Connect IQ™ Store Reviews

by Ahw1345

First off, let’s be clear, this isn’t an app but rather a digital torture device. You’d think an app from a multi-billion dollar company would be at least marginally better than one built by Jerry and Cleetus in the shed behind their mom’s house, but you’d be wrong. The first problem is the constant trouble syncing. Over and over you’ll get the little red circle with an exclamation point, and despite doing everything from hitting retry to reinstalling ConnectIQ it’ll keep happening. Now whether it’s actually struggling to sync or just claiming to be struggling to sync I can’t say. Even when I receive the error icon I can still send data back to my phone, so who knows, maybe it’s syncing maybe it’s not. Secondly, the IQ App Store will not display apps it doesn’t believe are compatible with your device, even if they claim to be, and if you round about find the apps you want by using your browser it won’t let you download them. In my case I have an Edge Explore unit which should be compatible with the Bontrager light control app according to the compatible device listing on ConnectIQ data page, but the IQ App Store disagrees, and insists I add a compatible device to my account to download ConnectIQ . This leads to my last gripe; good luck getting support. Garmin is more than happy to take your 200, 300, 500 dollars, but they’re sluggish in assisting you with getting it or this required app to work.

by Nine-hole Shooter

ConnectIQ worked well for a few months. I was able to install and customize apps and watch faces on my Garmin Venu SQ. Then, today, for no apparent reason it just stopped working. When I start ConnectIQ , it goes to the “Welcome” screen, asking me to read the EULA, as if it were the first time I’ve used it. I go through that, and get to the settings screen for my watch face, but when I ‘Save’ my changes I’m immediately taken right back to the Welcome screen. (And, of course, my changes are not saved or applied to my watch.) I’ve rebooted my watch AND my phone, updated my Garmin apps, uninstalled and reinstalled the apps, and even deleted and reconnected my device. No change.
I’m really regretting my Garmin purchase at this point (and I’ll definely warn anyone who asks to steer clear of their watches).

by Mashell Baker

First off, what app have a second app just for watch faces and extras for the watch?!?! Tired to upload a hiking app several months ago and removed ConnectIQ and uninstalled the hiking app from ConnectIQ . After not being able to get ConnectIQ to stop instillation, I had to wait for a complete upload and then remove because it was crashing my phone. Tonight, wanted to see if I could put a photo on the watch face and once again, ConnectIQ failed, couldn’t stop instillation once stated then had to delete ConnectIQ again. Frustrating is saying it nice when it comes to ConnectIQ. It has so much potential, but not there yet. Most in app purchases have less the 3 stars per app. Garmin watch is amazing but don’t use the extras they try to sell yeah, it’s by a 3rd party.

by Upsetlanya

My watch changed to a watch face I’ve never seen in my life, and won’t let me install the one watch face I have and like. It wouldn’t show me any miles for runs until I synced my watch, on my watch it would just show a ? In a diamond next to my run and during my run in the run app it would just start counting up crazy numbers instead of 1.2 miles. I managed to fix this problem at least in the question mark diamond thing but just syncing it to kilometers and back to miles but I want my watch face back and a normal running count. It won’t let me sync anything and I’m afraid to uninstall and try again

by Ramsmilk

My new Venu 2 Plus has a “Not Connected” status whenever I try to manage my device within the IQ app. I’ve triple checked that Bluetooth permissions are granted for ConnectIQ, and I haven’t had any issue linking my watch to the regular Garmin Connect App— just IQ. After a google search, it seems other new Venu 2 plus owners are having this same issue. Not a great first experience with Garmin even though I like the watch itself. I’ll re-review ConnectIQ when the issue is fixed, but for now ConnectIQ is basically unusable because I cannot properly customize and add features to my new watch.

by Teclipse3

My Instinct Solar does not show up when I go to My Devices. It shows that I don’t have any device connected. When I click to manage devices all I get is a link to Garmin support even though I can use the Garmin Connect app with it just fine. Tried removing the watch from Bluetooth connection and just get more of the same. I see other reviews for the same problem from over a year ago and Garmin still can’t seem to figure this out. As others have pointed out….why isn’t all of this in the Garmin Connect app so we can manage it all from the same place?

