Garmin Watches Crash Globally?!? Explained & Fixes!

Here's an explainer on what's going on, and how to fix it.
Here's how to do a factory reset, and fix any leftover files:
www.dcrainmake...
If your watch shows a blue Garmin triangle logo, is a Garmin watch rebooting constantly, or otherwise a Garmin watch crashing, this is for you.
Currently, a wide spectrum of watches are crashing/rebooting when a user opens up anything that starts/triggers the GPS. The watch list includes, but is very much not limited to:
- Garmin Descent series (newer models)
- Garmin Edge series (x40 & x50)
- Garmin Forerunner 165/255/265/955/965
- Garmin Epix Series
- Garmin Fenix 7/8 Series
- Garmin Instinct 3 Series
- Garmin Tactix 7 Series
- Garmin Vivoactive 4/5 Series
- Garmin Venu 3 Series
I say ‘not limited to’, because Garmin hasn’t provided a list. Instead, the ‘Internet at Large’ has, via countless forums & social media sites. Roughly speaking, this list appears to align with devices using Garmin’s current GPS chipset.
In terms of the crashes, it’s specific to any time you open up the sport list, attempting to start a GPS-based sport. Or, for any other app that accesses GPS. This includes:
- Starting the sports menu to see a list of GPS sports
- Opening a GPS sport
- Opening the ‘Navigate’ app
- Opening the ‘Tides’ app and choosing nearest location
- Attempting to do anything with navigation/routing/etc…
All of which will result in the watch rebooting, back to the watch face. Even attempting to get an indoor (non-GPS) activity can be tricky, as depending on the exact model, it’ll immediately start searching for GPS in the background while you choose the sport mode. However, in my experience, if you tap to the indoor mode and select it quick enough, you’ll be OK.
#GarminCrash #Garmin #Garminwatch

[@Dcrainmaker]

In the event either Fix 1 or Fix 2 isn't working, see link here for Fix options 3/4 (yes, a fourth!). Note that if your watch is perfectly functional, don't do anything. This won't impact you, because the offending file has already been removed from Garmin's severs, and won't sync to your watch. Written steps for Fix 1/2/3/etc: www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/garmin-watches-are-crashing-when-trying-to-start-gps.html

[@AutoRitYLNX]

option 3 was working for me .. but after the first Hard reset, the watch started restarting in loop .. and after x times resetting the device .. i was able to see mount point and delete the file. Don't recommend hard reset at all .. a lot of guys could not pass through the restart loop :). Well, i am curious how Garmin will explain their release mechanism because that was a perfect tutorial for hackers where there is blind spot :)

[@tomaszciniewski1274]

What about Edge bike computers?

[@petedawson8257]

Ok, got out of the loop….the link above may work for some people, but my wifes 955 worked like this….power off by holding the light button for 30 secs. Then brief press to power on. As soon as triangle appears press both start/stop and back together. After first bleep release start/stop, then release back after second bleep. That gets you to a cog screen, then onto select language. Drastic, but at least we dont have a plastic brick anymore! Thanks Garmin for that….now where did i put my Sunnto?😊

[@stormchaser2005]

Option 3..... tried 10 times. Does not work on my epix pro. I've had enough of garmin. At least samsung works!

[@Dave_Balensiefen]

@@stormchaser2005Option 3 isn’t working for my Epix Pro either.

[@soloman01uk]

I didn't experience the issue and not long got back from a run. Kudos for uploading a video to help everyone so quickly though.

[@caseysmith544]

If using a Forerunner series, you are not going to have issues as mode of these can't connect to do updates, change any apps out or also connect to a phone. I use an older Forerunner 310X that I got used in 2014 as refurbished by Garmin model as new model was the 410X/420X series so the old model were selling cheep and the model is great with the 20 hour, now more like 18 hour battery that to be honest was never really a 20 hour even when new like my dad's model of the same thing. Only thing I have ever had to fix other then then mine never able to work wirelessly to connect to Garmin to download activity was I had to get a new strap in 2022 and the only thing I could find was a Chinese strap via e-Bay or AliExpress where the strap is actually a better design being made of the silicone rubber material and less stiff unlike the old strap. My dad had to get the same strap I got but was using the watch at for a period while holding it.

[@alpsskiman]

It wouldn't be a proper start to a new year without some drama from Garmin.

[@jimduyck]

"I am emergency assistance." 🤣

[@rnodeprot]

So funny and so true

[@StevenBanksMVP]

Best line of the video. 😄👍

[@trannel73]

😂😂😂 American humor never disappoints 😂

[@_me_and_myself_]

It must really be a big problem if even the paid shills publish a video like this.

[@mlegrand]

My Fenix 8 crashed when I tried to pull up Activity / Run today. 😔 I turned off GPS in Settings > Activities > Run > Run Settings > Satellites > Off Thanks for posting this better fix Ray!!!

[@kyhtera]

Hello is your fenix 8 is shows your heart rate incorrect ? My sensor is not reliable so?

