Garmin Fenix 8, Venu 4 and more smartwatches encounter issues after Garmin Connect update

Garmin Connect has connection issues after the latest update (Image source: Garmin)

The latest Garmin Connect update is apparently causing serious issues. According to numerous users, smartwatches can no longer properly connect to smartphones after the update. A workaround solves the problem at least temporarily.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 01/29/2026 🇩🇪

Smartwatch

Numerous Garmin users are complaining about serious connectivity issues that have apparently been caused by the update to version 5.21 of the Garmin Connect app on iOS. Just a few hours after releasing this update, Garmin published a hotfix with version number 5.21.1 in the App Store, but it does not resolve the issue.

On both Reddit and the Garmin Support Forum, many owners of different smartwatches such as the Garmin Fenix 8, Forerunner 970 and Venu 4 (from $519 on Amazon) have confirmed the issue. According to these reports, the smartwatch can no longer find the smartphone after the Garmin Connect update has been installed. Restarting both the smartwatch and the smartphone does not help either. Without a smartphone connection, the smartwatch can no longer show notifications and cannot access any features that require Garmin Connect, such as Garmin Pay or many navigation functions.

The issue can apparently be resolved by repairing the smartwatch with the iPhone. To do this, the smartwatch must be selected in the system settings under Bluetooth. The info button to the right of the smartwatch name gives the option to "Forget This Device". After that, the smartwatch can be paired again via Bluetooth. When Garmin Connect is opened afterward, the smartwatch should show a QR code that can be scanned to reestablish the connection. Anyone who has not yet installed Garmin Connect 5.21 should wait until Garmin has fixed this app problem.

Source(s)

Reddit | Garmin Support Forum | App Store

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19783 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 6217 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 01 > Garmin Fenix 8, Venu 4 and more smartwatches encounter issues after Garmin Connect update

Hannes Brecher, 2026-01-29 (Update: 2026-01-29)

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