Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Historical update: Garmin released software version 20.31 on October 7, 2024 for the Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955 and 965 families. Garmin said the update fixed a rare crash when starting an activity and a Varia Radar graphics problem. It is not the latest firmware in 2026, so owners should check their model-specific Garmin support page before installing anything.
Which Garmin watches received software 20.31?
The reported rollout covered five Forerunner families:
| Watch family | Context | 20.31 status |
|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 165 | Affordable GPS running watch | Included in the reported rollout |
| Forerunner 255 | Running and multisport model | Included in the reported rollout |
| Forerunner 265 | Mid-range AMOLED running watch | Included in the reported rollout |
| Forerunner 955 | Higher-tier training watch | Included in the reported rollout |
| Forerunner 965 | Higher-tier AMOLED training watch | Included in the reported rollout |
The coverage should not be described as an update only for “mid-range smartwatches.” The Forerunner 165, 265, 955 and 965 occupy different price and feature tiers. Garmin also stages firmware releases, so availability can vary by exact product variant, region and software track.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Garmin’s 20.31 release note explicitly documents the Forerunner 165 update. Contemporary reporting identified the broader rollout across the five families.
#1 Best Overall
- Easy-to-use running watch monitors heart rate (this is not a medical device) at the wrist and uses GPS to track how far, how fast and where you’ve run.Special Feature:Bluetooth.
- Battery life: up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode; up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- Plan your race day strategy with the PacePro feature (not compatible with on-device courses), which offers GPS-based pace guidance for a selected course or distance
- Run your best with helpful training tools, including race time predictions and finish time estimates
- Track all the ways you move with built-in activity profiles for running, cycling, track run, virtual run, pool swim, Pilates, HIIT, breathwork and more
What did the update fix?
A rare crash when starting an activity
Garmin described the main stability fix as a “rare potential crash at activity start.” In practical terms, the problem could occur when a user tried to begin recording a run, ride, swim or another workout. A crash at that point could prevent the activity from being recorded.
Garmin did not publish a single universal trigger, and the wording does not mean that 20.31 fixed every activity-related crash, reboot or upload failure. It was a targeted stability correction, not a new recording feature.
Later firmware notes mention separate problems, including swim-activity crashes, failed activity uploads and crashes when saving an activity after course navigation. Those should not be treated as the same defect as the 20.31 activity-start issue.
Rank #2
- Easy-to-use running smartwatch with built-in GPS for pace/distance and wrist-based heart rate; brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls; lightweight design in 43 mm size
- Up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode
- Reach your goals with personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt based on performance and recovery; use Garmin Coach and race adaptive training plans to get workout suggestions for specific events
- 25+ built-in activity profiles include running, cycling, HIIT, strength and more
- As soon as you wake up, get your morning report with an overview of your sleep, recovery and training outlook alongside weather and HRV status (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
A Varia Radar graphics issue
Version 20.31 also addressed a graphics problem affecting compatible Varia Radar displays. Garmin warned that the watch might need to reboot after the change.
This was not necessarily the final fix for every Varia display case. Garmin later released version 20.32 with an additional Varia-related correction, while some users reported that graphics problems continued after 20.31. If the radar connects but the expected graphics do not appear, install the latest compatible firmware and check the connection and firmware combination across the watch and radar.
How to install the update
On compatible watches, Garmin’s manual route was:
Rank #3
- Easy-to-use running smartwatch with built-in GPS for pace/distance and wrist-based heart rate; brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls; lightweight design in 43 mm size
- Up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode
- Reach your goals with personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt based on performance and recovery; use Garmin Coach and race adaptive training plans to get workout suggestions for specific events
- 25+ built-in activity profiles include running, cycling, HIIT, strength and more
- As soon as you wake up, get your morning report with an overview of your sleep, recovery and training outlook alongside weather and HRV status (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
Menu → System → Software Update → Check For Updates
Garmin watches can also receive updates through Garmin Connect, Wi-Fi where supported, or Garmin Express on a computer. Garmin says an update may take up to about a week to download through the normal connected-watch process before the installation prompt appears.
- Sync the watch with Garmin Connect.
- Charge the watch sufficiently before starting.
- Open the software-update menu and check for an available version.
- Install the offered official update.
- Allow the watch to restart, or restart it manually if necessary—particularly after a Varia graphics update.
- Check the installed version in the watch’s system information.
- Start a short, low-stakes activity and sync it afterward before relying on the watch for a race or long ride.
The final checks are practical precautions rather than stated requirements for every device.
Rank #4
- Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls; lightweight design in 46 mm size
- Up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- As soon as you wake up, get your morning report with an overview of your sleep, recovery and training outlook alongside HRV status, training readiness and weather (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Plan race strategy with personalized daily suggested workouts based on the race and course that you input into the Garmin Connect app and then view the race widget on your watch; daily suggested workouts adapt after every run to match performance and recovery
- Training readiness score is based on sleep quality, recovery, training load and HRV status to determine if you’re primed to go hard and get the most out of your workout (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
Why version 20.31 may not be offered
If your watch does not show 20.31, that does not necessarily indicate a problem. It may already be running a later version, Garmin may still be staging availability for your device, or your exact variant may follow a different software track. A phone-connected watch may also have downloaded the update without yet displaying the installation prompt.
Try checking manually, then use Garmin Express if the update does not appear through Garmin Connect. Do not casually downgrade to 20.31: later firmware is normally the appropriate target, and rolling back can create additional risks.
Is 20.31 still relevant in 2026?
Only as a historical release. Garmin’s support pages list substantially newer software for several affected models, including version 28.05 in June 2026 for the Forerunner 165, 265 and 955. Check the official software history for your exact watch, such as the pages for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 265 or Forerunner 955.
Best Value
- Easy-to-use running watch monitors heart rate (this is not a medical device) at the wrist and uses GPS to track how far, how fast and where you’ve run
- Battery life: up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode; up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- Plan your race day strategy with the PacePro feature (not compatible with on-device courses), which offers GPS-based pace guidance for a selected course or distance
- Run your best with helpful training tools, including race time predictions and finish time estimates
- Track all the ways you move with built-in activity profiles for running, cycling, track run, virtual run, pool swim, Pilates, HIIT, breathwork and more
If your watch is already newer than 20.31, there is no reason to seek out the older build solely for these fixes. Install the latest compatible official release instead.
What to do if crashes or Varia problems continue
- Activity-start crash: sync the watch, restart it and test a short activity. Continuing crashes may represent a different issue.
- Lost activity after a reboot: sync again and review the activity history. Contact Garmin Support if activities repeatedly disappear.
- Varia connects without graphics: restart the watch, verify the radar connection and check for newer firmware.
- Update appears installed but the old version remains: confirm the version in system information, then try Garmin Express.
- Repeated restarts, boot loops or failed updates: stop repeatedly attempting installation and contact Garmin Support.
- Problems after a later update: treat them as a separate, model-specific firmware issue rather than assuming 20.31 is responsible.
Community reports can help identify patterns, but they are anecdotal and do not establish that a problem affects every watch in a model family.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches
