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Garmin Forerunner 935 Not Syncing: Troubleshooting Guide
If your Garmin Forerunner 935 is not syncing, you might feel frustrated, especially if you rely on your watch to track your runs, rides, or daily steps. Syncing lets you back up your data, see your progress, and share results with friends or coaches.
When syncing fails, you can lose valuable information or miss out on accurate fitness tracking. The good news is, syncing issues are common and usually fixable with some simple steps.
This guide will help you troubleshoot and solve syncing problems with your Garmin Forerunner 935. You’ll learn the main causes, practical solutions, and a few advanced tips for persistent issues. Even if you are not tech-savvy, you will find clear instructions and explanations here.
Whether you use an Android phone, iPhone, or just a computer, you’ll get advice that fits your situation. By the end, you should be able to get your watch and your Garmin Connect account talking again.
Common Reasons For Syncing Problems
Syncing problems with the Garmin Forerunner 935 usually come from a few main areas. Understanding these can help you find the right fix faster.
1. Bluetooth Issues
Bluetooth is the main way your Forerunner 935 connects to your smartphone. If Bluetooth does not work right, syncing will fail or be unreliable. Sometimes, Bluetooth may disconnect, not turn on, or have interference from other devices.
Example: You might see “Sync Failed” in Garmin Connect, or your phone cannot find the watch at all.
2. App Or Software Problems
The Garmin Connect app on your phone or Garmin Express on your computer manages the sync process. Bugs, outdated versions, or corrupted files in these apps can cause sync failures.
Example: The app gets stuck on “Syncing” or crashes during the process.
3. Device Pairing Errors
If the pairing between your Forerunner 935 and your phone is broken, syncing cannot start. This can happen after a phone update, a reset, or if you pair with a new device.
Example: The watch does not show up in the Garmin Connect app, or you get a “Pairing Failed” message.
4. Internet Connectivity
To upload your activities to Garmin Connect, your phone or computer needs a stable internet connection. If you’re offline, syncing will not complete.
Example: The watch appears to sync, but your activities never appear on Garmin Connect.
5. Low Battery Or Hardware Issues
If your watch or phone battery is very low, Bluetooth may turn off to save power. Rarely, hardware problems in your watch or phone can also block syncing.
Example: Your watch turns off during sync, or buttons and sensors do not respond.
6. Account Or Storage Problems
If your Garmin account has problems or your phone’s storage is full, data may not upload. Sometimes, a corrupted activity file can prevent syncing.
Example: You get an error message about your account, or the app says “Storage Full.”
Basic Steps To Fix Syncing Issues
Let’s start with the simplest solutions. Try these basic steps first, as they solve most syncing problems.
1. Check Bluetooth Settings
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
- Check that your Garmin Forerunner 935 is turned on.
- Move your watch and phone close together (within a few feet).
- Turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Restart both the watch and the phone.
Tip: If you use wireless headphones, try turning them off to reduce interference.
2. Open Garmin Connect App
- Open the Garmin Connect app on your phone.
- Pull down on the main screen to force a manual sync.
- Wait for the circular “sync” icon to finish spinning.
Non-obvious insight: Sometimes, the app needs to be opened for the sync to start. If it’s in the background or closed, syncing may pause.
3. Update Apps And Firmware
- In your phone’s app store, check for updates to Garmin Connect.
- On your watch, go to Settings > System > Software Update.
- Keep both your phone and watch updated.
Non-obvious insight: Updates often fix hidden bugs that cause sync failures. Even if you didn’t change anything, an update might solve the problem.
4. Check Internet Connection
- Make sure your phone has Wi-Fi or mobile data turned on.
- Try visiting a website or opening another app to test the connection.
- If syncing over a computer, check that your PC or Mac is online.
5. Charge Your Devices
- Make sure your Garmin Forerunner 935 has at least 20% battery.
- Charge your phone if the battery is low.
- If the watch turns off during syncing, charge it fully and try again.
Advanced Fixes For Persistent Problems
If basic steps do not solve your syncing issue, try these more advanced solutions.
1. Remove And Re-pair The Device
Sometimes, a fresh pairing solves connection problems.
On your phone:
- Open Garmin Connect app.
- Go to “Garmin Devices.”
- Tap your Forerunner 935, then select “Remove Device.”
- In your phone’s Bluetooth settings, “Forget” or “Unpair” the Forerunner 935.
On your watch:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Pair Mobile Device.
- The watch will show a pairing code.
Back on your phone:
- Open Garmin Connect, tap “Add Device,” and follow instructions.
- Enter the code from your watch if asked.
Tip: Pairing works best if you restart both phone and watch before starting.
2. Use Garmin Express On A Computer
If syncing by phone fails, try using a computer with Garmin Express.
- Download Garmin Express from the [official Garmin website](https: //www.garmin.com/en-US/software/express/).
- Install and open Garmin Express.
- Connect your Forerunner 935 to the computer using the USB charging cable.
- Add the device in Garmin Express and follow prompts to sync.
Example: If your phone’s Bluetooth is unreliable, Garmin Express can upload activities directly from the watch.
3. Clear App Cache And Data (android Only)
If you use an Android phone, clearing the Garmin Connect app’s cache can fix stubborn problems.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Garmin Connect.
- Tap “Storage.”
- Tap “Clear Cache.” If that doesn’t work, try “Clear Data” (this will log you out).
