Do Garmin Watches work with iPhone – Yes but with Limitations

Whenever there’s a discussion about smartwatches, one cannot ignore the brand’s Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, Fossil, or Garmin, which are considered to be the biggest tycoons of this wearable industry.

Every brand these days is trying to come up with the best possible accessory of the smartphone, along with standalone smartwatches as well. Since in this era of technology where everything is possible, it’s not unlikely that we might shift completely to smartwatches in the future. That said, it would take a while to erase the existence of smartphones which everyone is so hooked up nowadays.

Speaking of smartphones, for an iPhone user, the scope of choosing a smartwatch is comparatively less as compared to Android users, and I’d tell you why. Firstly, the iOS of iPhone finds it easier to connect with gadgets made by Apple, and secondly, the Apple Watches made solely for iPhone users don’t have that variety in them.

Apple does make the best watches when it comes to styling, or for daily use, but it comes to being robust, rugged, and multisport features, Apple does lack that. On the other hand, Garmin is the champion of outdoor and multi-sport watches, which can be perfect for athletes, runners, and other sporty persons.

So, for an iPhone user considering alternatives to the Apple watch, and wondering does Garmin watches work with iPhones, well stay on this page, since you’d get all the details, you’d need to know about it.

Do Garmin watches work with iPhones?

In general, the answer to this would be yes, but there are some limitations, which we’ll discuss later on. But if your iPhone is running on iOS 7 or higher, it would be good to go with any Garmin watch available at the moment.

You’d have to install its companion app which is Garmin Connect from the app store, and after that, you can easily pair the Garmin watch with your iPhone.

What to do if the Garmin Watch is not connecting with iPhone?

If the watch is failed to connect with iPhone, you should try the following things.

  • Make sure that your iPhone and the watch is fully or at least 60% charged
  • Double that you have downloaded the latest version of the Garmin Connect App
  • Check whether your device is running on iOS 7 or higher, and Bluetooth 4.0
  • Check for updates on your iPhone
  • Reboot your phone and watch
  • Unpair the Garmin watch and pair again by resetting it

This would probably help if there are no software issues regarding the watch or your phone, and in case it still doesn’t connect for some reason, try contacting Garmin Support and report the issue.

Limitations of Garmin Watches for iPhone users

Just like the Apple watch, which is made solely for iPhone, Garmin watches are made for Android users. That said, unlike Apple watches which don’t even connect with an Android let alone its features, Garmin watches do get connected to iPhone but there are a few limitations to that.

First off, you won’t be able to use Apple Pay for contactless payments, and secondly, you won’t be able to reply from the watch as well. This means that if you’re getting notifications about messages, and other social apps, you can see but not reply, because of your iPhone.

This could be critical for those people who like to reply from their wrist when the watch is paired, and they’re busy in a workout, running sessions, or during meetings.

Garmin vs Apple

If it’s coming down to the preferences, then there’s nothing better than an Apple watch for an iPhone user. But like I said, a fitness enthusiast or someone who likes to wander around the world, and needs to train their body to face these challenges should go for Garmin watches.

Apple watches do come with health and fitness monitoring, activity tracking, sports modes, but that’s about it since there are no training modes, where you can log your targets and achieve them with the help of the watch on your wrist.

So, in terms of multisport features, Garmin is a clear winner here. However, you cannot ignore the fact that there are some limitations for iPhone users here, but if you’re ready to ignore those, then a Garmin watch would be a perfect fit for a sporty person.

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