Thousands of Garmin GPS watch users are facing significant disruptions as multiple models, including the Forerunner, Fenix, and Venu series, are experiencing alarming malfunctions. Users have reported their devices becoming useless, stuck on the startup screen displaying a blue triangle logo, rendering them unable to record any activities or access other functionalities. Since early this morning, social media platforms have seen numerous complaints from customers detailing their frustrating experiences.
According to reports, the problem affects several Garmin watch series, comprising the Forerunner 55, 255, 955, 265, 965, Vivoactive 5, Venu 3, Edge 1040, Descent Mk3, Epix (Gen 2), Fenix 7, and Instinct 3. Garmin has recognized the situation and updated its status page, asking affected users to deactivate their devices and attempt reconnections through Garmin Connect or Garmin Express. "We are aware of an issue, which is causing problems on the startup screen or blue triangle," the status page indicates. To address this, users are instructed to press and hold the power button until the device powers down, then to restart and sync with the Garmin app.
The situation escalated when reports emerged of watches entering endless restart loops. Many users struggling to get their watches functioning again sought help on various online forums. Garmin noted the problem might lie with a corrupted GPS calibration file, which many devices try to retrieve automatically. A spokesperson for Garmin was unavailable for comment when approached by BleepingComputer.
Besides the technical glitches, reminders of Garmin's past cybersecurity issues have resurfaced. The company had suffered from ransomware attacks back in July 2020, which led to global service outages for Garmin Connect, Strava, and others, following their shutdown of numerous systems to prevent data encryption. Customers have expressed concern over how such previous incidents might affect their trust moving forward.
Garmin, acknowledging the malfunction's severity, advised users facing persistent startup issues to perform factory resets as a last resort—though users are cautioned about the downside of this option. Factory resets not only erase all data stored on the devices, including workouts, health metrics, and Connect IQ data (like custom watch faces and apps), but they have also been indicated as necessary to restore functionality.
Recent updates suggest progress is being made. At 5:55 PM, Garmin reported identifying the issue and stated it stemmed from the corrupted GPS calibration file. After updating this file, the company confirmed it could be sent to affected watches during their next sync with the Garmin app. Active monitoring and open communication with customers appear to be priorities for the brand as they work to restore service.
Garmin has offered instructions continuously via its support page, elucidated on the nature of the problems experienced. The company noted, "We are investigating devices displaying the blue triangle upon starting GPS activity. Holding the power button until the device turns off and then turning it back on can temporarily restore functionality. We will provide more information as it becomes available." These steps aim to mitigate customer frustration until more permanent solutions are implemented.
The entire situation is alarming for consumers who heavily rely on their watches for various sports and tracking activities, as well as for everyday health monitoring. With GPS functionality being core to the operations of these devices, users are understandably concerned about how widespread these issues could become. Garmin's responsive communication and proactive approach will be pivotal for their reputation, as they strive to resolve these problems swiftly.
The market for smartwatches competes fiercely, and brand integrity remains key, especially as technology becomes increasingly integrated with daily health and fitness routines.
For now, Garmin users remain on edge, hopeful for timely updates and effective resolutions. They are hoping the company can quickly put this embarrassing malfunction behind them, allowing consumers to resume using their devices as they were intended to.