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Packed with fitness features, Garmin smartwatches are great everyday companions. However, using Garmin’s proprietary operating system isn’t always intuitive. So it just so happened that some time later we discovered a feature on our Garmin watch that we didn’t even know existed. It is this kind of “Garmin hacks” that we present to you in this article.
We tested all of these tips and tricks on a Garmin Forerunner 265 (Test). If you’re still not sure which Garmin smartwatch is best for you, check out our linked article to read our full comparison.
Configure your Garmin smartwatch from your smartphone
Let’s start with the features available on all Garmin smartwatches, where I see a big advantage for wearables. In fact, you can also configure most of the smartwatch’s functions on your smartphone. Navigating on a smartphone is a bit easier thanks to the intertwined menus of Garmin OS.
You can also adjust smartwatch settings on your smartphone. / © kwgeek
To do this, go to the Garmin Connect app. Once in the app, tap More, then Garmin Devices. Select the device to be configured here to display all device menus and menu items. When setting up, make sure the Garmin app says “Connected” below the model name. The first tip will help you understand all other Garmin tips.
Enable always-on display
With the discontinuation of MIP displays in the Forerunner line, most current Garmin smartwatches feature AMOLED displays. The advantage of Oled technology is that the black areas of the screen consume no power, allowing many Garmin watches to offer always-on functionality.
In this case, the watch will not only go to a black screen after the display timeout expires, but also go to a very low power watch face.
Always-on display can be enabled in your Garmin watch settings. / © kwgeek
This feature will definitely use more power on a daily basis, but you’ll still be able to access important information like the time or the weather even when you’re not moving the watch or pressing a button. To activate the always-on display, first go to your smartwatch settings by pressing and holding the “up” button.
Then go to your watch settings via “System”, select “Screen”, then “General Use” and select “Always On Display”. In the same menu, you can also configure screen timeout, brightness, and gesture activation.
custom watch face
We will now show you how to customize the watch face according to your needs. To do this, go to your Garmin smartwatch’s settings and select “Watch Faces.” Here, you can already scroll through a plethora of watch faces. The trick is to click “Start” and press “Custom” again after selecting the design you want.
Garmin allows you to further customize the watch face of your choice! / © kwgeek
In the new menu you can choose the layout, the seconds display, the information displayed and the color of the selected watch face. This will allow you to create endless combinations and get a watch face that perfectly suits your needs.
Set your own workouts as favorites
If you buy a connected watch from the Forerunner line, Garmin will pretty much ask you to run regularly, thanks to preconfigured workouts. However, you can customize your favorite workouts from the list. To do this, first access the list of workouts via the “Start” button. Then scroll down the list until you see a big green “Add”.
In the training overview you can define your favorites. It’s more useful on a smartphone than a Garmin watch. / © kwgeek
In the new menu you will see all the workouts and you just have to choose your favourite. You can then use the “Up” and “Down” buttons to move the selected workout where you want it to be placed.
create your own movement
If you don’t have the workout you want, you can also create your own on your Garmin smartwatch. The quickest way to access this feature is to press the “Start” button again and scroll down to the “Add” button.
Scroll down the page and you’ll find the “Other” entry. Now give the new workout a name and this is how it will appear in your list.
Can’t find the workout you’re looking for? Just create one! / © kwgeek
You need to be familiar with the following menus. From here you will be able to configure your training tracking and the smartwatch’s behavior during training in a number of ways. It’s up to you to decide what you need.
Define shortcut keys
Using Shortcuts makes using your Garmin smartwatch even easier. The fact that Garmin smartwatches are still fully button-operated is a definite plus even when wearing gloves. You can also use these buttons to trigger shortcuts, such as taking screenshots, as you can see in this article.
Hotkeys allow you to unlock some hidden functions. / © Garmin
To do this, go to your watch settings again. Under “System” you’ll find an entry for “Hotkeys,” which will take you to a list of buttons and button combinations.
You need to hold them down for a while to trigger the hotkey. The possibilities are many, ranging from a flashlight to activating a metronome during an activity, such as rowing a boat at a specific frequency.
Contactless payments via Garmin Pay
Does your Garmin smartwatch support Garmin Pay? You can then use it to make contactless payments at the supermarket checkout. This feature is useful if you want to go for a run without your smartphone and want to treat yourself with a small glass of water along the way. Configuration is done from your smartphone so that you don’t have to navigate the smartwatch’s menus.
With Garmin Pay, you can pay at the supermarket checkout with your wrist. / © kwgeek
Instead, you’ll find Garmin Pay under “More” in the app settings. Pressing this entry will trigger a setup that allows VISA, Mastercard, Discover and Maestro credit cards to be setup. Then use your smartwatch to configure the data. Here you can find a list of banks supported by Garmin Pay.
Participate in the Garmin Beta Program
Want to test new features first? Garmin offers a beta program that you can sign up for through your account. You’ll then receive “unpublished software updates and features,” as the manufacturer states on its homepage. If you want to try them all, head over to the beta program registration page.
Connect a Garmin smartwatch to an accessory
Another way to expand the capabilities of your Garmin smartwatch is to connect it to accessories. Most Garmin models are equipped with Bluetooth functionality to connect Bluetooth headsets, helmets or Garmin accessories.
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In our testing of the Forerunner 265, we were able to try out the Garmin HRM Pro Plus. This is an ANT+ compatible heart rate monitor that you wear around your chest using a belt. Measurements are more accurate than on the wrist, especially if you do sports where your wrist and smartwatch move a lot.
Customize the Garmin Connect app
Finally, customizing the Garmin Connect app is very handy in addition to the smartwatch. In fact, Garmin does offer one of the most sophisticated companion apps, but the apps for iOS and Android are also pretty confusing. Therefore, you must adapt the information for the day to your needs.
To do this, scroll the first tab all the way to the bottom and tap “Set My Day.” You’ll be able to change the order of the tiles and hide information you don’t need. You’ll find similar functionality in the “More” tab. You can press “Edit” in the upper right corner and modify the menu to your needs.
What did you think of our tips and tricks for your Garmin smartwatch? Do you have any other suggestions for the kwgeek community?