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| Various Forerunner smartwatches have been affected by a wide range of issues |
A recent software update intended to improve Garmin's popular Forerunner series has backfired, leaving a significant number of users with malfunctioning smartwatches. Owners of the Garmin Forerunner 165, Forerunner 265, and Forerunner 965 are reporting widespread, crippling issues after installing software version 27.09, transforming their premium fitness devices into unreliable companions.
While not every user is affected—highlighting the unpredictable nature of the bug—online forums are flooded with complaints detailing severe functionality losses. The problems go far beyond minor glitches, striking at the core of what makes these devices essential for athletes and health-conscious individuals.
Core Features Malfunction After Update
The issues appear most devastating for Garmin Forerunner 165 users. According to numerous reports, the watch can no longer perform fundamental tasks:
- Sleep Tracking Fully Disabled: The device fails to track sleep data entirely, leaving users in the dark about their sleep quality and duration—a key metric for recovery and overall health.
- Step Counter Inoperative: The basic pedometer function has stopped working, breaking daily activity goals.
- Unreliable Heart Rate Monitoring: Both optical heart rate (HR) monitoring and, where applicable, chest strap connectivity have become "inconsistent" or completely non-functional.
As one user detailed in a Garmin Support Forum thread, the experience is jarring: "Update, no more step tracking, sleep and inconsistent heart rate." This sentiment is echoed across the community, with a lengthy Reddit discussion serving as a central hub for users of the 165, 265, and 965 models to share their frustrating experiences.
The Forerunner 265 and 965 models are experiencing similar setbacks, with users noting general system lag, sync failures, and erratic sensor data alongside the core tracking issues.
Impact on Training and Daily Use
For the average user, these bugs are a major inconvenience. For runners and athletes in the middle of training cycles, the impact is more profound. Without dependable heart rate data, assessing workout intensity, tracking cardio zones, and measuring recovery becomes guesswork.
"A watch that can't track heart rate or steps is basically just a wristwatch at this point," commented one user preparing for a marathon. The loss of sleep data further compounds the problem, removing vital insights needed to balance training load with rest.
Is There a Fix? What Users Can Do
Garmin has been notified of the escalating issues through its official channels, but as of now, an official firmware patch or fix has not been announced. The absence of a timeline for a resolution is adding to user anxiety.
In the interim, some users have found that performing a full restart of their watch (holding the power button/key to access the menu) can temporarily restore functionality, but the relief is often short-lived, with bugs reoccurring shortly after.
The situation remains fluid. The scope of the problem is hard to measure, as reports indicate a patchy rollout where some devices on version 27.09 operate flawlessly. This inconsistency suggests the issue may be related to specific hardware batches or a conflict with certain user settings.
What to Do If You're Affected
- Report the Issue: If you haven't already, contact Garmin Support directly. The volume of reports can help prioritize the fix.
- Join the Community: Monitor the ongoing discussions on the Garmin Forerunner 165 series forum and the Reddit thread for user-discovered workarounds and official updates.
- Consider Holding Off: If you have not yet installed update 27.09 and your watch is functioning, you may want to pause the update until an official all-clear is given.
For those in the market for a high-end running watch like the Forerunner 965, it may be prudent to wait until this software situation is fully resolved before making a purchase.
This is a developing story. We will update this article with official information from Garmin as it becomes available.