[@mlegrand]

@@kyhtera Heart rate seems fine as far as I can tell. If you've turned off your GPS, you could connect to an external HR sensor like a chest strap for more accurate HR data. Best of luck Ahmet!

[@ActiveIdeas]

Shame to hear the Fenix 8 is still rocking software problems.. especially at the price they’re sold for 🙈

[@mlegrand]

@@ActiveIdeas - Update. I think my EPO file has updated / corrected and everything seems to be back to normal. It just stinks for people that are struggling with what to do.

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@mlegrand ahh wicked! Fix was pretty quick tbf 🔥

[@edgarbran9822]

I wish the algorithm had showed me your video BEFORE I hard reset my Forerunner 😢. Anyway, thanks a lot for yet another great and insightful video, as always.

[@matyasnagy8293]

Very quick video to address the situation, keep up the good work 🙏

[@exposureseries3747]

Enduro 2 fix one worked, thanks for the heads up. I hadn't noticed the trashing because I usually don't just sit on the activity screen, usually I open it and quickly start the activity. I tried to make it crash and it did so I got it fixed now. Thanks always such a big help and reliable source of information, one of the best on KZbin.

[@GlenHunt]

I happened to be toying with settings and did #1 in the process. I never had the crash either. Coincidence is a good thing.

[@stemanotwiz9474]

I watched this video 4 times and I was unable to reset my watch.!! But I was glad to hear that it can be fix. !

[@vosch8229]

Too late. I had this two hours ago with my FR265 and did a reset. The backup does not include everything, I have to check what I am missing. Well done, Garmin.

[@markoljustina]

Please, how you reset ? i cant 265 reset?

[@JonathanGreene]

this happened to me today! Glad to see how quickly you had a video up on the situation

[@nilscalasanzio]

I wish I could have seen this video this morning. 😢 I ended up solving the problem in 10 minutes, but with a full reset on my FR255. I simply pressed all the buttons twice until i heard 2 loud beeps , then the device booted normally but I lost all settings: data fields, multiband preference etc. I still managed to go for a run but had to very quickly manually restore all settings. The most annoying thing however was after my run was completed: the FR255 told me it found a "backup" and asked me if I wanted to use it... I tried it and... The crash all over again. New full reset and i had to reset the device manually for a second time... 🤦‍♂️

[@ajmeyer66]

You would think that after having been bitten by this 4 years ago that Garmin would have implemented some safety checks to ensure the data being published isn't corrupt and going to cause crashes. This is a big black eye for Garmin!😵🤬

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah. My guess is they implemented things to address that specific scenario (in fact, I know they did), but for whatever reason, this slipped by those automated file-checking items (the file essentially comes from the GPS chipset provider).

[@JustinKelly_AU]

I'm very very cross

[@SteveLoughran]

@@Dcrainmakerthought the data came from the satellites themselves "where the astronomers think we will be soon"

[@senjalars]

I just did the #3 option. Hard resett and reconnect with my phone, but luckily Garmin Connect had a backup-file which it installed and my watch is back to what it was before the crash, minus the custom watchface I had installed. Is going to wait with that untill Garmin comes with a new update-file and I can trust my watch again. Not going to use gps on it untill Thursday. ;-) Thanks for the video.

[@MihailStacanov]

only this helped to me, even hard reset finished always with boot loop: 1. Turn watch completely off (hold light for >25s until screen goes black) 2. Hold start/stop while plugging into a Windows PC. Keep start/stop held down until the watch shows up as a storage device in Windows explorer 3. Go into the watch, Garmin folder, and look for a folder called "RemoteSW" 4. Delete "RemoteSW" 5. Unplug your watch and it should restart + work. You can confirm by starting a GPS activity

[@MVK_GS]

This was my Obi Wan Kenobi (My only hope) to get my Epix Gen 2 working and it did.

[@fyrefitrt2]

That worked!

[@valentinyanishevski6942]

it's been a terrible day without my watch! thank you! this way works! It's the only one! Spread the word. I have epix pro gen 2.

[@andrewmccann331]

You sir, are a bloody legend!! The only thing that worked. @DC Rainmaker, please pin this method as it seems to be the only one that works for Epix Pro users

[@keenanmiltonrip]

genius!!! thanks a lot 🎉

[@scottw6598]

It’s crazy.that DC Rainmaker is able to give clear and concise instructions unlike Garmin!

[@johnmorton7215]

Thanks! Happened to me this morning and I thought it was just my watch. I ended up doing a hard reset before I saw this video.

[@PersiusJudicko]

From Reddit (my 255 was stuck on triangle-booting loop): Hold back, start and light together until you hear a first beep; after first beep, keep holding only light and back until second beep, then let go of all buttons. it will require re-sync and downloading of profile but no big deal. solved it for me.

[@francontrip]

that worked for my 255 too. thanks!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, that's just a factory reset.

