Garmin + GoPro Camera Control: Hands-On Explainer!

Garmin has launched an expanded Connect IQ App Store option that allows companies to monetize apps for various fees, and with it, GoPro has launched a new camera control app on the Garmin Connect IQ App Store, which allows you to control your GoPro camera from your watch.
The app lets you start/stop recording, change modes (e.g. video/photo/timelapse), as well as change within the various presets you have created. Further, it lets you save multiple GoPro cameras to a saved pairings menu. The app is listed for $5.99USD, as a one-time fee.I’ve been using it now for a few months, so I figured I’d just quickly run-through how it works. This is not a complicated app, thus hopefully, not a long post.
#GoPro #Garmin #GarminControl

[@danielwolman]

id 100% buy a new gopro with this functionality if it worked on the edge 840

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

Gopro are garbage. Dji or 360 is where it's at.

[@infocuslearning]

I agree that it would be more useful on the Edge series of bike computers

[@PeterPrendal]

It's going to be great for us kayakers with the gopro mounted in front or behind on the kayak. Saves me having to bring the Gopro remote.

[@PaulTomblin]

It was great with the Garmin VIRB360, when you paired it with your watch, it would start the camera when you started your workout or race on your watch.

[@LukasHalda]

Just successfully tested my FR955 & GoPro 10. About some of the questions asked here: Does it work while activity is ongoing? - Yes, you can have an activity running and open the GoPro app from Glances. Does it always load when I open Glances? - Yes, seems so, I worked around that by isolating it in its own folder. Does it turn on the GoPro? - Yes, seems so in my case. It is pretty slow to do so, but it eventually turns on. Can it turn off the GoPro? - No, unfortunately I didn't find a way to do it. Hopefully in the next release? Can I exit the app without stopping the recording? - Yes, exiting the app doesn't affect the camera. Can I connect while recording? - Yes, although it takes couple seconds (5+) to connect, so switching between activity and GoPro control takes time. Does it set time? - No, I didn't find that feature, and checking everything possible within the app, the GoPro time has not updated. Hopefully in the future. Can the watch and phone connect to the camera simultaneously? - No, only one connection is possible at the time. All in all, I can see it being useful for my snorkeling (camera in a diving cage, cannot switch profiles) and motorcycling (watch accessible without removing gloves). The price is not too high - on the high side for a small app that's basically just a UI over an API, but much cheaper than a dedicated remote and one less piece of electronics to carry :) Interestingly, it is a bit cheaper when buying with my non-EU address than with my EU address, I guess they add VAT for EU residents. I bought it in a PC browser, it offered my Garmin wallet cards, and asked for my physical address.

[@iurylima]

And here's my hope to Garmin updating the VIRB app, for those cool, cool overlays

[@PaulTomblin]

Amen brother. I’ve tried the “Telemetry Overlay” program and it’s complete crap compared to VIRB Edit.

[@kosthsftw6426]

although work perfectly with the epix pro and provided for free while you pairing them from settings my camera is garmin virb ultra 30

[@bikingchupei2447]

really hope they revived that software, it's so outdated, only allows you output up to 4k30, but the preset overlays are so well designed. the only other choice out there is that extremely expensive telemetry overlay.

[@JaniOllikainen]

How well does this work during activity? Would be interesting to see that.

[@reusserfarm1]

I put it on my watch but was also able to add the same app to my garmin 1040 and it works. Thanks for the heads up this will be great to ride with.

[@bradleydallman8519]

This would be insanely useful on the Descent line. When diving the GoPro is generally in the case, meaning no adjustment to settings.

[@louis_sharp]

I bought a Hero Session 4 back in ‘15. Haven’t updated because of this. Been a long time coming

[@ShaKieran06]

Great vid as always. Whilst the price put me off to begin with, it does look like you have full enough control of the GoPro to make good use of it. Presumably when timelapse is running you can switch it to normal recording via the watch? That would be useful when I've got it mounted on my bag for example. Will check it out. Edit - Apparently any Garmin IQ payment has to be via Garmin Pay, which keeps crashing when trying to verify address so.... Guess won't be getting the app after all 🙃.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, correct!

[@aleers]

I had the same problem but tried it on the web and it works there

[@ShaKieran06]

@@aleers Ahh Garmin Connect IQ web store! I had a look on the web garmin connect, but there was no garmin pay section. Thanks! Even the website was still janky af though!

[@itspj]

This is awesome. Will be better when you can start a collection of cameras - and also being able to do it on an edge series is more beneficial than just on the watch, but hopefully it's a sign of things to come! Thanks for the video Ray!

[@fookie-fone]

Just missed it on both ends: fenix 6X and Hero 8 :(

[@SonnyDarvishzadeh]

Same xD GP8 and 6s Pro 😬

[@bikingchupei2447]

Fenix 7 and Hero 11 here, missed it at i had to buy the app.

