There three ways to install the latest OS update to your Garmin watch. You can enable automatic updates, install the updates manually, or use Garmin Express.
Updating your watch to the latest Garmin OS removes bugs, fixes common Garmin watch problems, adds new features, and improves your overall user experience.
How long it takes to update your Garmin Watch depends on the size of the update and your internet connection’s speed. Ideally, it takes 15 to 30 minutes for the updates to download.
1. Enable Automatic Updates
Garmin has automatic software updates enabled on its watches by default. You need to turn this option back on if you had disabled it for reasons such as extending battery runtime.
- Press and hold the Menu button to open the menu screen.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll to the bottom and select System.
- Choose Software Update.
- Press the top right (select) button to enable Auto Update.
When there’s a software update, Garmin Connect will automatically download and install the latest version to the watch. Your watch also restart automatically once the software update is complete.
2. Install Updates Manually
You have to install the latest version of the software manually if you would like to keep automatic updates off.
For this option:
- Press and hold the watch’s Menu button.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll to the bottom and select System.
- Choose Software Update to see the latest update and the approximate installation time.
- Select Install.
- Confirm that you want to get the latest updates.
3. Use Garmin Express
Garmin Express desktop app is another option you can use to update your Garmin watch to the latest OS version.
- Download Garmin Express for Windows or Mac.
- Install and launch the app.
- Connect your Garmin watch to its charging cable.
- Plug the other end into the USB port of your Mac or Windows PC.
- Let Garmin Express start the software update.
- Click Install and allow Garmin Express to install the latest updates.
- Unplug the USB cable from your computer.
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes for the installation of the updates to complete.