[@francontrip]

​​@@Dcrainmakerbut it worked. Tried the other factory resets and those didnt worked. But as well at garmin website I left the beta testing

[@GlowStrategyGroup]

I’ve done this twice and it’s gone straight back into the start up loop

[@francontrip]

@@GlowStrategyGroup before that I went to the garmin website and I quit the beta testing and then i started and shut off the watch maybe 5 times

[@marcelchaloupka]

Thanks for the heads up. So far I don’t have an issue but having this information is invaluable

[@DougBow96]

Thanks for the fast solutions, you beat the Garmin notification in the app by almost 24 hours. You are the man! 😎💪

[@mhetlerovic]

My wife has a Venu 3 and it got stuck on the logo screen this morning. I hard reset it and now it is ok. I have an Epix Gen2 and I thought it didn't affect me but the thing is I went for a pool swim this morning - no GPS. Then I saw this video and tried a running activity, sure enough it just reset. Fortunately fix 1 worked for me. I was planning a run tomorrow very early in the morning and would be very annoyed if it reset and I needed to find a solution at the time. Thank you!

[@hoschi211]

Venu 3s - same fitness tracker, more compact - teste right now, no issue. It probably solely depends if and when the CPE file was synced (i.e. stored) the last time on the fitness tracker.

[@andresmith3651]

Yep I have the Venu 3 and that's exactly what happened to me this morning. I wrote a whole story about LMAO it was terrible😅😂😭 I had a very unnecessary long morning because of this mess 😅🤦🏽‍♂️

[@kenyabeef]

Was your wife able to get all her own settings and data back? I had to hard reset and I've lost everything.

[@mhetlerovic]

@@kenyabeef Yes, through the Garmin Connect app from the phone. The only thing she had to manually restore was the Watch face and it's settings with which she likes to fiddle anyway. Although I must admit she is not all that into exercising with it so I am not sure about the stuff like training status etc. She mainly uses it as a regular smart watch and then it autodetects when she goes for her fitness routine, I doubt she even glances at the results afterwards... Mine worked normally after the fix this morning for the run.

[@andresmith3651]

@kenyabeef I lost all my settings and had to re-tweek all of my personal settings on the device itself like brightness and volume notification settings and all that stuff. And also the personal settings on the app. It does remember your last activities though so once you sync it you do get a little bit of things back, and also remember your watch face purchases so you don't have to buy them again but you do have to reinstall them to the device. And your Face It personalized watch faces from Garmin IQ come back on the app but you have to reinstall them to the device

[@Hydrogen101]

My spouse said her watch was saying very kind messages like Restorative sleep! Great workout! 👍🏼 And if it is a crash and wants to keep it crashed 🤣

[@PeterHerget]

I checked my Garmin Instinct 2X Solar and the Instinct 3, nope, no GPS workout crashes or tidal wave errors. Thanks for the video.

[@mikewood9284]

Sees video title and panics, watches first few seconds and overwhelmed with relief with Fenix 5 ownership

[@anyberry1]

In my case (955) the watch got stuck in a reboot loop. I tried the "hold the power button for 30 seconds" fix a couple times. It would turn the watch off, but when I turned it back on, the reboot/crash loop would continue. So I ended up doing the hard reset (and now have to set everything up again).

[@teeramate]

well after you turn the watch off then do this - Hold back, start and light together until you hear a first beep; - After first beep, keep holding only light and back until second beep, then let go of all buttons. it will require re-sync and downloading of profile

[@anyberry1]

@@teeramate yep, that's the hard reset that I did. You're right that profile is loaded via Garmin Connect. But it's still a lot of work: Set up Garmin Pay, Music, pair HR sensor, radar, headphones... Not even mentioning custom data fields in activities or custom activities - those are gonna be the hardest.

[@teeramate]

@@anyberry1 Have you ever backup your watch ?? On Garmin express you can do restore all your setting .

[@anyberry1]

@@teeramate wow, I had no idea Garmin has a backup feature! But I wonder how that would work - after the factory reset, the watch would no longer connect in the Garmin Connect mobile app. So I removed the watch and added a new device. Maybe if I added a new device while keeping the old, it would allow me to restore from the other device? But that doesn't seem likely.

[@anyberry1]

It seems you can also just copy settings files from the device to a computer and then copy them back if needed. Interesting. But for that I would first need to know to make manual copies first :)

[@dashiengineer671]

Garmin should link this video on their support website

[@liamhockey9189]

My watch has been crashing a few hours into my last 4 or 5 trail runs, I've reset to factory settings and re loaded settings. Hoping issue will be fixed on my run Friday. Thanks for the video btw.

[@shonixgaming]

Seems like the unrest has cooled down. All stable now in the Garmin front. THanks for the info.

[@SignorLuigi]

I own an Apple Ultra 2 but still watched this whole video. 😊

[@arranlinton-smith1145]

I expect that Garmin are relieved that this didn't happen prior to one of the World Marathon Majors races!

