Garmin Watch Compatibility: 14 Things That Work! (And 2 That Don’t)

Garmin watches offer a range of compatible devices for various purposes, each with unique features and capabilities.

This guide explores exactly how compatible they are, highlighting which functions work seamlessly together and where limitations exist.

Let’s get started.

What Phones Are Garmin Watches Compatible With?

Many of us are avidly checking our notifications throughout the day – be it a message from a pal, an email from the boss, or even a reminder not to forget that dentist appointment again.

However, constant phone use isn’t necessary for staying connected to friends and family.

With a Garmin smartwatch, you can keep tabs on important alerts and updates without continuously reaching for your device.

So, here’s the lowdown on compatibility.

iPhones and iPads (iOS)

You’re in luck if you’re an Apple user.

Garmin smartwatches are completely compatible with iOS-enabled iPhones and iPads.

Enjoy the ease of getting smart alerts like messages, calls, calendar reminders, and emails immediately on your wrist.

So, with a simple flick of the wrist, your Garmin watch keeps you in the loop.

Samsung Phones (Android)

Garmin has you covered if you’re all about the Android ecosystem.

Connect your Garmin watch to your Samsung or any other Android phone to enjoy the advantages of longer battery life, a range of activity profiles, and comprehensive physiological data tracking.

You can also receive smart alerts with ease, and reply to messages immediately using predefined response choices.

Google Pixel

Garmin smartwatches are designed to operate with Android smartphones running Android 7.0 or above. This implies that any Google Pixel phone running Android 7 or above is compatible with Garmin smartwatches.

Here is a list of Google Pixel devices that are compatible with Garmin watches:

• Google Pixel and Pixel XL (2016)
• Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (2017)
• Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (2018)
• Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL (2019)
• Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL (2019)
• Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a (5G) (2020)
• Google Pixel 5 (2020)
• Google Pixel 5a (5G) (2021)
• Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (2021)

So, whether you possess an older model of Google Pixel or the most recent Pixel 6 series, Garmin smartwatches provide a connected experience, ensuring you never miss a beat.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Android?

Garmin smartwatches can be smoothly synced with Android phones running Android 7.0 or above. This compatibility means that customers may make use of the entire range of Garmin features, such as:

• Boosted battery life
• Different activity profiles
• Physiological data tracking
• The convenience of getting automated notifications on their wrists.

The Garmin Connect app acts as a connectivity point, allowing users to synchronize their smartwatches with Android smartphones as well as use additional functions such as the Find Your Phone tool and LiveTrack for increased security.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Apple Music?

Apple Music subscriptions are not supported by Garmin watches.

Songs purchased via the iTunes Store, on the other hand, can be synchronized and played on Garmin Music watches via Garmin Express on a computer.

RELATED: Is Apple Music Available On My Device? (16 Devices Checked)

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Spotify?

Garmin smartwatches have integrated Spotify compatibility via the Connect IQ app, which requires a Spotify Premium subscription.

By connecting your Garmin watch to Wi-Fi, you can transfer your saved playlists from your premium Spotify account directly onto your device.

You can then listen to music or podcasts offline without relying on a Bluetooth link to your phone. During the initial syncing process, your watch must be linked to your phone.

The amount of Spotify content that can be stored on your Garmin watch varies depending on the device’s internal storage capacity; typically, you can store multiple playlists and numerous songs.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Dexcom?

Garmin watches are compatible with Dexcom technology, allowing users to seamlessly monitor their glucose levels directly from their wrists.

Moreover, the Dexcom apps can be accessed through Connect IQ, an app that offers customizable features for various Garmin wearables.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With AirPods?

AirPods are compatible with some Garmin watches because they use Bluetooth 4.0, which is the same tech used by many other devices.

To make sure your Garmin watch can connect with AirPods, you need to check if your watch has Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities.

This special type of Bluetooth lets your watch communicate with other devices like headphones, giving you the freedom to listen without cords.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Peloton?

Peloton bikes don’t have a special signal that other devices like Garmin watches can pick up. And, files created with Peloton can’t be sent to Garmin Connect either.

However, if you have a Garmin watch that can measure your heart rate and send that info wirelessly, you might be able to get your heart rate data onto a Peloton bike using Bluetooth or another technology called ANT+.

To do this, you need to turn on a feature on your Garmin watch called “Broadcast During Activity.” Check your watch’s instructions to learn how to do this.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Any Dog Trackers?

Some Garmin watches come with something called the Dog Tracking Widget. This allows you to get information about your dog’s location using a special handheld device.

