Can You Connect Garmin Watch To Strava? Answer

If you own a Garmin watch and want to sync your fitness activities with Strava, you might be wondering if it’s possible and how to do it.

The good news is yes, you can connect your Garmin watch to Strava, and it’s a straightforward process.

Once connected, your workouts will automatically sync to Strava, allowing you to analyze your stats, compare with friends, and participate in challenges.

So, how do you set it up?

In this guide, you’ll learn how to connect your Garmin watch to Strava, why the connection might not work, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Why Connect Garmin Watch to Strava?

Garmin watches come with their own Garmin Connect platform, which stores and tracks your fitness activities.

However, Strava is popular for its social features, leaderboards, and advanced activity analysis.

By connecting Garmin to Strava, you get the best of both worlds:

• Automatic Sync – Your workouts are transferred seamlessly.
• Challenges & Competitions – Compete with others in virtual races.
• Advanced Analytics – Strava offers unique performance insights.
• Route Sharing – Discover and share new running or cycling routes.
• Community Engagement – Connect with friends, join clubs, and get kudos.

Now, let’s get into the setup process.

How to Connect Your Garmin Watch to Strava

To sync your Garmin watch with Strava, you need to link your Garmin Connect account with Strava.

Step 1: Create a Strava Account

If you don’t have a Strava account yet, follow these steps:

1. Go to Strava’s website.
2. Click Sign Up and create an account using email, Google, or Facebook.
3. Set up your profile with your preferred activity settings.

Step 2: Install the Garmin Connect App

Ensure that you have the Garmin Connect app installed on your phone:

• Download Garmin Connect from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
• Log in with your Garmin account.
• Pair your Garmin watch with the app if you haven’t already.

Step 3: Link Garmin Connect to Strava

Now, it’s time to connect the two platforms:

1. Open Garmin Connect on your phone.
2. Tap More (☰ menu) in the bottom-right corner.
3. Select Settings > Connected Apps.
4. Choose Strava from the list.
5. Tap Connect and log into your Strava account.
6. Grant permission to sync activities.
7. Confirm the connection and exit.

Once linked, your Garmin watch will automatically send activities to Strava whenever you sync.

What If Garmin Watch Won’t Sync to Strava?

If your workouts aren’t syncing, try these fixes:

Solution #1: Manually Sync Garmin Connect

• Open the Garmin Connect app.
• Swipe down on the home screen to refresh sync.
• Wait a few seconds and check Strava.

Solution #2: Check Strava Permissions

• Open Strava’s app.
• Go to Settings > Applications > Garmin Connect.
• Ensure activity permissions are enabled.

Solution #3: Reconnect Garmin to Strava

• In Garmin Connect, go to Settings > Connected Apps > Strava.
• Tap Disconnect and then reconnect using the steps above.

Solution #4: Update Your Apps

• Check for Garmin Connect and Strava updates in the app store.
• Update your Garmin device firmware via Garmin Express.

Solution #5: Sync Using a Computer

If mobile sync fails, try uploading activities manually:

1. Connect your Garmin watch to a computer via USB.
2. Open Garmin Express and sync data.
3. Download the FIT file of your workout.
4. Upload the file manually to Strava’s website.

Conclusion

Yes, you can connect your Garmin watch to Strava, and once linked, activities sync automatically for better tracking, analysis, and social engagement.

If syncing fails, refresh the Garmin Connect app, check permissions, update apps, or manually upload workouts.

By following this guide, you’ll have your Garmin and Strava accounts connected seamlessly, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of tracking, competing, and improving your workouts.