[@oluf9056]

Feck! I wish I had seen this before my run at 5am this AM. Ended up doing a hard reset. I foolishly removed my device from GC after the reset, so also lost all my apps, sensors and watch faces. Thanks Garmin !!

[@secArthur]

I did the same.🤬

[@WilliamStrain-th4xw]

I removed mine as well and it won't let me reconnect!

[@Vive_in_Nisu]

What‘s the problem? Reinstall everything

[@oluf9056]

@@Vive_in_Nisu Off the top of my head a fresh install requires the following: Adding sensors: Stryd, 3 HR monitors, Bike Trainer, Power meter, Engo Glasses. Custom apps and data fields including watch Faces. Customizing my HR and Power Zones. Setting up all my alarms. Editing activities and their data fields. Customizing main menu…etc.

[@oluf9056]

@@WilliamStrain-th4xw make sure you remove your old 965 form the bluetooth settings on your phone, NOT from Garmin Connect.

[@seahog32]

Ran with my Fenix 7 this morning and no issues whatsoever. Wonder if this bug may hit it later. Good to know there's a fix.

[@stuboyz1969]

I have tried the hard reset on my epix pro gen 2 over and over and it just stays in a boot loop. I've definitely done it correctly and heard the beeps but nothing. Im very frustrated and thinking if my watch is stuck in this state how can it be fixed if it won't reset?

[@BigEggs2838]

Same with mine. NONE of these steps work with mine. Incredibly frustrating!

[@joshuaandcharliebrown-tung7117]

Same here I've got the 42mm

[@andrewmccann331]

Same here

[@Kevkin]

I had the same problem. To fix mine I downloaded Garmin express on my Mac. Hold power button until the watch turns off, then plug into computer and turn the watch back on. I was able to update the firmware and maps and the watch rebooted successfully. Unfortunately I’d already done a hard reset so my watch lost all the settings and I had to re-pair with my phone.

[@MegaMotorchik]

Just got this crash on my Fenix 7 pro an hour ago. Was surprised to see this video:)

[@regstoy]

Is it advisable to carry out Fix 1 or 2 if our watch hasn't crashed yet? Completed a run this morning with my fenix 7 and no issues.

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, definitely not. Don't do anything, just enjoy life - you'll be good. :)

[@ev-ezaye3580]

Hopefully, I'll not experience this with the FR955S ​@@Dcrainmaker

[@Jorisstoffels]

Had the same problem in the runningstore this morning, not per se a good way to start when you try to sell a Garmin watch. Fortunately we figured the connection to Express out. Solved the problem. Thanks for the video though, very helpful when people are coming in tomorrow and start ‘crying’ about their Garmin 😅

[@romanluu]

Forerunner 265 here, my watch is in the eternal reboot mode (Garmin triangle on and off) and thus is not connected to my phone - or so it shows at least. I am holding off on a hard reboot, hopefully the issue gets sorted out soon.

[@petedawson8257]

Yep, my wifes 955 doing the same, going to try express next

[@stedoesstuff]

Same here. I did a hard reset and lost my HRV/readiness data. Then 30 min later it crashed again.

[@actuallymeg]

I finally got my 265s to restart from eternal cool ranch dorito mode. I held the light and back button for a whole minute, then turned it on (dorito still happening) then off, and back on and it restarted per normal. Did fix option 1 after that, and it let me get into run mode no problem. GPS wasn't fully connected, but I'm in an office building so I wasn't expecting it to connect anyway.

[@wrchad23]

Switched to Apple Watch Ultra 2 at the perfect time!

[@huexley]

Trying to fix a mess and casually wearing a working Apple Watch ^^ Thanks

[@MrHsox]

I had this at lunchtime UK. I had a strop and gave the watch to my wife and went out for my run with a little storm cloud over my head. She did the “hard reset” fix whilst I was out lol

[@trailmagnus]

Great job getting the fix out so quickly.

[@WHGrenis]

You teased us with your Instinct 3 coming today!!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed! I'm so close, just putting the final bits of b-roll on the timeline as we speak. I suspect it'll still be 'today'/Weds somewhere in the world when it goes live. Likely American Soma, are you there?

[@AussiePeter]

I’m so glad this isn’t just me. Fenix 6 has the issue too.

[@22david22]

At least they catched so many apple watch fans with amoled models. Who cares about quality anymore. Profits are coming in so it means they are doing a perfect job. They can now convert all the models to ''lifestyle smart watch'' and release updated models every year. Sad to see Garmin being destroyed by greedy investors

[@NinjaElephant]

I had garmin watches for years (fenix 5 then epix 2) and just switched to Apple Watch. So much better in almost everything but battery life. I don’t see why I should revert to a watch that obviously hates me („unproductive“), is half the price after a year and gets sleep wrong all the time besides doing a way worse smart watch job. Try changing the clock face in both, garmin is just ridiculous.

[@hristokassovski]

May be I am switching to Apple Ultra 2

[@stephenlightstone9275]

Great explanation on restoring watch.

