Garmin smartwatches are currently facing widespread criticism due to what users are dubbing the "Blue Triangle of Death." This issue manifests as the devices being rendered nearly unusable, with many stuck on the start screen or exhibiting persistent reboots.
Reports surfaced over the past few days indicating this malfunction, with users loudly voicing their frustrations on social media and online forums. It appears the problem is most prevalent among users attempting to track activities via GPS, with specific models such as those from the Forerunner series, including the 255, 955 Solar, and 965, as well as the Venu 3, being frequently mentioned.
Users have described their smartwatches entering a continuous reboot loop, where the screen displays only a blue triangle, causing panic among those reliant on these devices for fitness and tracking purposes. Garmin officially responded on January 29, 2025, acknowledging the issue. They noted, "We are aware of the situation where some devices remain stuck on the start screen or show a blue triangle. To resolve this, press and hold the power button until the device turns off, then turn it back on and sync it with the Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express."
Many users reached out to Garmin on multiple forums, sharing their experiences and expressing dissatisfaction. A common thread was the timing of the malfunction, as it primarily occurs when they initiate GPS activities, including workouts like running or cycling. One frustration echoed among users was the failure of the suggested quick rebooting method, forcing many to resort to more drastic measures.
If the simple restart does not remedy the situation, Garmin offers additional recommendations, albeit with significant caveats. A factory reset would erase all saved data on the watch, including personal metrics and downloaded watch faces, making it a risky move for athletes who invest considerable effort tracking progress. The process involves holding the power button for 30-60 seconds, followed by following instructions specific to each watch model. This option, albeit desperate, may be the only way out for some users.
Social media platforms and Garmin's support forums have become inundated with complaints, and users have come up with sarcastic names for the malfunction. It's clear this situation has turned many user's workouts upside down, as they struggle without access to their tracking data. "I didn't realize how much I depended on my watch until it stopped working. It's incredibly frustrating," reposted one dissatisfied user on Reddit.
While Garmin continues to investigate the issue, they estimate resolving the software glitch will take time. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining transparency during this matter and expressed appreciation for their user base's patience. The frustration echoed across various platforms suggests the need for quicker solutions or future software updates to mitigate these problems.
The message Garmin poses, stating, "We understand the impact of this disruption and are currently investigating the cause," hints at their acknowledgment of the serious nature of the issue at hand. Many users remain hopeful for timely updates to rectify the situation. Until then, watch owners can only wait and monitor for official communications from Garmin.
Until the root of this glitch is determined, Garmin users are advised to exercise caution when using their devices for GPS tracking. Avoiding certain functionalities may be the wisest decision to mitigate the risk of encountering the "Blue Triangle of Death" until device updates are rolled out. For many sports enthusiasts, fitness tracking via Garmin devices is not just about numbers, but forms part of their daily routine and personal accountability.
This mishap serves as a reminder of how deeply technology entwines with modern lifestyles, with companies like Garmin needing to stay vigilant against any technical issues. Their commitment to resolving the software fault will determine the extent of the backlash from users eagerly awaiting recovery from this technological hiccup. The ultimate hope is for Garmin’s proactive approach to soon lead to restored functionality and regain user trust through swift, effective resolutions.