How To Open Apps On Garmin Watch

Are you struggling to open apps on your Garmin watch?

If so, you’re in the right place for a solution.

Garmin watches come with a range of built-in and third-party apps designed to enhance your fitness, navigation, and smart features.

However, if you’re new to the Garmin ecosystem or recently installed new apps, you might find it challenging to locate and open them.

So why does this issue happen, and how can we fix it?

In this guide, you will learn how to open apps on a Garmin watch and why you might be experiencing issues accessing them.

Why Can’t I Open Apps on My Garmin Watch?

There are several reasons why you might have trouble opening apps on your Garmin device.

These include unfamiliarity with the interface, software glitches, or even incorrect installation of third-party apps.

From my experience, here are some of the most common causes:

• Unfamiliar interface – Garmin watches use button-based navigation or touchscreen input, depending on the model. If you’re new to Garmin, you might not yet know how to access apps properly.
• Apps not installed correctly – If an app wasn’t installed properly via Garmin Connect IQ, it may not appear in your app list.
• Software glitches – Outdated firmware or minor software bugs can sometimes cause apps to freeze or fail to launch.
• Limited memory – If your watch is running low on storage, apps may not load properly or might not appear in the menu.

Now, let’s go over the solutions to fix this issue.

How to Open Apps on a Garmin Watch

To open apps on your Garmin watch, the first solution is to access them through the Activities & Apps menu.

The second solution is to use the Garmin Connect IQ store to ensure apps are properly installed.

The third solution is to restart your watch to fix software-related issues.

There is also a fourth solution in this guide for fixing this issue, so keep reading to find out.

Here’s how to open apps on your Garmin watch:

Solution #1: Open Apps Through the Activities & Apps Menu

Most Garmin watches organize apps under the Activities & Apps menu, making it easy to find and launch them.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Start or Menu button (depending on your Garmin model).
2. Scroll down using the Up/Down buttons (or swipe if your watch has a touchscreen).
3. Locate and select Activities & Apps or Apps.
4. Choose the app you want to open and press Start/Enter to launch it.

If your app isn’t showing up, proceed to the next solution.

Solution #2: Install or Reinstall Apps Using Garmin Connect IQ

If an app isn’t appearing on your Garmin watch, it may not be installed correctly.

Follow these steps to install or reinstall apps:

1. Open the Garmin Connect IQ Store app on your phone.
2. Search for the app you want and tap Download.
3. Ensure your watch is connected via Bluetooth and synced with the Garmin Connect app.
4. If the app was already installed but isn’t opening, uninstall it and reinstall it.
5. Once installed, check your Activities & Apps menu again.

Still not working? Try restarting your device.

Solution #3: Restart Your Garmin Watch

A simple restart can resolve minor glitches preventing apps from opening.

Here’s how to restart your Garmin watch:

1. Press and hold the Power button until the watch turns off.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds.
3. Press the Power button again to turn the watch back on.
4. Navigate to your Apps menu and try opening the app again.

If your watch is still not launching apps, the issue may be related to software or memory.

Solution #4: Update Your Watch Software and Free Up Memory

Outdated software or low storage space can affect app performance.

Updating your watch and clearing unnecessary data can help.

To update your Garmin watch:

1. Open the Garmin Express app on your computer.
2. Connect your watch using a USB cable.
3. Check for available updates and install them.
4. After the update, restart your watch and try opening apps again.

To free up memory:

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Remove unused apps, watch faces, or activity files.
3. Restart your watch and check if apps now open properly.

Conclusion

If you’re unable to open apps on your Garmin watch, it could be due to an unfamiliar interface, installation issues, software glitches, or storage limitations.

This issue can usually be fixed by navigating to the Activities & Apps menu, reinstalling apps from Garmin Connect IQ, restarting the watch, or updating its software.

If none of these solutions work, consider performing a factory reset as a last resort or contacting Garmin support.

Just follow the solutions in this guide carefully, and you should be able to access and open apps on your Garmin watch without any problems.

Additional Reading

How To Charge A Garmin Watch Without A Charger

How To Connect Garmin Watch To Peloton

How To Find Garmin Watch Without Bluetooth