[@markyboyclark]

Managed to fix mine today. Thank god!

[@andresmith3651]

Wow it's moments like this that never cease to amaze me on how so many people are all connected (to the Soup Sandwich that was today) LOL I'm so glad I found this video and clearly I wasn't alone all with what happened today, SO without further ado, just for everyone's entertainment here's my lil day and story testimonial of the day Garmin let us all down, for wanting to read it 😅🤷🏽‍♂️ Let me start off by just saying I figured out the fix on my own but it was a pain in the butt because I inadvertently did option 3 from this vid, and ended up hard reseting the whole thing not knowing what was going on, it was only due my familiarity with electronics and these type of watches that I figured it was one of those buttons I had to hold for an extra extra extra long time to perform some type of soft or hard reset. It worked which was great. but this whole crash thing Happened to me at the worst possible time 😅🤦🏽‍♂️ because I saw the blue sideways triangle on my way to my destination but didn't think anything of it as I was already rushing because I was running behind schedule in the wee hours of the morning having to be someplace at 5am, I just figured that the device was just getting some type of software update and was just restarting, especially since I just took it off the base and threw it on my wrist and ran out the house so I didn't look at it again. I didn't realize anything was wrong until I was already at my destination. But what made it even worse was that I was going to be stuck in that location for about 7-8 hours and Not only was there absolutely no phone signal at that location but was we really weren't supposed to have a phone in that area anyway. So I just needed my Garmin for a concept of time throughout being stuck at this place for hours with no phone. And that's when I looked and saw that it was the same blue sideways triangle from early when I was on my way there 🤦🏽‍♂️ so now I'm thinking to myself oh crap and I'm there trying to fix this thing without it being obvious I have some type of phone 😩😅🤦🏽‍♂️ so after everything else wasn't working I figured screw it let me find a button to hold on the Garmin device itself and hopefully do a reset of some sort and it turned out it was the hard reset. So now the Blasted thing has no connection or memory of any settings from my phone because it forgot the Bluetooth connection and everything because now it's basically in factory right out the Box Mode. 🤦🏽‍♂️ So then that was a whole nother problem 😅😭 So now I'm sitting up here trying to be discreet and re-pair the damn phone to the Garmin all while my phone is in my pocket still and the stupid Garmin is still not telling me time or anything because it's giving me the option to connect with my phone again " for the first time" 🤦🏽‍♂️ and then after the painful amount of time it took to get past that situation, now the damn thing wanted to ask me a million questions to set up the freaking thing, (like I'm just happy and home relaxed sitting here playing with my new Garmin) 😩🤦🏽‍♂️ I don't even know how to end this story LMAO it was just too much crap this morning trying to deal with this and secretly 😂😭🤦🏽‍♂️ all I can say is it took me about 3-4 hours of sweating and sneaking, and giving up and then trying again just to try to fix this damn thing and it wasn't even for any exercises or GPS or ANYTHING special, All that, JUST TO KNOW WHAT TIME IT WAS! And at this hour I'm still trying to tweak out all my settings the way I previously had them ( but at least I'm home and I can play around with this thing) 😭😭😭🤦🏽‍♂️ So I guess if anything the moral of the story is the more technology the more problems😅🤷🏽‍♂️ Cause all this technology just gave me a headache and hypertension all before 8:00 a.m. this morning and I would have had no problems at all with a simple $10 Casio watch 😩😂😅🤦🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️😅 the only thing I can say positive from the nonsense today is that at least when you go back to the Garmin store and Garmin IQ you don't have to repurchase any of your face apps or anything like that 👍 So that's my Garmin trauma story of the day hopefully I at least made some people smile that actually read all of this 😅

[@train4adventure]

Thanks for posting this info, much appreciated. I initially thought my Epix pro gen 2 had broken after only a month. It’s shame Garmin didn’t get off their arse and do this. It wasn’t until I saw your post that I knew it was a global issue. Not like I paid a shitload of money for their watch to expect some customer support. My Epix Pro Gen 2 has the boot loop issue and none of the options have worked so far to get it back. To top it off, when contacting Garmin support they say they are off for a few days and will be back Friday.

[@nickidewet7711]

Ended up factory reset, watch face and wallet gone. But at least it worked. Will remember these options for next time, thanks.

[@dazewithadrian]

I literally bought an enduro 3 yesterday and it’s arriving tomorrow. Great timing 🥹

[@krimoll]

Very happy with my Fenix6 right now 😅 (had a strange feeling this day would come..)

[@dorins3787]

Had to do the hard reset twice. First time I restored from backup and it crashed again. Probably because the backup file had rhe corrupt file. Second time I did not restore and my watch is now ok. Thank you for the video

[@RigiLiquid945]

My Epix 2 never crashed yet, but thanks for the advice, I'm going to save this video

[@trannel73]

Such an Impressive f*** up. Holy cow. Thanks for doing better customer Service than Garmin itself. This is insane. 900€ devices almost bricked.

