With the increasing popularity of the Garmin watch, it’s natural to have concerns about whether your Garmin device will play nicely with an iPhone. Fortunately, Garmin watches are compatible with iPhones as long as you have the Garmin Connect app.
In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of connecting your Garmin watch to iPhone and ways to get the most out of your Garmin app.
Garmin watches vs Apple watches
An obvious first question is: why not buy an Apple Watch? If Apple made their watches with the iPhone in mind, what makes purchasing a Garmin for iPhone worthwhile?
The simple answer is: when it comes to fitness, Garmin is the superior option.
While the Apple Watch is excellent for daily use, the Garmin has a whole host of fitness features that make it unique. With the touch of a button, users can sync distance, pace, and route metrics directly to the Garmin connect app. When it comes to monitoring cardio exercise and strength training, Garmin smartwatches are the way to go.
The Garmin also has better battery life, accurate GPS mode functionality, sleep tracking tools, and a precise heart rate monitor. The app also gives access to Garmin fitness coaching, Body Battery energy monitoring, and an extensive range of other fitness and health features. Garmin pay even lets users link their debit card to their watch for easy contactless spending. What’s not to love?
Are Garmin watches compatible with iPhone?
When it comes to iPhone compatibility, Garmin is never going to equal the functionality of the Apple smartwatch. The Apple watch was specifically designed to sync with the iPhone, making it the ideal choice for users who want their devices to link seamlessly.
But don’t let that put you off. IPhone users don’t need to discard their Garmin watch and opt for an Apple watch just yet. Fortunately for us fitness fanatics, Garmin watches are compatible with iPhones running iOS 7 or higher, and the Garmin app is available and fully functional.
All you need to do is download the Garmin Connect app from the App Store, turn on Bluetooth, and hit connect. You can then use the Garmin Connect app to track all your fitness data in one place.
- Want to find the best Garmin watch for your iPhone? Check out our in-depth recommendations here.
How to sync Garmin watch to iPhone
Garmin watches sync to Apple’s iPhone quickly and easily. The connection method is slightly different depending on whether your Garmin device is old or new, but the process is straightforward either way.
For a new Garmin watch
- Make sure the watch is charged to full battery life.
- Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Download the Garmin Connect mobile app
- Turn on your Garmin watch and follow the setup process
- Sign up for Garmin Connect and follow the instructions.
- Wait for your watch to detect your Garmin device automatically.
- You’re good to go!
We’ve listed some of Garmin’s latest releases with a mix of functionalities and styles below:
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For an existing Garmin watch
- Charge your watch to full battery life and turn it on.
- Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Download Garmin Connect from the App Store
- Enter Pairing Mode on your Garmin by going to Menu > Settings > Phone > Pair Phone
- Connect using the Garmin Connect app.
Need more help getting connected? Click here for a more in-depth step-by-step guide.
Getting the most out of Garmin Connect for iOS
The Garmin Connect app is the engine behind your fitness tracking goals. It’s also the primary reason your Garmin is more than just a typical smartwatch.
Garmin Connect allows you to monitor all your health metrics in one place, keep tabs on your stress levels, and track several helpful metrics like sleep, hydration, heart rate, and respiration. Here are some tips to get the most out of your experience.
Use Garmin’s Coach section
The Garmin Connect app comes equipped with a coaching section, which allows you to select training plans depending on your current ability and the goal you’d like to achieve.
Whether you’re trying out your first couch to 5k or are training to complete your third marathon, Garmin has a plan for everyone. After choosing your desired program, your watch will remind you when and how to train.
Make the most of ‘My Day’
My Day is the fully customizable home screen of your Garmin Connect app. It’s where you can expect to find all the core data from the last 24 hours of your daily activity.
Track calories, steps, heart rate, and sleep all in one place. If you don’t have time to keep track of your fitness journey, My Day is the perfect way to check all the basic information at a glance.
Use all of Garmin’s ‘rest and recovery’ features
The Garmin Connect app contains various functions designed to make your resting periods as comfortable as possible. Here are just a few features to take advantage of:
- The Body Battery feature measures your energy reserves by tracking heart rate variability, activity levels, and sleep quality. The app will give you advice based on how it thinks you could improve.
- The Sleep monitoring function measures how much REM and deep sleep you get. This gives you valuable information about your circadian rhythm and which workout times suit you best.
- Your stress tracker uses heart rate variability to determine when you feel on edge. The app can then give you valuable tips on managing and reducing stress.
Take advantage of the map functionality
Tucked away in the Garmin Connect app’s Training section is the ‘Courses’ functionality. This neat feature lets you set custom hike, run, and bike ride routes. Simply plan a path, and your Garmin watch will give you live directions as you move.
Concerned about the toll on your Garmin watch battery life after spending hours in GPS mode? Don’t worry. The Garmin watch’s extraordinary battery life lets you easily track even the longest of workouts.
For those who want extra inspiration, North American users can even choose from a range of preloaded maps containing trails and routes that take the user off the grid.
FAQs
Does Apple Health sync with Garmin Connect?
Yes, it is possible to sync Garmin Connect to Apple Health. Follow these simple steps:
1) Open Apple Health
2) Navigate to Settings
3) Go to Apps
4) Locate and tap ‘Garmin Connect.’
5) Follow the instructions on the screen
Which Garmin watches work with iPhone?
All Garmin watches work with iPhone. All you need to get started are an iPhone with iOS 7, a Garmin smartwatch, and a bit of battery life.
Why can’t I connect Garmin watch to iPhone?
First, remember that your iPhone needs to be running iOS 7 or over to sync. After that, follow these steps:
1) Double-check that your phone has Bluetooth switched on
2) Check that your watch is in pairing mode
3) Restart your devices
4) ‘Forget’ your Garmin device in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings, then redo the pairing process.
Does Garmin work with Peloton?
Yes. Although Garmin watches have limited functionality with Peloton, they can be connected. Check out our guide on how to do so here.
You can find some of Garmin’s best selling watches below:
Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS…
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
