Garmin faces customer backlash over smartwatch failures

Smartwatch giant Garmin is under fire after users worldwide reported their devices malfunctioning. Many customers say their watches fail to start, displaying only a blue triangle or freezing on the start-up screen.

Among the affected devices are Garmin’s high-end Fenix 8 models, which retail for nearly £1,000 ($1,200). However, not all Garmin smartwatches appear to be impacted. The company has acknowledged the issue and advised users to reset their devices, though a permanent fix has yet to be confirmed.

Frustrated customers have taken to social media, slamming Garmin for what they see as a slow and ineffective response. The company has suggested resetting the devices and reconnecting them to a Garmin app. However, some users claim that even a factory reset has failed to restore functionality.

“Their instructions don’t fix it and Garmin are silent,” one user wrote on X. Among those expressing frustration is Absolute Radio DJ Leona Graham, who shared footage of the infamous blue triangle.

Garmin’s website lists several affected models, including Approach, Edge Cycling Computers, Epix, Fenix, Forerunner, Instinct Series, Vivoactive 4 and 5, and Venu 3 and 3S. The firm has not yet provided an official explanation, though some experts suggest a faulty GPS update is to blame.

Despite updating its support page, Garmin’s lack of clear communication has only fuelled customer anger. Many are demanding urgent answers, with some calling the company’s silence “unbelievable” and urging it to prioritise fixing the issue.