To update a Garmin watch, keep it connected to Garmin Connect on a paired phone, install an update offered by Garmin Express on a computer, or use Wi-Fi sync if your model supports built-in Wi-Fi. To verify the result, check the software version for your exact model against Garmin’s model-specific support page; update menus and release versions are not universal across Garmin watches.
Before you update, identify your watch model
Garmin’s update instructions and menu labels can vary by device. Find the exact model name, then consult its Garmin support page and owner’s manual for its current published software version and device-specific steps. For the Garmin Connect method, you’ll need the watch connected to its paired phone. For Garmin Express, have a computer and a USB charging cable compatible with your watch.
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Choose an update method
| Method | What you need | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Connect | A compatible watch connected to its paired phone through Garmin Connect. | Updates download in the background. Garmin says a released update may take up to a week to download before the watch prompts you to install it. Garmin’s update instructions |
| Garmin Express | A computer, Garmin Express, and a USB charging cable compatible with the watch. | Connect the watch and check for offered updates in Express. This is a computer-based route; the watch’s exact installation menu can vary by model. Garmin’s update instructions |
| Wi-Fi sync | A watch with built-in Wi-Fi, configured for Wi-Fi sync. | Available only on models with built-in Wi-Fi. Check the owner’s manual for capability and setup; there is no universal menu sequence. Garmin’s update instructions |
Update through Garmin Connect
- Connect the compatible watch to the phone paired with it, and make sure Garmin Connect is available on that phone.
- Leave the watch connected while Garmin Connect downloads released software in the background. Garmin says this may take up to a week before an installation prompt appears.
- When the watch prompts you, follow its instructions to install the update.
This method does not guarantee that a new release will appear immediately. If you want to check for an available update from a computer instead, use Garmin Express.
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- Connect the watch to a computer using its compatible USB charging cable.
- Open Garmin Express and select the watch.
- Choose Install or Install All for available updates, then follow any terms or important-note prompts.
- After the transfer completes, disconnect the watch. If it prompts you, choose Install Now or Install Tonight.
- If you missed or deferred the prompt, Garmin’s instructions give this alternate path on the applicable workflow: Settings > System > Software Update > Update Available. Check your model’s manual if those labels do not match your watch.
- Let installation finish before using the watch. Garmin says, “After the watch has installed the update, it will be ready to use.” Garmin Customer Support
Garmin Express is the computer application used to install updates; its application version is different from the software version installed on the watch.
#1 Best Overall
- Designed with a bright, colorful AMOLED display, get a more complete picture of your health, thanks to battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode (5 days display always-on)
- Body Battery energy monitoring helps you understand when you’re charged up or need to rest, with even more personalized insights based on sleep, naps, stress levels, workouts and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Get a sleep score and personalized sleep coaching for how much sleep you need — and get tips on how to improve plus key metrics such as HRV status to better understand your health (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Find new ways to keep your body moving with more than 30 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf and more
- Wheelchair mode tracks pushes — rather than steps — and includes push and handcycle activities with preloaded workouts for strength, cardio, HIIT, Pilates and yoga, challenges specific to wheelchair users and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
Update over Wi-Fi, if your model supports it
Use Wi-Fi sync only if the watch has built-in Wi-Fi. Confirm that capability and follow the setup directions in the owner’s manual for your exact model. Garmin’s support material does not establish one Wi-Fi update menu path for every smartwatch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check that the update installed and verify the version
There are two separate checks. First, confirm that the watch completed installation; Garmin says it is ready to use afterward. Second, find the watch’s software version using the version information and instructions for that model, then compare it with the latest release listed on that model’s Garmin support page. The sources here do not establish one version-check screen or menu path that applies to every Garmin smartwatch.
Rank #2
- Designed with a bright, colorful AMOLED display, get a more complete picture of your health, thanks to battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode
- Body Battery energy monitoring helps you understand when you’re charged up or need to rest, with even more personalized insights based on sleep, naps, stress levels, workouts and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Get a sleep score and personalized sleep coaching for how much sleep you need — and get tips on how to improve plus key metrics such as HRV status to better understand your health (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Find new ways to keep your body moving with more than 30 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf and more
- Wheelchair mode tracks pushes — rather than steps — and includes push and handcycle activities with preloaded workouts for strength, cardio, HIIT, Pilates and yoga, challenges specific to wheelchair users and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
For example, Garmin’s Instinct 2 support page lists Software Version 17.21, dated August 2026. That figure applies to the Instinct 2 entry on that page; it is not a current-version claim for other Garmin watches. Instinct 2 software and update information
Quick Recap
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.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
Rank #4
- Make a bold statement with this rugged GPS smartwatch, featuring a 0.9” display with solar charging lens and unlimited battery life with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions)
- Engineered with a supertough 45 mm fiber-reinforced polymer case and metal-reinforced bezel
- Built-in LED flashlight with variable intensities and strobe modes gives you greater visibility in the outdoors and provides convenient illumination when you need it
- Know your body better with health monitoring features, including wrist-based heart rate, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries)
- Navigate confidently with a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter and multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, which delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life
Rank #3
- Designed with a bright, colorful AMOLED display, get a more complete picture of your health, thanks to battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode
- Body Battery energy monitoring helps you understand when you’re charged up or need to rest, with even more personalized insights based on sleep, naps, stress levels, workouts and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Get a sleep score and personalized sleep coaching for how much sleep you need — and get tips on how to improve plus key metrics such as HRV status to better understand your health (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Find new ways to keep your body moving with more than 30 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf and more
- Wheelchair mode tracks pushes — rather than steps — and includes push and handcycle activities with preloaded workouts for strength, cardio, HIIT, Pilates and yoga, challenges specific to wheelchair users and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
If no update prompt appears
- Allow time for Garmin Connect: Garmin says its background download can take up to a week before the watch prompts you to install.
- Check with Garmin Express: Connect the watch to a computer and see whether Express offers an update.
- Confirm model-specific availability: Check the software page and owner’s manual for the exact watch. An update may be model-specific, and Garmin’s cited support instructions do not establish one diagnosis for every missing prompt.
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