[@aszalai86]

Now we only need Di2 GoPro controls... Or at least an Edge support for this one with possibility to assign Di2 buttons. Hood buttons for video/photo capture anyone?

[@rapidrick]

Suggestion for the edge computers is the ability to trigger the GoPro to record when your varia picks up a car behind you. I would buy all three in a heart beat if that worked well. I wanted the varia with video but the reviews have been very unkind so far regarding video quality etc

[@MonSport06]

Thanks for the info ! I guess you can control the GoPro while doing an activity with your Garmin watch of course ?

[@marioplus321]

That's the good question.

[@marioplus321]

@@MonSport06 if it doesn't , it's useless( 4me).

[@andreashjalmarsson9886]

I have the same question, can my gopro be controlled during an activity?

[@MonSport06]

Good news guys, it’s possible ! Start an activity then long press bottom right button. Here 2 possibilities : 1) you had opened GoPro app recently on your Garmin, then it will show here and you can launch it. 2) if not, press up button (middle left) once to show the time, press it a second time to show the widgets. And you’ll find the GoPro widget there that has been installed with the app. Done !

[@Nksmusings]

Thanks Ray. Crisp and clear as usual. Wahoo and Coros have similar controls probably a slightly toned down version that’s free. Hate to see Garmin going the paid way with this…

[@zmielonyrzuf]

Activating your gopro from extra button on your handle lever would be neat.

[@Mamilian]

If you back out of the widget on the watch (to get back to the normal face and ensure that you don't accidentally control the GoPro), does that impact the recording session in any way? (guessing/hoping the answer is "no", but...). Use case: I record gravel races. It's often very bright at the start, so difficult to see that I've started the camera *in the right mode* (damnit, not again...). But, I don't want to leave the remote focused on the watch for many reasons (accidentally stopping recording being the top one). Would also love to see this on the Edge units - having a data page with the camera details/control would be AWESOME. Thanks.

[@LukasHalda]

Just tested - you can exit the app and the camera keeps recording. Opening the app again takes couple seconds to reconnect, but it doesn't interrupt the recording.

[@Mamilian]

@@LukasHalda Awesome! Thanks for testing that.

[@TDevolder]

Does it work / is it workable to operate during an activity, let's say hiking or skiing? Otherwise put: can you control the GoPro with your Garmin watch WITHOUT the need to interrupt the activity?

[@LifeCycle1978]

Yes to all.

[@JaniOllikainen]

@@LifeCycle1978 How? Is there a data page or do you need to go to watch face during activity and do it that way? Going through watch face would seem somewhat cumbersome compared to data page.

[@marcelochristofori8469]

Wahoo is free and already on the bike computer 😊

[@bikemirror6620]

Should I decide to upgrade my edge I will definitely get a wahoo

[@bennywallis1527]

I'm still using my Garmin Virb with my watch.. But with that, they aren't made anymore, so this is a great way to keep up with the Jones's

[@r0sco_1]

Great news although GoPro is losing market year after year. Hope Garmin do the same with DJI OSMO and Insta360

[@Enukia]

This is great but need it for my 1050 edge and i use the go pro hero Max still

[@Trd-III]

Thanks for the overview! Was super excited when I saw this, as I would happily pay $6 for the ability to add highlights from my wrist when I don’t have clean/easy access to the camera’s screen (chest or shoulder mount, for example) and don’t want to continuously hold my phone to use as a remote. Pretty disappointed that the Descent Mk3 is apparently not compatible… isn’t it effectively a Fenix 7? Even if camera remote doesn’t work on dives (which would be an amazing use case), the app would still be very useful most of the time.

[@fabianmolyneux2308]

Nifty!!! Not tempting enough to pay to upgrade my watch nor get a Go-pro. It'd be great if Garmin edge had an integrated headunit/camera perhaps. By the time I have my edge and front light attached I don't want to include yet another piece of furniture on aero bars

[@LinBiLan]

Thanks for this great review (like always!) But obviously I can not control my Garmin when I am in a sports app like running or so. That is a major limitation as I want to film myself surfing while I record the activity on the watch.

[@kosthsftw6426]

My garmin virb ultra 30 paired perfectly with my epix pro and the app provided was free

[@andreasbissinger5978]

Does ist update the time also? My Gopro 9 always asks to set the time

[@edwardebel1847]

Just ordered the Hero 12 and Edge 1050...own the Approach 70 and was halfway to getting excited about this "partnership" until I got through the list of compatible watches...so... 😢. (Also, I use the Approach 70 for all my workouts/biking/etc as well as golf...probably use it for fitness more than golf...so there's that...but you're right: it would be very useful on the Edge platform.)

