Garmin Watch Problems: Restarting & Resetting (6 known issues)

Garmin smartwatches have become increasingly popular for their exceptional performance, robust features, and accurate fitness tracking capabilities. 

Despite their reputation for optimized performance and long battery life, Garmin smartwatches can encounter problems such as unexpected restarts and the need for resetting. 

In this article, we will explore some common issues users may face, along with practical solutions to troubleshoot these problems. 

Your Garmin is Stuck in a Continuous Restart Loop

A persistent and frustrating issue that may occur with certain Garmin watches is a continuous restart loop. 

The watch gets trapped in a cycle of powering off and immediately turning back on, failing to function correctly or for a long period of time.

This disruptive loop can occur for various reasons, such as:

• Software glitches
• Corrupted files
• Damaged hardware

When the watch attempts to restart, it encounters an error that prevents it from fully booting up, causing it to shut down and restart again in an endless loop.

This makes the watch virtually unusable, as it cannot complete the startup process and function properly.

Users have expressed that they are unable to access any features, track their activities, or interact with the watch in any useful way. The constant restarting takes a toll on the watch’s battery life, leading to rapid battery drain.

The first step involves attempting a soft reset by pressing specific buttons or using the watch’s software interface to trigger a reboot.

If this initial troubleshooting method fails to rectify the problem, a factory reset might be necessary.

A factory reset erases all user data and settings, returning the watch to its original state. However, it’s crucial to note that performing a factory reset should only be considered as a last resort, as it permanently deletes personal data stored on the device.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on your Garmin watch:

1. Start by turning off your Garmin watch. If it’s unresponsive, press and hold the power button until it powers down.
2. Once the watch is powered off, press and hold the power button again to turn it back on. Continue holding the power button.
3. While holding the power button, you will see a prompt asking if you want to power off the watch. Keep holding the button until you see the message “Do you really want to erase all user data?” or a similar confirmation message.
4. Release the power button, and the watch will display a message asking you to confirm the factory reset. Use the device’s buttons or touchscreen (if applicable) to navigate to the “Yes” or “Confirm” option.
5. Once you confirm the factory reset, the watch will initiate the process. This may take a few minutes to complete. The watch will restart and return to its initial setup state.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Garmin watch again, including selecting the language, date, time, and other initial settings.

Software Glitches

Garmin watches, like any electronic device, can sometimes experience software glitches that result in unexpected behavior. 

These glitches may result in frequent restarts or erratic performance, causing inconvenience and frustration to the user.

Software glitches can occur due to various reasons, such as programming errors, compatibility issues, or conflicts between different software components within the watch’s operating system. 

These glitches may occur during regular usage or when performing specific tasks, such as syncing data, updating software, or accessing certain features.

To address software glitches, Garmin regularly releases firmware updates that aim to fix known bugs and improve overall system stability.

I recommend that you keep your  watch up to date with the latest software version to minimize glitches in the Garmin software.

To update the firmware on your Garmin watch, follow these steps:

1. Connect your watch to a stable internet connection and ensure it has sufficient battery.
2. Use the Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express software to check for updates.
3. Download the update to your smartphone or computer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the app or software.
5. Keep your watch connected to a power source and avoid interruptions during the update process.
6. Wait for the update to install, as it may take several minutes.
7. Once the update is complete, verify the new firmware version on your watch.
8. Ensure the firmware version matches the latest version from Garmin’s official website.
9. Test the functionality of your watch and check if any previous issues are resolved.
10. Verify that features like activity tracking, notifications, and health metrics are working properly.

It’s worth noting that while software glitches can be frustrating, they are usually temporary and can be resolved with the appropriate troubleshooting steps or software updates.

However, in rare cases, if the glitches persist or significantly impact the watch’s functionality, it may be necessary to contact Garmin’s customer support for further assistance or consider a warranty claim if the device is still under warranty.

