A Garmin update has watches stuck in a boot loop. Here's the fix

If the Garmin Watch is stuck in what's known as a boot loop, a restart can help. You may also need a factory reset. — Photo: Florian Schuh/dpa

BERLIN: The latest update for Garmin smartwatches has countless devices stuck in what's known as a boot loop, when the watch boots and crashes and boots and crashes on an endless loop.

According to user reports, watches are only making it to the start screen at most, sometimes just showing a blue triangle.

While the update has already been withdrawn, some users have of course already downloaded it, rendering the watch entirely unusable.

Garmin Support explains how the problem can potentially be solved. The first piece of advice is the trusted restart, which many users likely will already have tried.

Simply hold down the power button until the watch turns off. Then turn it back on and sync with the Garmin Connect app for your smartphone or Garmin Express on your PC, the support team says.

But if that doesn't help, there are other ways to get the watch out of the boot loop. In most cases, resetting to factory settings is the solution. Unfortunately, however, this means some data will be lost.

This includes the Garmin Pay Wallet, shortcuts, Connect IQ content and step data. The reset does not work the same on all devices. Garmin Support has clearly laid out instructions for the individual models on its support website. – dpa

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