Note: You will need to log in again after clearing data.
4. Free Up Storage
If your phone or watch storage is full, syncing may stop.
- Delete old activities or workouts from the watch.
- Remove unused apps or files from your phone.
- Restart both devices.
5. Reset Network Settings
If Bluetooth or Wi-Fi still fails, resetting network settings can help.
- On your phone, go to Settings > System > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Reconnect to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks.
Warning: This will remove all saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, so you’ll need to reconnect devices.
6. Factory Reset (last Resort)
If nothing else works, a full reset can sometimes help. This will erase all data on your Forerunner 935, so back up important activities first.
- On the watch, go to Settings > System > Reset > Delete Data and Reset Settings.
- Follow prompts to confirm.
- Set up the watch again and re-pair with Garmin Connect.
Tip: Try this only if other solutions do not work.
Special Cases And Useful Scenarios
Certain situations need special steps to fix syncing.
After A Phone Update
Sometimes, after updating your phone’s operating system (like iOS or Android), the Bluetooth connection breaks. Re-pairing your Forerunner 935 usually solves this.
Switching To A New Phone
If you get a new phone, remove the watch from your old phone first. Then, pair with the new phone using Garmin Connect. If you skip this, the watch may not be found by the new device.
Multiple Devices
If you have more than one Garmin device (like a bike computer and a watch), make sure you are syncing the right device in the app. Sometimes, people accidentally try to sync the wrong one.
Outdated Certificates
Rarely, Garmin’s security certificates can expire and block syncing. Updating the watch firmware or Garmin Connect app usually solves this.
Credit: forums.garmin.com
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Many users make simple mistakes that block syncing. Here are some to watch out for:
- Trying to sync with Bluetooth off: Always check Bluetooth is on before syncing.
- Not updating apps or firmware: Old versions can have bugs. Update regularly.
- Forgetting to open Garmin Connect: The app must be running for sync to start.
- Pairing with wrong device: Double-check you are pairing with your Forerunner 935, not a different Garmin product.
- Ignoring error messages: If you see an error, read it carefully. It often tells you exactly what’s wrong.
- Full storage: Both the watch and phone need some free space to sync.
- Not restarting devices: Restarting often fixes hidden problems.
Real-world Examples
Here are some common scenarios and how they were solved:
Example 1:
Anna noticed her runs were not appearing in Garmin Connect. She checked Bluetooth, which was on, but the watch would not sync. After updating the Garmin Connect app, the issue was fixed.
Example 2:
Carlos switched from an Android to an iPhone. He forgot to remove his Forerunner 935 from the Android phone first. The watch would not pair with his iPhone. He reset the watch, then paired it with the iPhone, and syncing worked.
Example 3:
Sarah’s watch synced fine at home but never at work. She realized her work Wi-Fi blocked Garmin servers. Using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi solved the problem.
Credit: support.garmin.com
When To Contact Garmin Support
If you have tried all the steps above and your Forerunner 935 still does not sync, it may be time to contact Garmin Support. This is especially true if:
- The watch does not turn on or is stuck on the logo screen.
- The watch has physical damage or water inside.
- Syncing fails on multiple phones and computers.
- You see repeated error codes you do not understand.
Garmin’s support team can help with warranty issues, hardware repairs, or advanced troubleshooting. You can reach them through the [Garmin Support website](https://support.garmin.com/).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Garmin Forerunner 935 Keep Disconnecting?
This is often caused by Bluetooth interference, low battery, or outdated apps. Try restarting both devices, updating software, and keeping the watch close to your phone.
Can I Sync My Forerunner 935 Without A Phone?
Yes. You can use Garmin Express on a computer to sync via USB. Your activities will upload to Garmin Connect when your computer is online.
Will Resetting My Watch Erase My Data?
A factory reset will erase all stored activities and settings on the watch. Sync first to back up data before resetting.
Why Don’t My Steps Or Heart Rate Data Show Up?
Sometimes, only activities (like runs or rides) sync, but daily health data does not. Make sure you have “All-day Sync” enabled in Garmin Connect and that your phone has internet access.
How Can I Tell If My Watch Is Syncing?
In Garmin Connect, you’ll see a spinning “sync” icon. On the watch, a small arrow may appear on the screen. After syncing, your latest activities will appear in the app.
Extra Tips For Reliable Syncing
- Sync your watch after every activity. This prevents data loss if something happens to the watch.
- Keep your phone’s operating system updated to avoid Bluetooth bugs.
- If you travel, check that your phone’s time zone matches your watch.
- Delete very old activities from the watch if it starts to slow down.
- Avoid running too many Bluetooth devices nearby when syncing.
Summary
Syncing problems with the Garmin Forerunner 935 are common but usually easy to fix. Most issues are caused by Bluetooth trouble, outdated apps, or pairing errors. Start with basic steps: check Bluetooth, open Garmin Connect, update everything, and keep devices charged. For stubborn problems, remove and re-pair the device, use Garmin Express, or clear app data. Avoid common mistakes like ignoring updates or having full storage.
If you follow the steps in this guide, you should be able to solve most syncing problems yourself. For rare hardware faults or confusing error messages, Garmin Support is always there to help. With your Forerunner 935 syncing again, you can enjoy accurate tracking, backup your data, and get the most from your fitness journey.
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If you need official software or downloads, visit [Garmin’s website](https://www.garmin.com/).
Credit: support.garmin.com