Signing up for the Garmin public beta software program will ensure you gain early access to features not yet released to the wider public - ideal for those who aren't patient enough to wait for a full rollout.
Providing you have one of the compatible Garmin watches listed below, you can be the company's guinea pig for features that are going through final preparations before release.
There may be the very occasional snag if you sign up for this early access - that's what the Beta Program Forum is for, after all - but Garmin does indicate that everything released in the public beta software program has already been thoroughly tested.
This means you can get the latest Garmin features beamed to your watch around 6-8 weeks earlier than everyone else (in our experience) with virtually no risk of it backfiring. We'll explain how.
Garmin beta software program: Compatible watches
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The list of watches that can tap into the beta software program is growing all the time, and the current list is pretty exhaustive.
Naturally, owning a newer device is more likely to bag you the latest features, though these do still tend to trickle down a generation or two.
Here's the current list of Garmin watches compatible with the beta software program, and this includes each collection's various versions and sizes unless stated otherwise:
- Enduro
- Enduro 2
- Epix (Gen 2) and Epix Pro (Gen 2)
- Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro
- Fenix 6 and Fenix 6 Pro
- Forerunner 265
- Forerunner 255
- Forerunner 265
- Forerunner 745
- Forerunner 965
- Forerunner 955
- Forerunner 945
- Instinct 2
- MARQ (Gen 2) collection
- MARQ collection
- Quatix 7
- Quatix 6
- Venu 3
- Venu 2 and Venu 2 Plus
- Venu
- Venu Sq. 2
- Vivoactive 5
- Vivoactive 4
How to enroll in Garmin's beta software program
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Proving you have one of the Garmin watches listed above as your main wearable device in Garmin Connect, enrolling in the beta software program can be done in a matter of moments. Follow these steps:
1. Sign in to Garmin Connect on the web - this one can't be done from the iOS/Android app.
2. Select the watch icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select the device you wish to enroll in the program.
4. Click the 'Join Beta Software Program' option and agree to the terms.
Note: To leave the program at any time, return to this page and click 'Leave Beta Software Program'.
Gaining access to the latest updates
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We've covered how to update Garmin watches in a separate guide, but this will work exactly the same even after you've enrolled in the beta program.
In our experience, the only major difference is the fact you'll receive alerts of a new update much more frequently - but, hey, you asked for it.
In almost every case, we've been notified on the watch that a new version is ready to be installed. Afterward, a pop-up will also tell you what's new.
To trigger an update manually, though, ensure your watch is connected to Wi-Fi and follow these steps:
1. Go to your watch's settings section.
2. From here, find and select 'System'.
3. Then, hit 'Software Update' and wait while the watch connects to Wi-Fi and searches for a new update.
4. If there is one, it'll automatically pop up - at which point you'll have to hit install - or you'll be notified that your watch is running the latest software.
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.