by User75840347

There is certainly a range of watch faces to choose from. However, when I attempt to create my own watch face from an image on my phone, I am left with only choosing the time, step counter, and date. For such an advanced watch, I would hope ConnectIQ would allow you to add more data to the watch face (and allow you to adjust the angle). With a circular watch face, I may want to angle my pedometer display vertically (or curved around the bottom of the display) rather than just a flat horizontal piece. I would love to see this developed more to make the user experience much more enjoyable/functional.

I would also pay for licensed watch faces (Marvel/DC) if that were an option…

by Updates $^*%

It would be nice, if before I downloaded a specific watch face, it said that watch face cost money. I shouldn’t have to read through the description, of that watch face, to realize that it cost money. A feature putting the price next to the watch face would make this less annoying. It’s a watch face, not an app. It costing money seems a bit excessive in the first place. I spent enough on the watch, I’m not spending money for a watch face too.

by 马蛋糕儿

My favorite feature of this neat app is the myriad customizable watch faces. In the last few days, however, the watch has displayed the faces created with Face it with one minor problem: The custom colors selected are displayed properly on the phone but default to the usual black or white when displayed on the watch. The black tip of the second hand disappears over dark parts of the background.

by Rhworks

Accidentally updated this iQ app. On re-launching, I was asked sign back in, accept new EULA, confirm my location... all very bad signs. Once through all that, ConnectIQ can’t find my device and just sends me off to help documentation for setting up a new device...

edit, apparently I have two Garmin accounts, one of which is my active account and one which I had (re)signed in with. Finding where to sign out and sign back in within the iQ app is nearly impossible so if this is you, here it is: main iQ Store screen, scroll scroll scroll through the bjillion apps all the way to the bottom, tap “About the Connect iQ store”, scroll down and there you’ll find Sign Out...)

by Tekara

I like the sheer volume of watch faces and have found several I like. My only issue is not being able to customize the fields in Face It. I would prefer to show a day/date as opposed to date only. I’d also like to add a field other than steps below the time. Perhaps this could be an update?

I’ll still use ConnectIQ as its truly handy and the costs aren’t bad for the ones that want payment. If you don’t want customization, this is perfect.

by AverageMiamiRunner

The watch faces are really cool, but the functionality is really what impressed me with this watch. I love when ConnectIQ plans my routes for me. All I have to do is put in the desired distance and it will find a route close to the desired distance, allowing for a less monotonous running experience from day to day.

by Mfilbin

I really enjoy using the Garmin Connect app to visualize changes in my sleep quality and my overall health. I get a real sense of accomplishment watching my weight and resting heart rate decrease while watching my vO2 increase. I also love the Apple Health integration so that I can see how my physical fitness impacts other areas of my health like cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you’re looking to understand the relationship between your physical fitness and your underlying health, I would highly recommend using a Garmin smart watch with the Garmin Connect app.

by Ladyjules79

Love my Garmin, love the data. this app is easy to use, lets me track all the data that is important, and is constantly improving. Unlike other apps, it works consistently and provides REAL data, like productivity, VO2, etc. As a woman, the ability to track my cycle in conjunction with physical output is VERY helpful when it comes to energy cycles, etc. Love, love, love it!

by CU8EKING

Pros: easy to use and connect to you phone. Lots of great watch faces and apps. Very customizable.

Cons: not as many apps.

Read full review for the rest

I got this watch for Christmas and was a little bummed because it was not an Apple Watch. I quickly learned that it is an amazing watch and I actually prefer it to an Apple Watch because ConnectIQ is really easy to use, it connects to your phone with ease, and you have more variety in your health information.

ConnectIQ is super easy to use and I quite enjoy my watch because of it. I would defiantly recommend it to a friend or someone else because it is a truly great thing.

by Lyric_Blazah

The Search is over, I’ve tried all the other brand fitness/sports watches. Some are just plain overrated in my opinion. The main thing I look for in a fitness watch is the ability to hold a long charge. Garmin, by far is what’s best for me. Tracking, watch faces, navigation, music… I can go on and on. Man… what I’m trying to say is, I am in love with my Garmin!

by Texas Longhorn Mike

Pros: centralized view of all athletic data, interactive graphics

As a former Apple Watch user, I am very much enjoying the Garmin Connect experience. Unlike other reviewers who struggled connecting ConnectIQ to their iPhone, I was up and connected with minimal time/effort and love the centralized view of all my athletic data. ConnectIQ provides everything I need to support my training efforts.

by Naner And Tater On YT

I can’t find any other watches like this it’s really good when I play soccer every day even if you’re not very active it’s still good it tracks all kinds of things. On ConnectIQ you can join groups and friend other people you can change your watch face to all kinds of things you can challenge other people too like a step challenge or any other challenge I highly suggest ConnectIQ

by Klm1975

Finally ready to catch up with the cool people & get a smart watch. I LOVE IT. Ran with the Forerunner 220 for 6 years or so, this is awesome. I charge it for about an hour while I’m getting ready in the morning, and it hasn’t gone below 80%. Changing the face is easy and fun, the brightness is good. I think I’m annoying people talking about my sleep, steps, heart rate, etc.
Haven’t tried it on a treadmill yet. But I definitely recommend this to any runner or someone that wants to stay or get into shape. 👍🏼

by POORBOY 77

Love all the options to choose from. And it’s not hard to find what your after. Garmin gps systems are user friendly even in a watch. I use mine all the time, routes for hunting stands, love the topo maps as well. Also the fitness features are great helps keep you more aware of your over all health and activities so easy to track how your body’s is doing as well as your ability to get a good nights sleep to keeping an eye on your heart rate. It’s all on my wrist!. Has everything you need in a app for Garmin GPS.

by Tcmarine936

I have had multiple models of the Garmin Fenix watch and loved everyone until September 2019. The watches continue to work great but the apps are so terrible that using the devices has become so painfully frustrating that I’m considering returning the device. Garmin Connect is trash, continually loses contact with the device throughout the day, and won’t fully download daily activities. Have tried all suggested fixes on the Garmin support site without luck. Please get your act together soon, Garmin.

by DisconnectIQ

To say ConnectIQ is garbage is an injustice to garbage. Ever since accidentally downloading this while trying to get to connect IQ through the regular connect app, my watch has been nothing but frustrating. My watch faces and data fields malfunction non stop. Every fix recommends doing something with this app app but ConnectIQ won’t recognize my watch. The regular connect does, but not IQ. I’ve reset the watch, unpaired/paired, etc. and still nothing works. It’s taken a device I would recommend to 100% of people and made it an expensive wrist weight.

by Wtfnicname

When I open ConnectIQ , and after I check all the legal information and click next, all I get is an error message. The support link in ConnectIQ Store is useless, so I guess since I can’t contact support, or get ConnectIQ to do anything, I’ll have to leave a one star review.

To bad. Because garmin devices are awesome. But if they are going to start making their devices rely on a service that is provided by them, and that service(s) doesn’t work, than awesome hardware is meaningless.

by 4MaryG

Spent an hour creating different watch faces from my camera roll. I then decided to download the “countdown” face and fiddled with it for a bit. I decided I wanted to put one of my photos back on the watch. Tried several times to upload, and ConnectIQ stated it was successful BUT the “countdown” face remained. Then I tried uninstalling the “countdown” face, and received “error encountered”. The only way to get rid of the “countdown” face is to uninstall the “connect IQ” app - or so I thought. Not only did I lose about a dozen watch faces I created from my photos, the “countdown” face remained. I tried to uninstall the “countdown” face and received the same “error encountered” message. So now I’m stuck with the “countdown” face on my Garmin...

