Can I Connect My Garmin Watch To Zwift?

Are you wondering if you can connect your Garmin watch to Zwift for tracking workouts?

Yes, it is possible to use your Garmin watch with Zwift, but the process depends on your watch model and how you want to use the data.

Zwift is a popular virtual training platform that allows users to run and cycle in a simulated environment while tracking real-time fitness data.

While Garmin watches do not natively integrate with Zwift, there are workarounds to connect them.

This guide will explain how to connect your Garmin watch to Zwift, why the process may not be straightforward, and the solutions available.

Why Doesn’t Garmin Natively Connect to Zwift?

Unlike some other fitness devices, Garmin watches do not directly broadcast real-time workout data using Bluetooth Smart or ANT+.

This means that Zwift cannot detect Garmin watches as standard power sources or heart rate monitors.

However, there are alternative methods to use your Garmin data in Zwift, including using Garmin Connect, third-party apps, and external sensors.

Now, let’s go over the solutions to connect your Garmin watch to Zwift.

Solution #1: Use an External Garmin Sensor

One of the best ways to connect your Garmin watch to Zwift is by using external Garmin-compatible sensors, such as:

• Garmin HRM-Dual or HRM-Pro (for heart rate monitoring)
• Garmin Speed and Cadence Sensors (for cycling on a smart trainer)

Steps to Connect:

1. Attach the Garmin sensor to your body or bike.
2. Open Zwift and go to the pairing screen.
3. Select the corresponding sensor type (Heart Rate, Speed, or Cadence).
4. Choose the Garmin sensor from the available devices.
5. Start your workout, and Zwift will display real-time data from the sensor.

This method does not rely on your Garmin watch but allows Zwift to receive accurate metrics.

Solution #2: Use the Garmin Virtual Run Feature (For Treadmill Running)

For Garmin watches that support Virtual Run Mode, such as the Garmin Forerunner 245, 745, 945, and Fenix 6 series, you can broadcast running data to Zwift.

Steps to Use Virtual Run:

1. On your Garmin watch, open the Virtual Run activity.
2. Enable Broadcast Heart Rate (if available).
3. Open Zwift on your device and go to the pairing screen.
4. Select Speed Source and Heart Rate Source.
5. Choose your Garmin watch from the list of devices.
6. Start running, and Zwift will display your real-time pace and heart rate.

This method only works for running, not cycling.

Solution #3: Use Garmin Connect & Strava for Post-Workout Sync

If you only need post-workout data in Zwift, you can sync your Garmin watch activities using Garmin Connect and Strava.

Steps to Sync Data:

1. Connect your Garmin Connect account to Strava.
2. Ensure Strava is linked to Zwift.
3. After a workout, sync your activity to Garmin Connect.
4. Strava will automatically send the workout to Zwift.

This method allows you to view Zwift activities alongside Garmin data, but it does not provide live tracking.

Solution #4: Use the QZ App as a Bridge

Some third-party apps, such as QZ (qdomyos-zwift), act as a bridge between Garmin watches and Zwift by converting Garmin data into a format Zwift can read.

Steps to Use QZ:

1. Download and install QZ on your smartphone.
2. Connect your Garmin watch to QZ via Bluetooth.
3. Open Zwift and go to the pairing screen.
4. Select Heart Rate, Speed, or Cadence Source.
5. Choose QZ as the device.
6. Start your workout, and Zwift will receive real-time data from your Garmin watch.

This method allows for both running and cycling data to be used in Zwift.

Solution #5: Use a Garmin ANT+ USB Dongle

If you have a PC or Mac, you can use a Garmin ANT+ USB dongle to receive data from compatible Garmin devices.

Steps to Use ANT+:

1. Plug the Garmin ANT+ USB stick into your computer.
2. Open Garmin Express and ensure the watch is recognized.
3. Open Zwift and go to the pairing screen.
4. Select Heart Rate, Speed, or Cadence Source.
5. Choose your Garmin watch if it supports ANT+ broadcasting.
6. Start your workout, and Zwift will receive data from the watch.

This method is useful for older Garmin devices that do not support Bluetooth broadcasting.

Conclusion

While Garmin watches do not directly integrate with Zwift, there are multiple ways to use them for tracking workouts.

In summary, the best method depends on your specific needs:

• If you want real-time heart rate tracking, use a Garmin HRM sensor or QZ app.
• If you are running on a treadmill, enable Garmin Virtual Run Mode.
• If you just need post-workout tracking, sync Garmin Connect with Strava and Zwift.
• If your device supports ANT+, use a Garmin ANT+ USB dongle.

Follow the solutions in this guide, and you should be able to use your Garmin watch with Zwift effectively.

Additional Reading

How To Open Apps On Garmin Watch

How To Connect Garmin Watch To Peloton

How To Find Garmin Watch Without Bluetooth