How to Install the Garmin Connect App

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

There are many Garmin personal fitness and activity trackers on the market, but the one thing they all have in common is that they will all interact directly with your smartphone or tablet via the Garmin Connect app, available for iOS and Android devices. This guide will take you through the process of getting the Garmin Connect app installed on your smartphone or tablet.

Tools You'll Need:

  • A paperclip
  • iPhone charging cable
  • Access to a computer with iTunes installed
  • Any other non-consumable tools needed
  • Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

-->

Supplies You'll Need:

  • Zip ties
  • Any other consumable supplies
  • Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

-->

Before You Begin:

  • You must have access to a computer with iTunes installed.
  • You must have that thing for the other thing so you can do the thing.

You must have this thing before you whatever.

-->

Mobile devices displaying the Garmin Connect app.

2. Install App (iOS)

  1. Launch the App Store on your mobile device.
Apple App Store.
  1. Tap Search in the bottom right corner.
App Store Search Button.
  1. Search for "Garmin Connect" and tap on the found app.
Keyword highlighted in App Store search.
  1. Tap Get and Install, then Open to use it.
Get button highlighted in App Store for found app.

3. Pair Bluetooth Devices

  1. Next to "Bluetooth", slide the switch to the on position.
iOS Bluetooth screen with Bluetooth radio switch in the On position. Screenshot.
  1. Place your accessory in discovery mode and wait for it to appear on your iPod.
  2. If you don't see it or aren't sure how to make it discoverable, check the instructions that came with your accessory.
  3. Wait for the bluetooth device's name to appear in the My Devices list.
iOS Bluetooth screen with list of paired bluetooth devices near top. Screenshot.
  1. Tap your accessory name in the list to connect.
Example of device called Headphones within the available Bluetooth devices list. Screenshot.

  1. You might be asked to enter the PIN or passkey. If you aren't sure what your PIN or passkey is, check the accessory's documentation.

4. First Launch

On the first launch you'll have to choose how you want to sign in:

To Sign in with an Existing Account

  1. Select Sign In.
Sign In button highlighted in Garmin Connect app.
  1. Put checkmarks to the EULA agreement once you read it and age confirmation, then select Next.
EULA agreement and age confirmation checkmarks, and Next button highlighted in Garmin Connect app.
  1. Fill in your email address and password associated with your Garmin Connect account, then select Next to sign in.
Email and password fields, and Next button highlighted in Garmin Connect app.

To Create a New Account

  1. Select Create Account.
Create Account button highlighted in Garmin Connect app.
  1. Put a checkmark to the EULA agreement once you read it then select Next.
EULA agreement checkmark and Next button highlighted in Garmin Connect app.
  1. Fill out your personal details then select Next to create your new account.
Account creation screen in Garmin Connect app.

5. Install App (Android)

  1. Launch the Play Store on your mobile device.
Google Play Store.
  1. Tap in the search box at the top of the screen.
Google Play Store with Search bar highlighted.
  1. Search for "garmin connect" and tap on the found app.
Keyword highlighted in Google Play search.
  1. Tap Install and then Open to use it.
Install button highlighted in Play Store for found app.

6. Pair Bluetooth Devices

Some Bluetooth accessories are configured with a PIN or a passkey that is often listed in its manual. Check your Bluetooth accessory manual for the correct PIN or passkey.

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar to all Android devices and generations.

Use one of the following connection methods:

  • Method 1 - The Drop Down Menu
  • Method 2 - Settings

Drop down menu

  1. Swipe down from the top of the device screen if it's a phone or up from the bottom of the device screen if it's a tablet to access the menu.
  2. Locate the Bluetooth icon.
Bluetooth icon.
  1. Press and hold the Bluetooth icon.
  2. Swipe the switch to your right to set the Bluetooth accessory in pairing/discovery mode.
  3. A list of nearby devices and previously paired devices will be shown.
  4. In the list of Available Devices, choose the Bluetooth accessory you wish to pair with.
Android bluetooth menu showing the bluetooth switch in the on position and a list of bluetooth devices currently in range.


  1. If you are prompted for a passkey, put it in. If there is no passkey, then your Bluetooth accessory should be paired now.

Android menu settings

  1. Locate and tap the Apps Menu.
Android apps icon.
  1. Locate and tap the Settings icon.
Android Settings icon.
  1. Select the Bluetooth. You may need to select Connections first.
  2. Swipe the switch to your right to set the Bluetooth accessory in pairing/discovery mode.
  3. A list of nearby devices and previously paired devices will be shown.
  4. In the list of Available Devices, choose the Bluetooth accessory you wish to pair with.
Android bluetooth menu showing the bluetooth switch in the on position and a list of bluetooth devices currently in range.
  1. If you are prompted for a passkey, put it in. If there is no passkey, then your Bluetooth accessory should be paired now.