Garmin Vivoactive Troubleshooting

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Unable to Connect to Smartphone

You cannot wirelessly sync your device to your smartphone.

Paired Incorrectly

The Garmin Vivoactive is unlike other devices that only connect over Bluetooth. To connect your Vivoactive to your smartphone, you must use the Garmin Connect Mobile app.

  1. Open this link in a browser on your smartphone.
  2. Follow the given instructions to download and install the Garmin Connect Mobile app.
  3. Within the app, there will be on-screen instructions to pair your device and smartphone.
  4. If this is not the first device you have paired with the app:

Out of Date Software

You should make sure that the watch is running the most current version of the software. To check this:

  1. Select action key (button on right side of device).
  2. Select Settings>System >About
  3. On the second line, the version of software that the device is running will be displayed.

Broken Bluetooth Antenna

Follow the steps in our guide to replace the Vivoactive’s Motherboard.

Short Battery Life

The watch battery dies quickly.

Multiple GPS Tracking Modes Enabled

Check that your device is set to the standard GPS tracking mode, and not GLONASS as well. This can save considerable battery life as the device is not trying to link to 2 satellites.

  1. Press the action key (right side of device).
  2. Go to System >Sensors >GPS.
  3. Select the toggle switch for GLONASS, then set to off.

Unnecessary Notifications Wasting Energy

The device retrieving excess notifications through your smartphone can reduce battery life.

Backlight on too long

  1. Press the action key (right side of device)
  2. On screen select: System >System >Backlight.

Broken Battery

If your battery continues to drain quickly, you may need to replace it. Please reference our guide on how to replace your battery.

Spontaneous Rebooting

While device is in use, it restarts.

Obsolete Software Version

Check that you are using the most recent version of the Vivoactive’s software. To do this:

  1. Go to Garmin's Website and find the most recent firmware version.
  2. Enter the Vivoactive’s Settings App.
  3. On screen select System >About.
  4. Cross reference the Unit ID version with most recent update on the site in step 1.

Improper Custom Settings

If you have the most current firmware version running, follow these steps to reset your device:

  1. Make sure to backup any important information you may have stored on the device.
  2. Go to the Settings app.
  3. On screen select System >Restore defaults.
  4. Follow on screen instructions.

Damaged Software

Performing a factory reset can fix numerous problems with your device, but will eliminate:

  1. Make sure to backup any important information you may have stored on the device.
  2. Turn off the device (if the device won’t turn off, you may skip this step).
  3. Hold down the start/stop and power buttons on each side of the watch.
  4. Release the power button when the device vibrates the first time.
  5. Release the start/stop button when the device vibrates for the second time.
  6. A third vibration should occur in a few seconds indicating the device will turn on.

If the device does not turn on at this point see the non-responsive screen section.

Incorrect Exercise Data

Data doesn’t accurately reflect your activities.

GLONASS is Disabled

Glonass is a GPS that can provide more accurate data in areas where it may be difficult to obtain a satellite signal. For more accurate data, enable GLONASS using the following steps.

  1. Press the action key (right side of device).
  2. Go to System >Sensors >GPS.
  3. Select the toggle switch for GLONASS, then set to on.

Auto Pause is On

Auto Pause automatically stops recording data and timing when it senses a slow pace or paused movement, meaning that no history is available for that period of time. To turn this off follow the steps below.

  1. Select the action key (button on right side of watch face).
  2. Select the appropriate activity (i.e. running, swimming).
  3. Select >Auto Pause. There will be three options.
  4. Ensure that Auto Pause is not set to a pace or speed that is faster than your normal pace or speed. This would mean that no data is being collected for the duration of the time you are going slower than the set pace/speed.

Unregistered Heart Rate Monitor

If you are using a heart rate monitor and it is not properly registering with the Vivoactive, try the following these steps:

  1. Put on the heart rate monitor, which activates the sensors in the device. (It will only transmit when you are wearing the device).
  2. Bring the device as close to the sensor as possible.
  3. Tap the action key (button on right side of device).
  4. Select System >Sensor >Add New (remove the current device from this list if there is one).

Non-Responsive Screen

You cannot control the device using the touch screen.

Dirty Screen

It may seem mundane, but dust dirt and other particulates can greatly reduce the function of the touch screen, follow these simple steps to clean your screen:

  1. If your device has a screen protector, remove it.
  2. Spray a bit of water or formulated spray onto a microfiber cloth.
  3. Wipe thoroughly.
  4. Using a dry microfiber cloth, immediately dry the surface.
  5. Replace the screen protector with a new one if desired.

Resetting the Device Without the Screen

Follow the steps in the Factory reset subsection to reset your device without use of the touch screen.

Broken Screen

If your device is still unresponsive after following the troubleshooting guides above; the screen may be replaced by using this guide.