How to Set Up a Garmin Forerunner Fitness Tracker

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Setup your Garmin Forerunner by charging it and installing the apps before getting it ready for your first run.

Tools You'll Need:

  • Have your computer, smartphone or tablet handy.

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Supplies You'll Need:

  • No extra supplies needed.

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Before You Begin:

  • Have your computer or mobile device handy to set up synchronization.

You must have the Garmin Connect or Express apps installed.

A Garmin forerunner

2. Charging

  1. Plug the USB cable into your USB port on your computer or in a compatible wall charger. A wall charger doesn't come with your Garmin Forerunner but you can easily purchase one separately.
USB to laptop
  1. Locate the charging pins on both the Forerunner and the Charging grip.
Charging pins on the forerunner
  1. Align the charger with the device and clip it securely. When connected, a battery charging icon will be on the front of your Forerunner.
Battery charging icon

3. Set Up App (Mobile)

  1. You will be prompted to Sign In with an existing Garmin Connect account, or you can also choose to Create Account if you do not currently have a Garmin Connect account.
Garmin Connect app sign in screen.
  1. You will be prompted to select your Garmin device from the on-screen list.
Garmin Connect app device selection screen.
  1. Select your device and follow the on-screen instructions for connecting it to the app.
Garmin Connect app attempting to pair with device screen.
  1. Once you have been taken to the main screen of the Garmin Connect app, your device is now linked with the Garmin Connect software and is ready to use.
Garmin Connect app dashboard screen.

4. Basic Use

Buttons

Garmin Forerunner 630 front view

Top Left Button

Power button

Select to turn the backlight on and off or hold to turn the device on and off.

Top Right Button

Running man icon

Select to start and stop the timer or access the activity profiles and apps.

Bottom Right Button

Lap icon

Select to mark a new lap.

Middle Button

Menu button

Select to open the menu.

Bottom Left Button

Return arrow

Select to return to the previous screen or hold to lock the device keys and touchscreen.


Status Icons

Icons appear at the top of the home screen. A flashing icon means the device is searching for a signal. A solid icon means the signal was found or the sensor is connected.

GPS status

GPS status

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi status

Heart Rate

Heart rate icon

Foot Pod

Foot pod icon

Speed and cadence sensor

Speed and cadence icon

tempe

Temperature sensor

VIRB camera

Virb camera sensor

Go For Your First Run!

  1. Using the touchscreen scroll to the option you want using the arrow keys. In this case the option is RUN.
  2. Press the red runner button.
Garmin Forerunner with red runner button pressed
  1. When the GPS is ready, it will have green bars at the top.
Garmin forerunner stating that gps is ready
  1. Press the red runner icon key to start the timer and get running!

5. Set Up (PC)

  1. Launch the Garmin Express software.
Garmin Express icon
  1. Click the Get Started button.
Get started button
  1. Connect your device to your computer with the provided USB cable when prompted.
Garmin Express software prompting the user to connect their device.
  1. When Garmin Express has detected the device you've plugged in, it will identify it for you. Click Add Device.
Garmin Express software displaying the detected device, with the add device button highlighted.
  1. From here, you will be prompted to Sign In or Create an Account for Garmin Connect. Sign in with an existing account if you have one, or complete the necessary steps to create an account.
Garmin Express presenting a login screen for the Garmin Connect service.
  1. Once logged in, your device may or may prompt you for a few extra initial setup steps to complete the setup of the Garmin Express software. Follow any on-screen steps.
  2. Once initial setup is complete, you will be presented with the status screen for your device. Setup is now complete and you are ready to normally use your device.
Garmin Express dashboard for the connected device.