Connecting your Garmin watch to a Wi-Fi network is fundamental to the experience. To get the latest updates or connect to Spotify, you'll first have to know how to get set up with Garmin Wi-Fi.
Luckily, this is generally pretty straightforward stuff - and Garmin now allows you to do so through the Connect app or on the device itself.
Below, we'll be running through how to do both - and providing troubleshooting tips for when connecting your Garmin watch to Wi-Fi isn't proving smooth sailing.
How to add a new Wi-Fi network to Garmin
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In most cases, you'll be prompted to join and save a Wi-Fi network in Garmin Connect during the initial setup of your device. However, if you happen to be in a hotel, office, or public place with a different network, you'll need to add it to keep your device ticking over normally.
Add a new network in Garmin Connect
1. Open Garmin Connect on your iOS/Android device and begin in the 'More' section.
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap 'Garmin Devices'.
3. Choose the device you wish to connect, then 'Connectivity' (or 'General')
4. Next, select 'Wi-Fi' > 'My Network' and then 'Add a Network' to prompt a search.
5. A list of available networks will then appear, as well as the option to add one manually.
6. Select the network you want to connect to, input the password, and select 'Connect'.
7. Tap 'OK' to complete the process - your watch should now freely connect to this network.
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Add a new network from your Garmin watch
1. From your watch's home screen, hold the 'Up/Menu' button until the list of options appears.
2. Scroll down to and select 'Connectivity'.
3. Next, tap 'Wi-Fi'.
4. Ensure the 'Status' is turned on and then scroll down to 'My Networks'.
5. Hit 'Add Network' to begin a search for available networks around you.
6. Select the network you want to add and then use the keyboard or letter wheel to type in the password.
7. Confirm the password and then wait for your watch to connect.
Top tip: Have Garmin Connect open during this process - the 'Instant Keyboard' will appear when you're prompted to type in the password on your watch, which is much quicker.
Garmin Wi-Fi requirements and troubleshooting
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If you're here, you may be experiencing issues with Garmin Wi-Fi. This isn't too common in our experience, but there are a couple of requirements that you'll have to adhere to first:
- Only 2.4 GHz frequency is supported
- Security for the network must be WPA or WPA2 (or have no password)
- The password must be at least eight characters long
- The Wi-Fi network can't contain a captive portal (browser login screen)
If you think the Wi-Fi network you're trying to join meets those requirements, it's time to delve a little deeper. These are our go-to troubleshooting steps when we experience further issues with Garmin Wi-Fi:
- Ensure Garmin Connect is up to date by checking the App Store or Google Play Store
- Try both methods - Garmin Connect and the watch itself - for entering a new network
- Remove your network from the 'My Networks' section and reconnect
- Remove parental controls - these may affect your connection
- Restart your Garmin watch
How we test
Conor moved to Wareable Media Group in 2017, initially covering all the latest developments in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR. He made a name for himself writing about trying out translation earbuds on a first date and cycling with a wearable airbag, as well as covering the industry’s latest releases.
Following a stint as Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint, Conor returned to Wareable Media Group in 2022 as Editor-at-Large. Conor has become a wearables expert, and helps people get more from their wearable tech, via Wareable's considerable how-to-based guides.
He has also contributed to British GQ, Wired, Metro, The Independent, and The Mirror.