How to Set Up a Garmin Vivofit Fitness Tracker

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will help you get started with your new fitness band whether you're looking to primarily use it with your smartphone or your computer.

Tools You'll Need:

  • The supplied ANT USB dongle if you're using the Vivofit with a PC.

Supplies You'll Need:

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

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Before You Begin:

You must have Garmin Connect or Express Installed

Assorted Garmin Vivofit devices.

2. Power On and Pair

  1. Press and hold the only button on your Vívofit. The device will power on.
  2. Continue holding the button until you see PAIR on the device screen, then release the button.
Garmin Vivofit device highlighting the physical button.
  1. Your device is now in pairing mode and ready to communicate with your Garmin app.

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. Wearing the Fitness Tracker

  1. Select a band that fits best on your wrist.
  2. Make sure the pegs on the clasp are fully inserted into the band.
  3. When both pegs are fully inserted, the device fits securely against your wrist.
  4. Slide the keeper over the clasp (optional). The keeper is a small loop designed to fit over both ends of the band and the clasp. It helps keep the band attached.

Garmin Vivofit sliding the keeper over the clasp. Illustration.


  1. Wear the device all day for it to track movement and sleep activity.

5. Pair using the ANT Stick

In order to use the Garmin Vivofit with a PC, the Garmin ANT USB stick must be used.

  1. Find the ANT stick in your Vívofit's packaging and insert it into any available USB port on your computer.
Garmin ANT+ USB device.
  1. Press and hold the button on your Vívofit until you see PAIR on the device screen, then release the button.
Garmin Vivofit device highlighting its physical button.
  1. Your device is now ready to communicate with your computer.

6. 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.