Here are some of the Garmin watches that have this feature:

• D2 Bravo, D2 Charlie, D2 Delta, D2 Mach 11, and Descent G1 watches
• Enduro watchesEpix (Gen 2) and Epix Pro (Gen 2) watches
• Fénix 3, Fénix 5, Fénix 5 Plus, Fénix 6, and Fénix 7 Pro watches
• Forerunner 935, Forerunner 945, and Instinct Crossover watches
• Instinct watches and Instinct 2 watches
• MARQ Collection and MARQ Collection (Gen 2) watches
• Quatix 5, Quatix 6, and Quatix 7 watches
• Tactix Bravo, Tactix Charlie, Tactix Delta, and Tactix 7 watches

You can also use a separate dog-tracking handheld device to send information to the Dog Tracking Widget on these watches. Some examples of compatible devices include:

• Alpha 10, Alpha 100, Alpha 200 & Alpha 200i, Alpha 300 & Alpha 300i
• Astro 320, Astro 430, and Astro 900 PRO 550 Plus

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Oppo?

Garmin watches connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing for a host of exciting features such as customized alerts, tune control, and fitness monitoring.

And if you’re an Oppo user?

You’re in luck.

Considering your phone operates on an Android system, you’ll get to enjoy all these perks and more when connecting your Garmin watch to your phone.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With PacePro?

Garmin watches come equipped with PacePro. This feature provides real-time guidance and adaptive recommendations based on your performance and the terrain.

PacePro supports several Garmin models, including the:

• Fenix 7
• Epix 2
• Forerunner 965
• Forerunner 955
• Forerunner 265
• Forerunner 255
• Forerunner 55

To use PacePro, you must first create a course profile on Garmin Connect before race day and synchronize it with your watch.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Strava?

Garmin watches can connect with Strava, making it easy to share your workouts with others.

To set up the connection, follow these steps:

1. Make sure your Garmin watch has Bluetooth capability.
2. Download the Garmin Connect mobile app and sign up for an account.
3. In the app, go to “Settings” > “Connected Apps” > “Strava”
4. Permit the apps to talk to each other by clicking “Link Account”
5. Log in to your Strava account using the same login credentials as before (or create one if you don’t already have one).
6. Turn on the setting that allows Garmin to send activities directly to Strava.

That’s it! From now on, any new exercises you track on your Garmin watch will be automatically synced to Strava.

Even better, Garmin will also transfer your last 90 days of exercise data to Strava after the initial upload.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With inReach?

Garmin watches provide an exclusive function for owners of inReach satellite communication devices – the inReach Remote widget.

Some models come equipped with this feature already, while others require activation following pairing with an inReach device.

Depending on the specific Garmin watch model you have, the inReach Remote widget may be turned on automatically upon pairing or require manual activation afterward.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Zwift?

Zwift, a well-known virtual fitness app, has announced compatibility with certain Garmin smartwatches, allowing users to enjoy their Garmin even when using a treadmill.

Specifically, the following Garmin models are compatible:

• Forerunner 945
• Forerunner 245
• Forerunner 245 Music

To connect the devices, users simply need to pair their Garmin watch with the Zwift platform.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Chest Straps?

Garmin provides users with two options for tracking their heart rate during physical activity – the built-in optical heart rate sensor on their watch and an external heart rate chest strap.

The chest strap measures heart rate through electrical pulses generated by the heart, which are then transmitted to a connected Garmin device (such as a watch or other compatible device).

Garmin offers a selection of heart rate monitor straps to suit different preferences and activities, ensuring compatibility and versatility for all users.

Are Garmin Watches Compatible With Golf Apps?

Garmins are designed to integrate with various golf-related applications, particularly the Garmin Golf app.

Although some Garmin devices created for golfing purposes do not have a direct integration with the Garmin Golf app, they can still establish a connection via the Garmin Connect app.

This enables the synchronization of relevant data, including features like real-time wind velocity and direction (where available on compatible devices) as well as a display of scorecard details.

Any Other Stuff Garmin Watches Are Compatible With?

Garmin watches, in addition to tracking time and fitness, effortlessly interact with an array of applications and services.

Let’s take a look at some other apps Garmin’s are compatible with.

Komoot

Users can officially utilize Komoot with Garmin watches, providing an ideal ecosystem for outdoor lovers.

This compatibility transforms your Garmin watch into more than simply a clock –  it provides an array of capabilities that improve the planning, recording, and overall enjoyment of your outdoor activities.

Uber

The Uber ETA app accessible through the Connect IQ Store enables Garmin smartwatch wearers to easily keep tabs on their Uber journey straight from their wrist.

Users can effortlessly view their incoming estimated arrival time, see all information regarding their ride (model and license plate number), and receive turn-by-turn directions to the pick-up location, all shown on their Garmin smartwatch.

Sources

Garmin: Garmin Customer Support