[@nikakura]

It really is such a niche user case scenario - you have to have Go pro mounted but both of your hands must be free to operate a watch. and if you have free hands you can operate the camera in the first place, without fiddling with the watch, well anyways must be useful to very limited number of people..

[@NeuroHunter]

There’s also a use case when your hands are free but the camera is mounted beyond your reach (kayak / SUP nose, for example). Plus the use case when you don’t want to bring an extra device (like skiing).

[@jarekhartman]

I think this would have to be ported to Edge bike computers as well. That would make much more sense, indeed

[@nikakura]

@@NeuroHunter yeah, makes sense, for cars as well if it is mounted outside - but to me it still seems very rare use case scenario - main demographic are still using it as a handheld / vlog type videos, in my opinion

[@LukasHalda]

Another use case: cannot touch the touchscreen, either because the GoPro is in a cage (snorkeling, diving) or because you wear gloves (motorcycle, skiing, cold weather in general) but want to change the recording profile. (I know about the button combo for that, but that only works when front LCD is on which makes the camera overheat faster, and that setting is also only accessible via the touchscreen.)

[@jimi_sendrix]

thanks for the review and agree it would be great to have on my Edge! When accessing this widget does it turn the gopro on? Usually, my rear mounted gopro is turned off while riding, so being able to turn it on/off via the watch would be stellar

[@kmarekeu]

May I use it during activity recording on fenix watch?

[@mvp_kryptonite]

5:46 Thought I just saw a watch right next to the Edge device. However, Garmin just need to revive the Virb. A neat 4k camera would work well. Lucky I got my Ultra 30s cheap, just the case is clunky

[@JAViewer]

Does it work while an activity is in progress?

[@r0bv123]

just tested this, will not work during certain specific activities on the watch unfortunately 😒 hiking is a no, skiing, yes

[@JAViewer]

@@r0bv123 thanks!

[@rcuadro]

Is this app going to be "locked" to a specific watch meaning I will need to repurchase if I replace my watch?

[@briancarlson1364]

Is this like the Wahoo and you have to keep the GoPro powered on the whole time for control to work? Im assuming yes, since it uses Bluetooth so maybe the value in this feature much less because your constantly eating up GoPro battery life when not recording.

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@Stevenafoe]

Claims it needs a software update on forerunner 965, but that is already on the latest (the 965 claims..)… having to check the watch on the bike isn’t very handy , so nice to see things happen, but i need this on the garmin edge.

[@MikeMiles]

Do you have the issue where it is always connecting? I have one camera setup and when I access 'glances' it just starts it up with out 'going to' the actual 'app'. Thanks for all you do! Great stuff!

[@d4055415]

Create a folder in your glances and move the GoPro glance to the folder you have created

[@raffs_adv]

Hi, Can you please enlighten me as to why the Fenix 6 models are missing out on a lot of apps like this one, the 7’s get it, the “Lesser” model forerunner get it?

[@molfa_r]

Installed it on my Fenix 7. Everything is great! However, how can I turn the camera off after I finish recording with the watch? I can turn the GoPro on with the watch, but I don't know how to turn it off.

[@MateHegyhati]

If, or more likely when it will be released for the Edge units, will it be possible to assign the EdgeRemote buttons to start/stop recording? That would be also interesting.

[@brendan_kayakdevops]

Does the GoPro stand-by fast start recording work via the watch? I often use this with the existing remote to preserve battery on the river or lake between waves/features.

[@LukasHalda]

It needs to connect first, which includes turning the GoPro on (it can turn the GoPro on by opening the app, unless you pulled battery after it was last switched off - that seems to deactivate Bluetooth until the GoPro gets turned on by a button), only when the camera is on and connection to the watch established, you can press the record button (it doesn't show up during the connecting process when the camera is starting up, which takes about 10 seconds). There is no option to turn the camera off after you stop recording, only the shortest auto power off setting (5 mins on my GP 10).

[@guineapig13]

A step forward, but please hurry up with the Garmin sync so we can finally get easy data overlays just like the Insta360 integration with Garmin!

[@fotobakkerij]

Having acquired my 3rd GoPro recently (Hero12, after 3+ and Session 4) and being a Wahoo BoltV2 user i was disappointed with the fact that once the Hero sleeps the Bolt has to reconnect (and for that to happen I need to put the Hero into pairing mode). This is not very cumbersome so i need to keep the camera on (and not fall asleep) during the bike ride and thus burn battery charge like carbohydrates. Or disrupt the ride on many occassion do the pairing on the Hero side again. Is this the same for the Garmin app?

[@lunaticfpv17]

Do you think it will be released for galaxy watches? This would be so convenient

[@kiserleti4d4s]

where are the bike computers? :( It would be cool to start recording / take a pic with a shifter hidden button.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Here’s to hoping!

