

Every smartwatch maker has a limited amount of resources to devote to software support, and naturally, the oldest devices get phased out first. That’s not a big deal — if the watch still does what you need, you can keep using it until it breaks.

Without updates, however, you won’t get any bug fixes, much less access to new features. Think of it as a sign that you should consider upgrading, even if there’s no rush to pull the trigger. The only real drawback is that you can’t connect to important apps and online services, like Garmin Connect.

3 Battery life is greatly reduced

It doesn’t go far

Lithium-ion batteries degrade as you repeatedly drain and recharge them. It translates to reduced overall capacity, regardless of what features you use or how long you leave the device charging. In fact, it’s often best to charge devices to around 80% to minimize that damage.

Garmin watches have a famously long battery life, sometimes measured in weeks, so it can be difficult to judge their life. It’s safe to say though that if your watch loses a day’s worth of performance compared to what you got out of the box, you probably deserve a warranty repair or replacement.

4 You really need a new feature

It’s not being cool

“Need” may be too strong a word, but if a new watch has a feature that will significantly improve your life, it’s worth considering. Models with Spotify caching can make exercise sessions more enjoyable, for example, and hikers will benefit from models with offline mapping and embedded solar power. If you’re an athlete, you’ll want a watch that supports Garmin’s Training Status and recovery metrics.

Just remember to be realistic. Some people buy expensive new devices as an “incentive” to try an ambitious goal like a marathon, and then fail or use only a fraction of the features available. Develop to solve existing problems or goals that you are fully committed to.

5 Durability is at stake

Avoid the worst

Garmin watches are often rugged — its Tactix models are built for soldiers in the field — but they’re not invincible, and what at first appears to be minor damage may be an indication that the device is unusable or has failed completely. A large enough display crack, for example, can disrupt touch output, or extend until the entire screen is compromised. A hole in the casing can become an entry point for dust and water that can fry your circuitry.

Not all damage is cause for panic, of course. Use your own good judgment. You may not like scratches and dents, but they are usually cosmetic issues that only affect resale value, not performance.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to buy the latest Garmin watch?

No, it’s not. Garmin tends to support its devices for years, and as long as you’re covered, the watch should do everything you bought it for. The main reasons for making new are longevity, warranty, and access to the latest features.

Q: How much should I spend on a new Garmin watch?

That depends on what you need, but the better Garmin models usually start at $300. Most people should avoid spending more than $1,000 unless you are a professional athlete, soldier, or lifeguard.