Garmin Instinct 3 series smartwatch owners who double as GoPro adventurers can breathe a sigh of relief. The company has rolled out a new beta software update specifically targeting a pesky bug that hampered the ability to control GoPro cameras directly from the wrist.
Users on recent beta versions had reported frustrating issues where the GoPro Remote Control app on their Instinct 3 (including Instinct 3X models) would fail to connect reliably to their cameras. This rendered one of the watch's key features for action sports enthusiasts – conveniently starting/stopping recording or changing modes hands-free while in the thick of the action – essentially unusable.
The Fix is In (Beta)
The newly released Beta Version 10.21, available now Over-The-Air (OTA) for participants in the Garmin Beta Program, directly addresses this headache. According to the official announcement posted on Garmin's beta forums:
"Fixed an issue where the GoPro Remote app would not connect to the camera."
Accessing the Beta Fix
This fix is currently available only to users enrolled in the Garmin Beta Program for the Instinct 3 series. Installing beta software always carries a small inherent risk of instability, so it's generally recommended for more experienced users comfortable with potential hiccups.
- Beta Program Announcement & Details: For Instinct 3 beta testers, full details on Beta Version 10.21, including installation instructions and other minor fixes or known issues, can be found in the official forum post: Garmin Instinct 3 Beta Version 10.21 Announcement.
Why This Matters
Seamless GoPro integration is a major selling point for the rugged Instinct 3 series, appealing to hikers, climbers, surfers, mountain bikers, and anyone who needs to operate their camera without fumbling for buttons. The bug disrupted core functionality that users actively rely on during critical moments. This targeted fix demonstrates Garmin's responsiveness to user feedback within its beta program and its commitment to refining the action-oriented features of the Instinct line.
About the Garmin Instinct 3 Series
The Instinct 3 series, including the Instinct 3, Instinct 3S (smaller size), Instinct 3X (with extended battery and built-in flashlight), and their Solar charging variants, are renowned for their ultra-rugged design, multi-week battery life, and comprehensive suite of outdoor and fitness tracking features. The GoPro control functionality is a key differentiator in this segment.
- Explore the Garmin Instinct 3 Series: Learn more about the features and specifications of these rugged smartwatches here: Garmin Instinct 3 Series on Amazon.
What's Next
While the beta fix is excellent news for testers, the broader Instinct 3 user base will be eagerly awaiting this fix to land in a stable public software update. Garmin typically rolls out improvements from its beta programs to all users once testing confirms stability. For now, beta participants can put the GoPro connection woes behind them and get back to capturing their adventures hands-free.