[@IainThacker]

Sadly none of the fixes work for me - Epix Pro... Watch doesn't get past the initial splash screen... hard reboot, unprompted reset doesn't work, not visible over USB... Watch is completely forked. So, Coros any good?

[@NathanPenningtonBikes]

- Connect the watch to the computer - Hard power down the watch by holding the light/power key for ~30 seconds. - Press light/power key once and immediately press the start/stop key. Hold start/stop key for 30 seconds - Check the computer to see if the device mounted - In the Garmin/RemoteSW/ directory, delete the GPE.bin file - Disconnect the watch from the computer

[@IainThacker]

@@NathanPenningtonBikes You utter legend! 👋

[@nicoleinnerhofer2047]

thanks again - as like many times before - for your really useful videos!

[@_DMD_]

took off my watch and put it in power saving mode. waiting a day or two to see what actually fixes it. thanks garmin lol

[@sergioponsgarza6560]

I had an Epix Gen 2 Pro and is already crash booting. 1 tried 2nd method and 3rd method without luck, any other suggestion?

[@user-ie8vn6yr1r]

It is a problem with a faulty GPE file. It can be fixed without hard reset. - Connect the watch to the computer - Hard power down the watch by holding the light/power key for ~30 seconds. - Press light/power key once and immediately press the start/stop key. Hold start/stop key for 30 seconds - Check the computer to see if the device mounted - In the Garmin/RemoteSW/ directory, delete the GPE.bin file - Disconnect the watch from the computer

[@toniburger2891]

We have the Same Problem and Not solution 😢

[@GlowStrategyGroup]

Same here

[@sergioponsgarza6560]

@@user-ie8vn6yr1r I can not be able to connect since is in the loop cycle even using the usb cable to my computer did not find it because it did not start correctly. I did the light to turn it off then i press back/lap button and start/stop button at the same time and keep it press them then a light press at the light button and release than button only and keeping press the start and back button but never heard the BIP i do not know how long will need to keep them pressed. What other option to do the hard reset?

[@sergioponsgarza6560]

Ensure the watch is powered off. You may need to hold LIGHT for up to 30 seconds to turn the watch off. Press and hold BACK and START/STOP. Press LIGHT to power the watch on while holding these two buttons. After the first beep release START/STOP. After the second beep release the remaining buttons.

[@scottlstone]

I have the Epix Pro and none of what you suggest has worked. All I get is the epix logo or a blank screen.

[@user-ie8vn6yr1r]

It is a problem with a faulty GPE file. It can be fixed without hard reset. - Connect the watch to the computer - Hard power down the watch by holding the light/power key for ~30 seconds. - Press light/power key once and immediately press the start/stop key. Hold start/stop key for 30 seconds - Check the computer to see if the device mounted - In the Garmin/RemoteSW/ directory, delete the GPE.bin file - Disconnect the watch from the computer.

[@scottlstone]

@ none of the buttons work, nothing! I get either a screen with epix on or completely blank. The is no button I can press that gives me anything else. I have even held the top left and still nothing

[@FilipGierszewski]

@@user-ie8vn6yr1r This is the only solution that worked for me. Thank you. Mind you it didn't work at first time but on 3rd.

[@robcharrison]

Thank you. This process worked for me, now setting up the watch again. I'm very grateful for your help here.

[@mmendelson]

Same here. Epix pro 2 and none of those worked... still stuck on the reboot screen.

[@DKMiti]

Solution 1 worked on my Fenix … 😮‍💨 phew. Thank you

[@daniz75]

Solution 2 worked for my Forerunner 165. Thx a lot from Argentina!

[@yveslaingui457]

Thanks for posting this. Felix 8 only option 3 worked for me

[@jordanwong847]

This happened on my morning bike ride today, did essentially fix three on my own before finding this video (wish i tried the first two options). Luckily I had a premonition to back up my activities not too long ago

[@eazyasyoulike]

My Vivoactive 5 just showing the triangle - not been able to get in back on so far

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Same here for a Venus 3 user.

[@KimberlyChannn]

If my watch is ok right now, should I do any of the steps you recommend (syncing the gps file for one)? Now I'm absolutely paranoid about starting an activity!

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@KimberlyChannn no, just go forth and enjoy like normal!

[@KimberlyChannn]

@@Dcrainmaker Thank you so much Ray, a thumbs up for this vid is the least I can do! I'll probably record today's run only with my phone just in case 😅

[@mrspicey27]

Was wondering about this myself, and saw your pinned comment up top. Thanks for informing us!

[@serpadu]

1 hour before this video my Epix gen 2 just gave me 'pairing failed' notification. And it wouldn't connect again to my phone. I went to pair it again and it worked. Quite strange, first time since I got a Garmin watch in 2023. I live in Brazil, so a different time zone from Europe, but it happened at the same time as other people around.

