How to Update Your Garmin Watch

How to Update Your Garmin Watch From the Garmin Connect App

To update a Garmin watch from the Garmin Connect app, sync the watch and install the software the app sends:

1. Keep Garmin Connect running and the watch near your phone (Forerunner 265 manual: within 10 m (30 ft.)).
2. Sync the watch: open Garmin Connect, or use the watch's controls menu (Forerunner 265: hold LIGHT, then select Sync).
3. Wait for the download. Garmin says it "may take up to a week" to arrive.
4. Install the update when the watch prompts you. If you missed the prompt, Garmin's path to a waiting update is Settings › System › Software Update › Update Available.

In the Forerunner 265 manual's words, "When new software is available, the Garmin Connect app automatically sends the update to your watch."

How to Update With Garmin Express on a Computer

To update with Garmin Express, connect the watch to a computer by USB and install what the program lists:

1. Install Garmin Express from garmin.com/express if this is your first time using a computer with the watch.
2. Connect the watch with its USB charging cable.
3. Open Garmin Express and select Add Device, or select your watch if it's already added.
4. Select Install or Install All, and accept any Terms and Conditions or Important Notes prompts.
5. Disconnect the watch, then choose Install Now or Install Tonight on it.

After Install Tonight, or with no prompt at all, the update is still under Settings › System › Software Update › Update Available.

How to Update Over Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Models Only)

A Garmin watch with Wi-Fi can get its software over Wi-Fi: Garmin says such devices "will be able to update the software via a Wi-Fi sync." A fēnix 8 checks for updates by itself when paired with a phone over Bluetooth or connected to Wi-Fi, and its system settings offer a manual check. Your owner's manual says whether your model has Wi-Fi.

How to Check Your Garmin Watch Software Version

To check your Garmin watch software version, open the watch's About screen; the fēnix 8 manual lists the software version there with the unit ID.

Watch	Path to the About screen	Source
Most Garmin wearables	Settings › System › About	Garmin's Unit ID FAQ
fēnix 8	Hold the middle-left button from the watch face, then Watch Settings › System › About	fēnix 8 owner's manual
Your exact model	Search "Viewing Device Information" in your owner's manual	Garmin's Unit ID FAQ

Compare the number with the top entry on your model's Garmin software page, or with our list of Garmin watch software updates by model.

Does a Garmin Watch Update Automatically?

Yes. Garmin Connect downloads updates while the watch is connected to your phone, and Garmin says "There are no steps required for you to take to get the latest software." You only confirm the install. On a fēnix 8, the Software Update setting also turns automatic updates on.

Is Your Garmin Watch Still Getting Updates?

Your model's Garmin software page shows it: the latest version and its release month sit at the top, with earlier versions under Software Update History. An old month at the top means no newer release is listed for that model. The fēnix 8 AMOLED page gives no end-of-support date. Garmin's public beta covers select models only; "Not all devices will receive beta software."