Whether you own a Fenix, Forerunner, or any other Garmin device, chances are you’ve experienced a Charging issue at one point. 

Your device might not be charging at all, charging too slowly, or draining the Battery too quickly. 

This comprehensive guide aims to help you understand and troubleshoot these issues.

How to Fix Garmin Watch Charging Problems

1. Charge Initiation and Device Cleansing:

• Start with a minimum one-hour charging cycle, even if the watch screen remains unresponsive.
• Regularly cleanse watch contacts and charging accessories to prevent charging problems.
• Utilize solutions like isopropyl alcohol, electronic screen wipes, or pencil erasers for cleaning.
• In case the watch remains non-functional after an hour, consider the possibility of a battery defect.

2. Tightening and Aligning Connections:

• Regular wear, physical damage, or debris such as dust or sweat can result in loose or misaligned charging connections.
• Maintaining cleanliness and ensuring proper connection alignment can resolve these issues.

3. Ensuring Adequate Power Source Output:

• Charging may be impeded by low-power USB ports or adapters.
• To circumvent this, use the Garmin original charger or a good-quality USB wall adapter.

4. Prevention of Battery Depletion:

• A completely drained battery may initially resist charging or turning on the watch.
• To prevent this, tweak the device settings for lesser battery consumption and maintain regular charging.

5. Soft Reset as a Solution:

• If charging issues persist, a soft reset may be required.
• This operation doesn’t result in data loss and can be performed optimally while the watch is connected to a computer.
• This action can resolve system glitches by clearing stored cache and app conflicts.

6. Regular Device Software Updates:

• Garmin periodically releases new firmware updates.
• Regular installation of these updates can enhance device functionality and optimize battery life.

7. Maintenance of the Charger Dock:

• The male connectors on the Garmin charger dock are usually made of copper and can tarnish over time.
• Gently scraping the connectors with a sharp tool or metallic sponge can help remove this tarnish and improve charging efficiency.

What to do if your Garmin Wearable is not Charging

If your Garmin watch isn’t charging, try a different power outlet. Inspect your charger and clean the charging contacts before trying again. 

If the charger is faulty, consider using a new or replacement charger and/or cable.

Preventive Measures

Handling and storing your smartwatch and charger correctly can prevent charging troubles. Avoid excessive heat, dampness, or physical stress, and clean the charging contacts regularly. 

Also, avoid overcharging your device or letting the battery level drop too low. Adjusting your device’s features and settings to conserve battery life can also help.

Warranty and Support

If you’re still facing charging problems, you should contact Garmin customer support for assistance. 

Most Garmin fitness trackers and smartwatches come with a one-year limited warranty that covers material or workmanship problems.

Cleaning your Charging Point in Four Steps

Follow these steps to clean the contacts of your smartwatch and charger:

#1. Collect Cleaning Supplies

You’ll need disinfecting alcohol, a lens wipe tissue, a screen cleaning tissue or a pencil eraser, and a dry cloth.

#2. Use the Damp Cloth

Clean the contacts gently with a damp cloth. Don’t put too much alcohol on the cloth.

#3. Use the Dry Cloth

Make sure the contacts are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

#4. Connect Your Smartwatch

Try charging your smartwatch again. If it still doesn’t charge, try a different socket.

Final Words

Garmin watches not charging can be a result of various issues including system glitches, defective power sockets, faulty chargers, outdated operating systems, or dirty or rusty charging ports. 

However, these problems can be easily fixed, letting you get your smartwatch charging and working well again. 

By following this guide, you’ll be able to troubleshoot and possibly fix any charging issue that may arise with your Garmin watch.

FAQs

Why won’t my Garmin watch charge?

There could be several reasons, such as a loose connection, insufficient power output, a completely drained battery, outdated software, dirty or rusty charging ports, a faulty charger, or a system glitch.

What should I do if my Garmin watch isn’t charging at all?

Start with the basics: ensure your device is properly connected to the charger, clean the charging contacts, and charge it for at least an hour. If this doesn’t work, try a soft reset or a firmware update. If the problem persists, you might need professional assistance.

How can I improve my Garmin device’s battery life?

Reduce screen brightness, limit the use of GPS, turn off heart rate tracking when not needed, and avoid exposing your device to extreme temperatures. Also, maintain healthy charging habits, such as not allowing the battery level to drop too low before recharging.

How can I clean my Garmin watch’s charging dock?

Clean the contacts gently using a damp cloth, disinfecting alcohol on cotton wool, a lens wipe tissue, a screen cleaning tissue, or a pencil eraser. Make sure to dry the contacts before attempting to charge again.

What is Garmin’s warranty policy?

Most Garmin fitness trackers and smartwatches come with a one-year limited warranty that covers material or workmanship defects. For issues with charging systems or batteries, Garmin may offer repair or replacement under warranty.

Why is my Garmin watch charging too slowly?

Slow charging can be caused by dirty charging ports, faulty charging cables or adapters, or insufficient power output from the source. To resolve this, clean the ports, inspect the cable and adapter, or switch to a power source with higher output.

Can I use a third-party charger with my Garmin device?

While it might be possible, it’s recommended to use the original charger or a high-quality one compatible with your Garmin device. Chargers of lesser quality can potentially cause damage or result in charging issues.

What should I do if a system glitch is preventing my Garmin from charging?

Performing a soft reset could help resolve this. If this fails, updating the device’s software might be the next step.

Can an outdated operating system prevent my Garmin watch from charging?

Yes, an outdated operating system can cause various operational problems, including charging issues. Regularly updating your device’s firmware can prevent these problems.

What can I do if my Garmin’s battery drains too quickly?

Review the device settings and adjust them to reduce battery consumption. Disabling GPS, reducing screen brightness, and turning off heart rate tracking when not necessary can extend battery life. Regular software updates can also improve battery performance.

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