Watch battery draining fast – what can you check yourself?
If your Garmin watch battery is draining faster than before, the cause is usually a setting rather than the battery itself. Below are the steps worth checking yourself before contacting us.
1. Update the watch software
Open Garmin Connect on your phone and check whether an update is available for your watch. Updates often improve battery usage too. After updating, let the watch run as usual for a couple of days – the battery estimate will stabilise.
2. Display and backlight
- If your watch has an AMOLED display, the always-on mode uses the most battery. Try turning it off – the display will then light up when you raise your wrist.
- Reduce the brightness of the display or backlight and how long it stays on.
3. Watch faces and apps
Third-party watch faces and Connect IQ apps can use a lot of power in the background. As a test, switch to one of Garmin's own watch faces and see whether battery life improves.
4. Sensors
- The Pulse Ox sensor (SpO2) uses noticeably more battery when always on. Keep it on only during sleep or turn it off.
- Check that heart rate monitoring isn't set to measure more often than usual.
5. Notifications and connections
A very large number of notifications, constant Wi-Fi or music syncing also drain the battery. In Garmin Connect, select only the notifications you really need.
6. GPS mode during workouts
The most accurate satellite modes (e.g. multi-band GPS) use more battery. The standard mode is often enough for everyday workouts. Watch settings usually also include power modes that help extend battery life.
When is the battery the problem?
If you've checked all of the above and the battery still drains very quickly, or the watch switches off on its own even though there is battery left, the cause may be the battery. Garmin watch batteries are not replaced separately, but you can exchange your watch at a reduced price for a new watch of the same model. Read more: Garmin watch exchange.
If your watch is still under warranty, bring it to us for a warranty claim – we'll look into it together.
Didn't help?
Email us at abi@gpseesti.ee or visit our Tondi store (Pärnu mnt 110, Tallinn) – we're happy to help.
