Garmin Launches New Beta Version 13.23 for Instinct 3 Series

Garmin has officially released a fresh beta software update, Version 13.23, targeting its latest generation of rugged wearables. This rollout is specifically designed for the Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, Instinct E, and the Crossover AMOLED models. As part of Garmin’s ongoing refinement process, this beta allows early adopters to test stability improvements before the public software version reaches a wider audience.

Targeted Fix: Heart Rate Broadcasting

The primary focus of this incremental update is a critical stability patch. Garmin engineers identified an issue where the device could unexpectedly crash or reboot while broadcasting heart rate data to external apps or gym equipment. Version 13.23 effectively eliminates this bug, ensuring that athletes who rely on their Instinct watches as a heart rate source for third-party platforms experience a seamless, uninterrupted connection.

How to Install the Update Manually

While some beta updates are delivered automatically via Garmin Connect, users can skip the wait by triggering a manual download directly from their wrist. To secure the latest firmware, follow these steps:

1. Open the Main Menu on your watch.

2. Navigate to System.

3. Select Software Update.

4. Tap Check For Updates to begin the installation.

13.23 Change Log (since 12.23/12.26, current Public release):

All I3/IE:

• Added Treadmill Walk activity.
• Added support for Trucking features.
• Added ability to save distance to Indoor Row activities.
• Added support for Smart Wake alarm setting.
• Added customizations to Morning Report.
• Added ability to view inReach data when connection is not available.
• Fixed various issues in swim activities related to swim times, rest times, SWOLF scores, and calories.
• Fixed inReach notifications when using Open connection.
• Fixed issue where long inReach messages would not display when using Open connection.
• Fixed potential lag in inReach glance.
• Fixed issue where workouts could be duplicated after editing in GCM.
• Fixed training menu missing in Pool Swim activities.
• Fixed issue where device could re-enter sleep mode after it was toggled off.
• Fixed possible crash when broadcasting heart rate.

Solar/AMOLED/Crossover Only:

• Added support for Pack Weight in Stair Stepper and Floor Climb activities.
• Training Readiness improvements.

AMOLED/Crossover Only:

• Improvements to the icons that display with notifications.
• Fixed potential issue where CIQ app icon would display incorrectly in app list.

Solar/E Only:

• Fixed potential crash when disconnecting from a computer.

Crossover Only:

• Added additional watch face designs.
• Fixed issue where battery life estimate could be incorrect.
• Fixed workout animations.
• Fixed issue with setting weight in Strength activity.

Also Read: The Best Garmin Watches of 2026: A Beginner’s Guide to the Ultimate Ecosystem