[@mattpoulton1]

Stuck in boot loop on Epix pro Gen2. No options worked sadly

[@GlowStrategyGroup]

Same

[@GlowStrategyGroup]

I've sorted mine (for the moment) with the steps on the garmin website to add/re add to Garmin Express

[@movdqa]

My Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire is borked so I'm using a Fenix 5 Plus and it's working fine. It's nice to have a backup watch. I heard you had a fix which is why I'm here.

[@GlowStrategyGroup]

I have an Epix Pro Gen2 ~ 4 weeks old. The unprompted reset doesn’t work with the reboot loop starting again after the operation is complete. I’ve tried 6 times so far.

[@MiguelFlores-rm1wx]

I’m in the same boat

[@aha8008]

Same, used it since Christmas

[@fergusdenoon1255]

Same with Fenix 7, just stuck in a constant reboot loop

[@_Dibbler_]

If the advice is now to wait until the battery is drained we can wait for months.....😕

[@fergusdenoon1255]

@@_Dibbler_ not sure that will help, the connection doesn't seem to recognize anything being plugged into it, meaning battery runs out, it will absolutely be dead.

[@DrewGoo22]

Thanks for the response! it just started happening to me today lol I was about to take my watch back.

[@M4l3k0]

Love it how when Garmin has an issue they seem to go all out with it 😂

[@ipsnatch]

I have been experiencing a slightly different issue with the blue triangle, for quite a while now - about 4 months here and there - mainly with swim sessions. I have a Forerunner 935 and would start a workout, which would then be interrupted by a blue triangle, forcing a reboot and ending my workout (sometimes saving it too). Any idea what might be causing this?

[@roderick9018]

What watch are you wearing on your left arm in this video ?

[@santoshrane]

mine just crashed , rebooted. I finished my activity and youtube showed me your video 😅

[@dmytrooliinyk6833]

cannot do anything at all with my epix pro 2...

[@MrBigTexFyre]

Have you tried connecting it to your pc via usb cable and doing an update or reset?

[@naruto5046]

I didn’t connect my phone to my instinct crossover since i don’t want another connected watch, but i’m also not doing any fitness activities due to lunar new year commitments, and i got it recently right around 1-2 weeks before instinct 3 released, will this be a problem on mine?

[@ZuranMarine]

I have a question and i ask you to answer please: i wasn't understanding what was going on and before resetting completely my fenix 8 (solving the oroblem) i tried to open an acrivity like 10 times and for 10 times the whatch rebooted. All those reboots could have damaged the whatch ?? Your opinion is important for me! Thank you

[@t.m346]

I was going to buy a garmin forerunner 965 just today, now I am bit scared of getting one? What is your opinion?

[@TylerShawWx]

I was able to get my Fenix 8 working by syncing it to Garmin Express on my computer. Rebooting and syncing with Garmin Connect on my phone didn't work.

[@quirckybaldguy]

Forerunner 955 and the blue triangle situation here. If I reset, it immediately returns to the blue triangle again… Any suggestions for that case? Thanks a lot ❤️

[@teeramate]

you need to do factory reset 1. Hold the top left ( light ) to turn it off . 2. Hold back, start and light together until you hear a first beep; after first beep, keep holding only light and back until second beep, then let go of all buttons. it will require re-sync and downloading of profile but no big deal. solved it for me.

[@quirckybaldguy]

@@teeramate Thanks! Initially this didn't work (blue triangle again after the second beep), but once connected to power I got through the entire factory reset. Looks like the 'damage' is limited to Garmin not taking one day of data into account.

[@raimooonda2264]

@@teeramatethank you so much! 👏🏻 solved my issue right away!

[@reiniere3841]

Funny, I was just checking your channel for a replacement option for my Forerunner 645. The screen has been going blank since this weekend during activities (not the regular stand-by mode during running) or has trouble booting up. So it might be software related instead of a broken unit?

[@starvindarvind]

I was on a boat ready to do my scuba dive open water certification...

[@carloscssr]

Out of subject, sorry, but do you have any more news on the epix pro gen 2 and the fenix pro having ecg available in Europe?

[@kerekerdo1]

@Dcrainmaker Can you please pin this for Epix Pro Gen2 users. - Connect the watch to the computer - Hard power down the watch by holding the light/power key for ~30 seconds. - Press light/power key once and immediately press the start/stop key. Hold start/stop key for 30 seconds - Check the computer to see if the device mounted - In the Garmin/RemoteSW/ directory, delete the GPE.bin file - Disconnect the watch from the computer

[@NathanPenningtonBikes]

This is the only thing after 6 hours of resets, syncing on Garmin express and hard resets that actually worked on my Epix Pro Gen2. @dcrainmaker

[@OfficialZyni32]

I trained yesterday at 2 P.M. and everything were good. I didn’t try to start a gps acitivity until then. Can I try to start right now? (I have the 19.41 version on fenix 7s pro with disabled automatic updates)

[@mogalbogal]

The hard reboot worked for me and I managed to get a run in. Just tried starting another activity and it crashed again though! 😮 Looks like it needs a patch or will keep repeating...

