Buzz
Garmin watches are incredibly versatile, but they can also be somewhat tricky to navigate. No other brand has such an extensive range of settings spread across multiple menus. If you're adjusting to a new watch, I’m here to walk you through the essential customization options and features you should start with.
Many of these tips are relevant for Forerunner models, including my favorites, the 265 and 265S, as well as the 55, 165, and 965, all of which share similar features and settings. Other Garmin models like the Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 also offer many of these functionalities, so if you're unsure, take a look at your device’s online manual for more details.
Garmin offers one of the most innovative features I've seen in any support articles: a bar at the top of the page where you can search for your device by name to determine if the page applies to your watch. (Here’s an example.)
Personalize the Information on Your Main Watch Display
When you glance at your watch, you’ll typically see the time, along with a few other stats, like your daily step count. On most models, you have the option to customize both the watch face and the data displayed in those fields.
To change your watch face on a Forerunner, press and hold the left middle button (the UP button) and choose Watch Face. Once you’re on that screen:
Scroll through options using your finger or the UP and DOWN buttons (middle and bottom buttons on the left) to select a new watch face
Press the START button (top right) to access a menu where you can decide whether to apply or customize the watch face
If you opt to customize, you can change the color (scroll to view choices) or adjust the data fields (scroll to modify a field, then press START to move to the next one)
Once you’ve selected a watch face you like on your Forerunner, I strongly suggest taking a moment to personalize the data it shows. There are some fascinating complications, including my favorite, which displays the time relative to sunrise and sunset. (It appears as a blue and yellow arc at the top of the display.)
Personalize Your Glances
When you swipe up (or scroll down) from the clock face, a series of statistics and tools will appear. These are called "glances." Some of these may be fun or useful, while others might feel more like distractions. The good news is, you have the ability to decide which ones you want to display!
While viewing your glances, press and hold the middle left button (on a Forerunner) or tap the pencil icon (on a Venu or Vivoactive). This will allow you to reorder the glances, moving them up or down, or even remove them entirely. If you scroll to the bottom of the list, you'll see the option to add new glances to the display.
I’ve organized my glances with running mileage and training status at the top, followed by other useful info like weather and my calendar further down. I don’t really care about my body battery or naps, so I’ve removed those from the list.
Personalize Your Activity Fields
When you're in the middle of an activity, like a run, you likely have certain metrics you'd prefer to track. Personally, I like to monitor my total mileage and the current time, but I’m not too focused on total time or calorie count.
To adjust these fields, start by selecting the activity, as if you were about to begin a run. On a Forerunner, press and hold the UP (middle left) button. (On the Venu 3 or Vivoactive 5, which don’t feature a left side button, swipe up from the screen's bottom.) From there, choose Run Settings and Data Screens and scroll through the options. You can customize the data fields on any of those screens or add an entirely new one with the information you want to see.
Set up a Garmin Coach plan to view a week’s worth of suggested workouts
If your watch offers daily recommended workouts, like most running watches do, you can view the upcoming week's workouts on your phone—provided you’ve set up an adaptive training plan.
If you're looking to establish a more organized training routine, feel free to do so at any time, even if you don't have a specific race or goal in mind. Simply open the More menu in the Garmin Connect app, go to Training & Planning, then tap Garmin Coach Plans followed by Find a Plan. When you reach the final screen, ignore the human names next to Garmin Coach, and choose the nameless option. This is the one that places daily workout suggestions on your app.
If you add a race to your calendar (the app includes a calendar feature), your workout routine will be adjusted to help you train for that race. For more information about Garmin's run training plans, I have a breakdown here, detailing the differences between expert plans and adaptive plans.
Modify your step target
Garmin typically selects your step goal, and while it may initially set a sensible target, like 7,500 or 10,000 steps a day, you might notice it changing. What’s happening?
Most likely, you allowed it to set an 'auto' goal. This feature adjusts your target based on your average steps lately. If you’ve been hitting at least 10,000 steps a day recently, your average is probably over that, so the watch will only celebrate your progress if you surpass your new norm. This may lead to a gradual increase in your goal, which some people find encouraging, while others find it frustrating.
You can update this through the Garmin Connect app. The steps differ depending on your watch model; here’s the Garmin page outlining where to find this option. Use the app to access your device settings and uncheck the Auto Average feature for your step goal.
