Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors
Blog

How to Check VO2 Max on a Garmin Watch

Find your Garmin VO2 Max estimate in the Connect app or web Reports, and use your watch’s manual for model-specific on-device steps. Learn what to check if an estimate is missing.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In Garmin Connect, open More → Performance Stats → VO2 Max to view your estimate. On Garmin Connect web, sign in and choose Reports → VO2 Max. The menu path on the watch itself depends on its model, so Garmin recommends checking that watch’s owner’s manual.

Ways to check your Garmin VO2 Max estimate

Where How to find it What to know
Garmin Connect app More → Performance Stats → VO2 Max A convenient way to view the estimate in the app.
Garmin Connect web Reports → VO2 Max Reports let you choose a timeframe, such as seven days, four weeks, or six months.
Garmin watch Check the owner’s manual for your exact model. There is no single menu route that applies to every Garmin watch.

Check the estimate in Garmin Connect

In the mobile app

  1. Open Garmin Connect.
  2. Select More in the lower-right corner.
  3. Choose Performance Stats, then VO2 Max.

On the web

  1. Sign in to Garmin Connect in a browser.
  2. Select Reports from the left navigation.
  3. Choose VO2 Max and, if useful, select a reporting timeframe.

On your watch

Look up your specific watch model in its owner’s manual for the on-device menu path. Garmin’s general instructions do not provide one universal sequence of buttons or menus for all watches.

What the VO2 Max estimate means

Garmin describes VO2 Max as the maximum volume of oxygen a person can consume per minute per kilogram of body weight at maximum performance, and as an indication of aerobic fitness. A watch reading is an estimate based on supported devices and activities, not a direct laboratory measurement.

Why an estimate may be missing

Garmin VO2 Max estimates depend on device and activity-profile support, recorded heart-rate data, and adequate effort. Check Garmin’s current compatibility and activity requirements for your model rather than assuming every workout qualifies. Garmin says estimates are most likely when heart rate reaches approximately 70% of maximum for an extended period; this is general guidance, not a guarantee for every activity.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Garmin Forerunner® 165, Running Smartwatch, 43mm, Black
  • 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)

Make sure your user profile is accurate, especially your age and maximum heart rate, and that the activity recorded heart rate from the watch’s optical sensor or a compatible chest strap. A strap is not necessarily required if the watch records suitable heart-rate data.

A missing VO2 Max card on the Garmin Connect home screen does not necessarily mean no estimate exists. Garmin says that glance may omit a measurement if no outdoor GPS run, walk, or cycling measurement has been recorded in the past two weeks. A measurement from another activity type may still appear in the Training Status report or VO2 Max report.

Rank #2
Sale
Garmin Forerunner® 165, Running Smartwatch, 43mm, Whitestone
  • 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)

Requirements can differ by device and activity. For example, Garmin’s current guidance for supported cycling estimates calls for a power meter, heart-rate data, and at least 20 minutes of continuous cycling with heart rate at or above 70% of maximum for at least 20 minutes. Check the current requirements for your device and activity.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

FAQ

Where is VO2 Max in the Garmin Connect app?

Open More → Performance Stats → VO2 Max.

Where is VO2 Max in Garmin Connect on the web?

Sign in, select Reports, then choose VO2 Max. You can select a timeframe for the report.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Garmin Forerunner 165, G010-N2863-20 GPS, Black/Slate Grey, WW (Renewed)
  • 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)

How do I see VO2 Max on my Garmin watch?

The menu path varies by model. Consult the owner’s manual for your specific watch.

Why is VO2 Max missing from my Garmin Connect home screen?