[@Makuba1992]

I would use this for controlling the gopro in my kitesurfing line mount. But can I have an active activity while controllint it and how do I do that? Also whats the range for it to be controlled? My gopro can be like 6 max 10 meters away from me

[@frankstrobel4350]

Can i use the garmin as a remote…and then back out to use other functions (activitiy screen) …and then go back to the gopro app ?

[@pahoaproductions9991]

Nice

[@Millicente]

Damn was excited for this but if they’re going to charge for something like this I’ll just use my hands. I never use my go pro anywhere but somewhere easily reachable anyway

[@bikingchupei2447]

lol, when watching the beginning of this video, i paused it and strapped on my Fenix 7, enabled the connection to my phone, opened the connect iq app on my phone, unpaused the youtube video to see what software to search for, and then i see 1:13

[@DPad61]

Any idea when this will be supported on Enduro 2?

[@Tobi84er]

Work it by doing a Activity?

[@JohnMikeBikes]

Any chance the Forerunner 945 LTE will get this as well?

[@Menudaesmiberza]

Again FR165 excluded from the updates without a reasonable excuse. Not a nice gesture towards their clients.

[@Zhiloreznik]

Venu series as well. Especially if you are paying over 400 dollars it’s unforgivable. I think there are too many watches and the difference is just in features

[@brettoau84]

Needs edge integration

[@andreacirka]

it's ok for GOPRO MAX ??

[@bruno.ornellas.k]

Does gopro max 360 work?

[@marioplus321]

If I power on the GoPro,will it connect to my F7 even if I do not open the app on it?

[@User57655]

Interesting, I wonder if that means the Apple Watch app will return?

[@NeuroHunter]

There are already third-party watch apps using the new API

[@Tarkov.]

Aw shoot, my hero 8 got excluded. Also you mention that you're usually holding the camera so you don't need the remote, but remember that because this includes the 11 it includes the 11 mini, no screen.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I’m not certain it does to be honest. I didn’t have mine handy at the moment, but for other companies use of the API, the Mini isn’t included.

[@arturgdanski]

Garmin Fenix 6X too??

[@majobordac]

No

[@MEadosQuin]

Nice Update!

[@IdahoMthman]

Dang it. I need to go back to go pro sob

[@atleastthreecharswide]

This works in countries where Garmin Pay works. So basically sucky sucky stuff. Garmin doesn't want my money. Edit: i take it back, i could buy it. The card even got added into Garmin pay, I dont know if itll work in pay because my wallet in watch shows nothing.

[@Kukurrukuku21]

In my go pro 8 doesn’t work 😢

[@gpvirzi]

When I slide my finger down on my garmin to see the widgets, my GoPro turns ON if it is near by. Is there a way to stop this from happening?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No. It’s white stuck it at the bottom of the list. 🤣 that said, it’ll only happen for the first 8hrs after the GoPro turns off.

[@gpvirzi]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks!, I also found that if I remove and reinsert the battery, it stops turning ON the GoPro when sliding throu the widgets.

[@LukasHalda]

If by widgets you mean glances, just put it in its own folder to prevent loading unless you want it.

[@mike_hageman]

Odd the Fenix 5X is too old :-)

[@Cleanhead59]

€ 6,99

[@karvasmyko]

I buy watch face from garmin ( tactix 7) it cost 5,99€ For this price is very bad, not even have option push on screen and open apps, like steps, solar intensity and other.. if i pay for watch faces from garmin i want something like buy stock watch faces from different models, and use it like originally made for my watch.. very disappointing.. i hope garmin read this and make it better..:(

[@trepidati0n533]

This needs to work with Garmin bike computers so we can use Garmin Ant+ remotes. Seems like such a huge miss.

[@GarminPro]

The way Garmin just randomly chooses what products get software updates is wild. Just no rhyme or reason. Love my Coros, they just update watches if no hardware limitation exist.

[@NathanBudd]

Wow! Given that this isn't supported on mn Fenix 6 Pro, AND you can't sync gps and video data... My big take away from this is that I need to look at the Insta360 cameras! I didn't realise they had a legit camera. I thought it was just the gimmicky 360 influencer thing.

[@paulonobre6429]

Having to pay for this is the worst step garmin has made in the last decade

[@jandobinski6077]

I thing it is GoPro not Garmin

[@mikeprytherch8875]

Ah the 1st paid for App for Garmin, sadly this will be the start of many many new features you will have to buy

[@TheAlros100]

Seems Canadians are out of luck as the major banks are not on Garmin pay up here and you need Garmin pay to buy the app. Arggg…

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

Nine times out of 10 A GoPro is within reach and can easily be operated manually. This feature seems quite ridiculous and another sign that GoPro is losing their footing.

[@atleastthreecharswide]

yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Need virb too