Read Also: Garmin Watch GPS Problems: 4 Common Issues (Explained)

Corrupted Data or Settings

When the data or settings on a Garmin watch become corrupted, it can result in abnormal functioning and erratic behavior, leading to the need for a reset.

Corrupted data refers to information stored on the watch that has become damaged or distorted, making it unreadable or incompatible with the watch’s system. 

This corruption can occur due to various reasons, such as a software glitch, interrupted firmware update, or a problem with the storage settings of the device. 

If you notice that the data on your device is inconsistent, incorrect or unreadable, it means that you need to reset your watch.

Start off with a soft reset and if this doesn’t solve the problem you will need to perform a factory reset.

A reset typically involves restoring the device to its default factory settings, wiping out any corrupted data or settings that may be causing the erratic behavior. 

You can use the steps provided above to reset your watch.

Battery Drain and Restarting

Battery drain and unexpected restarts on a Garmin watch can be concerning as they may indicate underlying issues with the device.

Unexpected restarts can occur when a Garmin watch powers off and then turns back on without any user input. 

This can be disruptive and frustrating while you are using your watch or trying to access data, especially if it happens frequently.

Several factors can contribute to this problem:

Software Bugs: Like any electronic device, Garmin watches can encounter software bugs or glitches. These issues can cause the device to crash or reboot unexpectedly.

Overheating: Excessive heat can affect the stability of electronic components, leading to unexpected shutdowns or restarts.

Intense physical activity or prolonged exposure to high temperatures may trigger overheating in a Garmin watch.

Hardware Malfunction: In rare cases, a hardware malfunction or defect can be responsible for the unexpected restarts. This could involve issues with the power circuitry, memory, or other components of the watch.

Please also read our article for more about Garmin watch charging problems. 

Incompatible Third-Party Apps

One potential cause for these restarting and resetting problems is the installation of third-party applications that are either incompatible or poorly optimized for the Garmin watch’s operating system.

Third-party apps are programs developed by individuals or companies other than the original manufacturer. These apps are designed to extend the functionality of the Garmin watch by providing additional features and services. 

Since Garmin watches have their own operating system, it is crucial that these third-party applications are compatible and optimized to work seamlessly within the Garmin ecosystem.

Users should ensure that the applications they choose to install are officially supported by Garmin and are compatible with their specific watch model and firmware version.

You can go to apps.garmin.com for a comprehensive list of third-party apps that are compatible with Garmin.

Physical Damage or Water Damage

While Garmin watches are known for their durability, they can become damaged if they are not taken care of properly. 

Any physical impact, such as dropping the watch or subjecting it to excessive pressure, can result in internal damage. 

This damage may cause the watch to malfunction and experience erratic restarts.

Garmin watches are generally designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, depending on the specific model. However, even with these protections, there is still a possibility of water penetrating the watch under certain circumstances. 

Exposure to water, especially beyond the device’s intended water resistance rating or in non-recommended conditions, can result in water damage. 

Once water enters the watch, it can damage the internal components and disrupt their normal operation. 

This damage may cause the watch to malfunction, including frequent restarts or resets.

In such cases, it is advisable to contact Garmin customer support or take the watch to an authorized service center for inspection and repair. 

They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and assist with the necessary repairs or replacements to restore the watch’s proper functionality.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Watches

Pros

• Advanced GPS Tracking
• Extensive Fitness Tracking
• Durability and Water Resistance
• Long Battery Life
• Customization and Connect IQ

Cons

Users may experience issues resulting in restarting and resetting such as:

• Continuous Restart Loop
• Software Glitches
• Corrupted data or settings
• Battery Drain and Restarting
• Incompatible Third-Party Apps
• Physical Damage and Water Damage

Final Thoughts

Garmin smartwatches have gained popularity due to their impressive performance, robust features, and accurate fitness tracking capabilities.

However, you may encounter problems resulting in frequent restarts and resets.

These issues can be addressed through troubleshooting steps provided in the article to help you get back to a seamless experience.

Sources

Garmin Watch Problems