The home-screen glance may not show a measurement if there has been no outdoor GPS run, walk, or cycling measurement in the past two weeks. Check the Training Status or VO2 Max report as well, since a measurement from another activity type may still appear there.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Garmin Forerunner® 165, Running Smartwatch, 43mm, Black
Garmin Forerunner® 165, Running Smartwatch, 43mm, Black
Up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode; 25+ built-in activity profiles include running, cycling, HIIT, strength and more
$199.99
SaleBestseller No. 2
Garmin Forerunner® 165, Running Smartwatch, 43mm, Whitestone
Garmin Forerunner® 165, Running Smartwatch, 43mm, Whitestone
Up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode; 25+ built-in activity profiles include running, cycling, HIIT, strength and more
$209.99
SaleBestseller No. 3
Garmin Forerunner 165, G010-N2863-20 GPS, Black/Slate Grey, WW (Renewed)
Garmin Forerunner 165, G010-N2863-20 GPS, Black/Slate Grey, WW (Renewed)
Up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode; 25+ built-in activity profiles include running, cycling, HIIT, strength and more
$184.95
Best Value
Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running AMOLED Smartwatch 43mm Bundle
  • BRILLIANT AMOLED DISPLAY WITH ESSENTIAL RUNNING METRICS — The 1.2" AMOLED touchscreen delivers vivid, always-readable stats. Built-in GPS tracks real-time pace, distance and speed. Wrist-based heart rate, cadence, stride length and running power give you a complete training picture every mile.
  • ADAPTIVE TRAINING THAT EVOLVES WITH YOU — Daily Suggested Workouts adjust after every run based on your performance and recovery. Garmin Coach delivers free 5K, 10K and half-marathon plans from expert coaches. Race Adaptive Training personalizes your prep and predicts finish times based on your goal race.
  • RECOVERY AND READINESS INSIGHTS — HRV Status, Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score with stage breakdown and Morning Report work together to tell you when to push and when to hold back. Recovery Time pinpoints exactly how long your body needs before your next hard effort.
  • SMARTWATCH CONVENIENCE BUILT FOR ATHLETES — Up to 11 days of battery in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. Garmin Pay contactless payments, smart notifications from iOS and Android, safety incident detection, LiveTrack sharing and 25+ built-in sports apps. 5 ATM water rating.
  • WHAT'S IN THE BOX — BUNDLE INCLUDES: BUNDLE INCLUDES: | Garmin Forerunner 165 Smart Sport Watch Black/Slate Gray 010-02863-20 | USB-C Charging/Data cable | Documentation | Garmin Warranty | CPS 2 Year Extended Warranty | Deco Essentials Silicone Dust Cover for Garmin Watch - 3 Pack | Deco Essentials 2-Pack Screen Protector for 1.2" (30.4mm) Diameter Garmin Watches
Rank #4
Garmin 010-02863-20 Forerunner 165 Smart Sport Watch, Black + Slate Gray Bundle with Deco Essentials Charging Dock, 3X Silicone Dust Cover and USB Type C Charging and Sync Cable
  • Exclusive Enhanced Bundle Package: This all-inclusive bundle comes with practical accessories that upgrade your daily use experience compared to standard-only sets, including a Deco Essentials Charging Dock that enables stable, hands-free charging and tidy desktop storage, 3 durable silicone dust covers that fully shield watch ports from dust, lint and sweat damage to extend device service life, and a premium USB Type-C Charging and Sync Cable that supports fast charging and high-speed data synchronization with the Garmin Connect app. The package also includes the original Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Smartwatch with all core official fitness and smart features.
  • Premium 1.2" AMOLED Display & Dual Operation Design & Ultra-Long Battery Life: Equipped with a vibrant 1.2-inch colorful AMOLED display, the watch delivers bright and clear data visibility even under direct sunlight for effortless checking of real-time workout progress. Adopting a flexible dual control design with touchscreen and physical buttons, it supports smooth operation for daily use and precise control during intense workouts. Boasting industry-leading battery endurance, it offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, supporting long-distance running and continuous outdoor training without frequent charging.
  • Professional GPS Running Tracking & Adaptive Race Training System: Built-in GPS and multi-satellite GNSS deliver accurate tracking of time, distance, pace, and speed. Wrist-based running dynamics capture cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and running power to refine your form. Access free Garmin Coach adaptive plans and daily suggested workouts that auto-adjust based on your performance, recovery, and upcoming races. PacePro provides course pacing guidance, Track Running mode enables precise lap-by-lap distance measurement in meters, and race predictor estimates finish times for 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon—helping you strategize and prepare with confidence.
  • Full-Suite Biometric Health Monitoring & Scientific Recovery Insights: Gain data-driven insights into health, training load, and recovery with Firstbeat Analytics. Monitor wrist-based heart rate around the clock to gauge intensity, paired with VO2 Max tracking for long-term fitness assessment. Track sleep score, sleep stages, nap detection, and breathing variations to improve sleep quality. Key wellness features include HRV status, Body Battery energy, stress tracking, and Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation. Also provides post-workout recovery time, Fitness Age evaluation, and women's health tracking for menstrual cycle and pregnancy with targeted fitness and nutrition guidance.
  • Multi-Sport Cross Training & Intelligent Workout Analytics: With 25+ built-in GPS and indoor sports apps, the watch covers cycling, open‑water swimming, strength training, HIIT, cardio, yoga, Pilates, and more for full‑scale training. Training Effect quantifies each workout's fitness benefits, while intensity minutes tracking helps you achieve daily activity goals and maintain consistent exercise volume. Record key metrics via 2-minute Health Snapshot to generate reports for personal or medical reference. Customize workout plans or browse free courses via Garmin Connect, sync to the watch, and get real-time audio prompts when paired with a smartphone.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More lots from the Journal

  1. Lot1Best GMT Watches: How to Choose the Right Second-Time-Zone WatchBlogEstimate 4–5 min
  2. Lot2Thierry Stern on Patek Philippe, Family and the Craft of WatchmakingBlogEstimate 4–5 min
  3. Lot3The Centre of Watch Culture Is Shifting East. Here's WhyWatch BrandsEstimate 5–6 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.