[@Boba_hutt]

Epic Pro 2 not responding to any of the fixes…including connecting to a PC. Any ideas?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I've just added a Fix 4 to the instructions, for this situation: www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/garmin-watches-are-crashing-when-trying-to-start-gps.html

[@Boba_hutt]

Thanks DC… any solutions where you don’t have access to a PC because your work IT department are not letting you add GarminExpress 😢

[@_Dibbler_]

@@Dcrainmaker The Epix Pro 2 is stuck in the boot screen, no connection the PC, weither I press buttons or not

[@kerekerdo1]

@@_Dibbler_ - Connect the watch to the computer - Hard power down the watch by holding the light/power key for ~30 seconds. - Press light/power key once and immediately press the start/stop key. Hold start/stop key for 30 seconds - Check the computer to see if the device mounted - In the Garmin/RemoteSW/ directory, delete the GPE.bin file - Disconnect the watch from the computer I did this and fixred mine.

[@_Dibbler_]

@@kerekerdo1 thanks but doesnt work unfortunately

[@Ebugandera]

Unfortunately my epix is now infinitely stuck in reboot…..not even hard reset works….

[@karathas3139]

same for my epix pro :(

[@paulhume8083]

Same here. Tried all the suggestions.

[@user-ie8vn6yr1r]

Same here epix pro

[@user-ie8vn6yr1r]

It is a problem with a faulty GPE file. It can be fixed without hard reset. - Connect the watch to the computer - Hard power down the watch by holding the light/power key for ~30 seconds. - Press light/power key once and immediately press the start/stop key. Hold start/stop key for 30 seconds - Check the computer to see if the device mounted - In the Garmin/RemoteSW/ directory, delete the GPE.bin file - Disconnect the watch from the computer.

[@flitschflatsch1096]

Same fenix 8

[@evivanoppen9323]

Same thing happened to me during my runs: one time in november, one time in december, and 3 times during one run last week. After restarting, luckily my running data was not lost. I have a fenix 7s.

[@L_yeah]

I have a 255 and it doesn't seem to be affected by this glitch but yesterday it had a problem - when I woke up it hadn't recorded any sleep data, then I went for a walk and when I finished I saw that I had zero steps on my watch. I did a factory reset and it appears to fine, but I'm wondering now if that was related to this issue.

[@GatleySkateKrew12]

Nothing working for me I’m stuck on the boot up screen Garmin Epix pro gen 2

[@_Dibbler_]

Same here, just a start screen with white "EPIX PRO" (and some stuff on the outside). Doesnt reset, cant connect to the PC

[@GatleySkateKrew12]

@ I’ve not tried with a pc but yeah unsure atm

[@barrybkopicz2845]

My Venu 3 crashed a couple of days ago, touch screen froze (thought it was a one off occurance) had to do a factory reset, reload preferences, updated hardware and ran a synch. Looks like it worked, wished I'd seen your video.

[@MrNagyGa]

How can I hard rese a Venu 3? I have been pushing the upper button for 15-30-60 seconds, but even then the watch still remains in a crash loop :(

[@barrybkopicz2845]

@MrNagyGa Following directions from Garmin: Venu Sq: Touchscreen is Not Working If the touchscreen on your Venu Sq series watch is not responding, make sure that you have not locked the screen. Details on how to check this setting can be found here: Locking and Unlocking the Touchscreen If your touchscreen is not locked and you continue to experience an issue with your touchscreen you can attempt a restart of the watch by following the steps below. Press and hold the top button [were sports are listed] until the screen goes blank (this may take up to 40 seconds). Disregard any messages that come up, such as the assistance alert and the controls menu. Holding the button through these will prevent anything from activating. Press and hold the top button for 2 seconds to power the device back on. The went to Garmin Connect: Device> Venu 3> Settings> reset.

[@CobaltSky99]

⁠@@MrNagyGa I’m also in the same boat.

[@albertrijpma8114]

@@MrNagyGa Unpromted reset worked for me

[@batagnam]

Got it yesterday just before starting a long run on my 955... Really pissed me off because when you are ready to go you do not want to be stopped. Had to do a factory reboot

[@pehuyghe]

I feel your pain

[@chrruiz]

Thanks man!! really appreciate you've posted this video

[@mikeriffel7030]

Would that explain my fenix 8 giving incorrect yardage in golf?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nope

[@joecarpinella3635]

Thank you! I knew that you would have a fix for us.

[@stormense]

Has Garmin fixed the bug where if the watch thinks you are falling, it stops that activity and you have to start a new one? I have disabled fall detection completely for that reason.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Which watch?

[@secArthur]

This happened to me today. Half a year after warranty. Relief, thanks for the explanation. Garmin FR955.

[@Swirleyful]

Vivoactive 5 here and can't get past the blue triangle. Have been holding the top (right - there isn't a left!) button for various lengths of time but it's not resetting anything. Please help!