How To Connect AirPods To Garmin Watch

Have you been trying to connect your AirPods to your Garmin watch but running into issues?

If yes, then you are in the right place for a solution.

Garmin smartwatches with built-in music capabilities allow you to connect Bluetooth headphones, including Apple AirPods, for a phone-free listening experience.

Whether you’re out for a run or in the gym, pairing your AirPods with your Garmin watch can make workouts more enjoyable.

So what happens when we encounter problems while trying to connect AirPods to a Garmin watch?

In this guide, you will learn how to connect AirPods to a Garmin watch and why you might be facing issues while doing so.

Why Won’t My AirPods Connect to My Garmin Watch?

Problems like this are common with Garmin devices and can often be fixed manually.

However, the cause of the issue may differ depending on your Garmin watch model, the firmware version, or even interference from other Bluetooth devices.

From the top of our heads, a Bluetooth pairing issue or outdated firmware is usually the main culprit.

Other times, it could be that your AirPods are already connected to another device, preventing them from pairing with your watch.

How to Connect AirPods to Garmin Watch

To connect your AirPods to a Garmin watch, the first solution is to ensure that your watch model supports Bluetooth headphones.

The second solution is to put your AirPods in pairing mode before attempting to connect them to your Garmin device.

The third solution is to remove previous pairings and reconnect your AirPods from scratch.

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

Solution #1: Check If Your Garmin Watch Supports Bluetooth Audio

The first solution is to make sure that your Garmin watch supports Bluetooth headphones.

Not all Garmin watches have music storage and playback capabilities, so check if your model includes music support.

Garmin watches that support Bluetooth audio:

• Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
• Garmin Forerunner 645 Music
• Garmin Forerunner 955
• Garmin Fenix 6 Pro series
• Garmin Fenix 7 series
• Garmin Venu series

If your watch is not on this list, it likely does not support Bluetooth headphones.

Solution #2: Put AirPods in Pairing Mode

The second solution is to manually put your AirPods in pairing mode before attempting to connect them to your Garmin watch.

Steps to put AirPods in pairing mode:

1. Place both AirPods inside the charging case and leave the lid open.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the LED light starts flashing white.
3. Your AirPods are now in pairing mode and ready to connect.
4. Keep the case lid open while you proceed with the Garmin connection.

Solution #3: Connect AirPods to Garmin Watch

Once your AirPods are in pairing mode, you can connect them using the Bluetooth settings on your Garmin watch.

Steps to connect AirPods to Garmin watch:

1. Press and hold the UP or MENU button on your Garmin watch.
2. Scroll down and select Music.
3. Tap Headphones and then Add New.
4. Wait for your AirPods to appear in the list.
5. Select your AirPods and confirm the pairing.
6. Once connected, you should see a confirmation message.

If your AirPods fail to connect, move on to the next solution.

Solution #4: Remove Previous Pairings and Reconnect

If your AirPods were previously connected to another device, they might not pair with your Garmin watch.

To fix this, remove any old pairings and start fresh.

Steps to remove previous pairings:

1. Open the Bluetooth settings on any device your AirPods are connected to (iPhone, iPad, etc.).
2. Select your AirPods and tap Forget This Device.
3. Reset your AirPods by holding the setup button until the LED light flashes amber and then white.
4. Try reconnecting your AirPods using Solution #3 above.

Solution #5: Update Your Garmin Watch Firmware

If your Garmin watch is running outdated software, it may prevent Bluetooth devices like AirPods from connecting properly.

Steps to update Garmin watch firmware:

1. Open the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on your Garmin device at the top.
3. Scroll down and select System Updates.
4. If an update is available, install it and restart your watch.
5. Try reconnecting your AirPods after the update.

Conclusion

If you are unable to connect your AirPods to your Garmin watch, it may be due to a few different reasons that we have covered in this guide.

The most common causes include unsupported Garmin models, incorrect pairing procedures, or outdated firmware.

This is usually a minor issue that can be fixed manually in just a few minutes—no need to contact Garmin support.

Just follow the solutions in this guide carefully, and you should be able to connect your AirPods to your Garmin watch in no time.

Additional Reading:

How To Connect Garmin Watch To An iPhone

Can I Connect My Apple Watch To Garmin Connect?

Can You Connect Two Watches To Garmin Connect?