Garmin is deploying a substantial stable software update, version 20.19, to its high-end lineup, including the Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, Fenix E, Tactix 8, and Enduro 3 smartwatches. This new firmware introduces a host of key features, significant cycling enhancements, and a massive list of stability improvements and bug fixes across all supported models. The update aims to elevate both the user experience and the watches’ capabilities for athletes and everyday users alike.
Enhanced Health, Weather, and Activity Tracking Features
This update brings several notable additions focused on health awareness, real-time data, and group activity interaction. A new Health Status glance has been added to provide users with a quick overview of changes in their health data and overall wellbeing. For outdoor enthusiasts, the watches now feature Real-Time Weather updates with improved wind information, ensuring more accurate planning. Cyclists benefit from new GroupRide and Data Comparisons, allowing riders to see their metrics compared to the group average during a ride.
Furthermore, advanced cycling metrics are introduced with the Power Guide and Power Guide Altitude Acclimation. A specialized Gear Ratio Analysis feature now tracks the time spent in each gear ratio for deeper performance insights. For strength training, the watch now offers automatic Touch Lock unlock if the touch screen is enabled on the strength reps screen. Usability is also boosted with the addition of Shortcut support for the Calculator and touch access to the Keyboard layout menu via drag.
Extensive Bug Fixes and System Improvements
Version 20.19 addresses an extensive array of bugs and issues to enhance the device’s stability and reliability. Numerous fixes target general usage, including resolving issues where the month in the date was not translating properly, ensuring the auto-triggered setting correctly restores after Backup and Restore, and preventing a black screen after tapping the back button from the music screen during an activity. Activity-specific fixes include correcting jumpy altitude readings, making sure course points and ClimbPro appear after resuming an activity, and resolving a crash when using headphone controls to adjust music playback.
Further stability improvements include fixing issues with smart notifications on Android devices, ensuring the total body circuit workout shows the correct rep count, and making sure the Morning Report does not display old all-day events. The update also tackles inconsistencies, such as fixing inconsistent Metronome timing and a lag caused by the Health Snapshot glance.
Pro Model Exclusives: LTE and Messenger Upgrades
For the Pro model (Fenix 8 Pro), this update delivers specialized enhancements focused on LTE connectivity and the Messenger For Wearables app. New features include an “LTE Standby” pop-up in an activity when LTE is automatically disabled for power savings, and an LTE signal strength activity data field option. The Messenger app sees significant upgrades, such as the ability to react to messages with any emoji using the keyboard, and an Image Viewer that allows users to pan and zoom pictures received via Messenger.
Numerous LTE and Messenger-related bugs were fixed to improve communication reliability. These include correcting issues where Messenger voice messages would not start recording immediately or could record longer than 30 seconds, and ensuring that Messenger calls transfer correctly to headphones. Additionally, stability improvements resolve possible crashes when exiting the Messenger app and fix display inconsistencies related to the LTE and Satellite Status.
User Interface and Experience Refinements
The software update also brings several subtle yet impactful refinements to the user interface and overall experience. Garmin improved watch face selection menu scrolling and updated the Activity Stage Menu Highlight Color to match the activity type. For navigation, the Navigation Preview Page now shows the total distance remaining on the course. Finally, a helpful change for multisport athletes is that a long hold on the Lap Key will now change the sport type during a multisport activity.
How to Receive the Version 20.19 Update
The rollout for software version 20.19 is being executed in phases. Currently, the update is being pushed to approximately 20% of eligible devices. Garmin will gradually increase this percentage over the coming days and weeks to ensure stability before a full release. To receive the update, users should sync their watch with the Garmin Connect app on their smartphone or connect it to their computer and use the Garmin Express application. The software will be automatically downloaded and installed onto the device during the next sync cycle once it becomes available for your watch.
Also Read: Garmin’s Health Status is Live—Here’s How To Get Into It