Soooo frustrating!! Please fix this bug, or don’t allow apps to be loaded on top of “Connect IQ” until they are thoroughly tested.

by Capt_Dan79AB

I don’t understand what the point of this is supposed to be, and I really don’t understand how something so janky, user-unfriendly, irrelevant, and frankly amateurish was released. I received a Vivoactive 3 Music for my birthday a few days ago. I have been holding off on any kind of smart watch or device for a long time because they all seemed to be essentially a novelty, and required the phone to do anything anyway. ALL I WANTED - a simple device that would track runs, play music, and monitor heart rate without needing to take my phone with me. But those functions - if they exist at all, and right now I’m beginning to think I’ve confused myself and no such device exists, somehow - are all gated behind a piece of digital trash. I am about ready to return my smart watch and keep waiting for something better to appear, and this terrible, terrible, app is a big part of why I would do that.

by Beefychimichanga

I thought ConnectIQ was great at first, love having options of other face styles for my watch. However, the settings page would never load for a face that was had many settings to change.
Additionally, after having ConnectIQ for about three days, it started making my watch crash (black screen). I’d spend 45 min updating, uninstalling, reinstalling, before it would finally work.
Uninstalled app and two weeks later, no problems.

by Grace_ST

I’ve had my watch for almost a month now. It worked perfectly fine until an update at the beginning of the month. Now, ConnectIQ and my watch no longer interface through wifi. My watch can detect wifi networks but will not join them any longer. This has prevented my running data from being stored, defeating the purpose of having this device. Very disappointed. Will probably result in using my old Fitbit in attempts to track distance runs in preparation for a spring half marathon.

by Echoetech

At this time out of 122 reviews there is only a 2 star rating? Come on Garmin, put some effort into your app, especially since it is how it talks to your watches. After using ConnectIQ for 5 minutes I can see why the ratings are low. It is just a mess. App freezes, gets stuck inside Connect app, can’t back out or close, and doesn’t give much in the way of information. Really need an overhaul in a serious way.

by Jamanic

Watch no longer connects with app. App was always unimpressive, but now unusable. Fitbit app blows Garmin Connect app away with usability and design. Garmin does not retrieve workouts from iCardio or MyFitnessPal. Fitbit does. My Garmin Fenix 5 watch is nicer than Fitbit, but Garmin needs new and better software engineers. Fast. Otherwise the Garmin hardware advantage is fully negated by it software deficiencies. Really strange that Garmin has neglected the software side of the product when it is equal in importance.

by Beamerino

I’m a developer of Garmin apps (Wind Field and others). The ratings are totally screwed up in ConnectIQ. Mine has 26 5 star reviews but it shows up 30-40 places down below lots of apps with just one review.

Also the categories make no sense and are just silly names with no meaning.

by Cruising

Recently got a Garmin Edge 830 and Garmin Connect could connect easily, but IQ ( ConnectIQ) would connect and sync only partial times. Always showed the Device not Connected.

With this update, it appears to connect all the time. Makes updating settings and downloading updates a breeze. Thanks.

by Itunes*2

I love fitness apps. My favorite was a different one because it would give insights and coaching. Now that garmin has added “insights” about step goals and exercise goals, it is a complete app! Tracking is great! Initially had some problems with HR, but they were resolved. The only thing that could improve is if the device itself could recognize when you’re exercising and remind you to track it, like the Apple Watch does. Other than that it’s great!

by Dreadpirate13

I’ve just noticed this in ConnectIQ Store and I’m so pleased I no longer need to go through the clumsy implementation of the Connect IQ store link via the Garmin Connect app. Navigation is much simpler and stabler. I also like that FaceIt is built in and I no longer need a separate app for it. All in all, great work!

by Roy848373838

I don’t like the idea of redundant apps. Connect (the main Garmin app) *can* install watch faces, but it is honestly a lot smoother to install them and customize them via this Connect IQ app. Sorry to hear that other users are having issues.

by Brendan Almost RN

I’ve been an avid Garman fan for a long time. I’ve had the Phoenix mine ever since it came into existence and I have watched Garmin grow. ConnectIQ is actually super intuitive in the watch faces you can change on most each individual piece depending on the face that you pick. Overall they did a great job with ConnectIQ I’m it’s super impressed. Great job Garmin keep up the good work