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| Garmin’s Instinct 3 is receiving software version 13.25 |
If you are the proud owner of a rugged Garmin Instinct 3, the hybrid-analog Instinct Crossover, or the vibrant Instinct E, it is time to check your smartphone. Garmin has begun pushing a new stable system update—version 13.25—to the wearables, and while the patch notes are short, they address a feature that is critical to starting your day off right: your alarm clock.
Hot on the heels of last week’s feature-packed 13.24 update, this latest release (arriving just days later) focuses on stability and refinement. Here is everything you need to know about what’s changing, why it matters, and when you can expect the notification to appear on your wrist.
Squashing the "Smart Wake" Bug
The headline act of system software 13.25 is a targeted bug fix for the Smart Wake Alarm feature.
For those unfamiliar with this tool—which was introduced to the Instinct line in the previous 13.24 update—it is designed to make waking up less jarring. Instead of blaring an alarm at an exact, arbitrary minute, the Smart Wake Alarm allows you to set a "wake window" (typically 30 minutes). The watch then uses your real-time health and sleep cycle data to determine the optimal moment to wake you within that window. By avoiding the disruption of deep sleep, the feature aims to reduce that dreaded feeling of grogginess in the morning.
However, early adopters of the feature reported some instability. According to the official release notes confirmed by Garmin, version 13.25 resolves a specific issue where the Smart Wake Alarm could cause the system to crash. If you have been experiencing unexpected reboots or alarm failures since the last update, this fix should stabilize your morning routine immediately.
For the full technical breakdown and community discussion regarding this patch, you can follow the official Garmin forums thread here:
Garmin Instinct 3 - System Software 13.25 Discussion
Under the Hood: Translation Tweaks
Beyond the alarm fix, version 13.25 also includes a subtle but important update to Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM) translations. While this won't change the functionality of the watch, it ensures that text prompts and menus in non-English languages are accurate and clear, improving the user experience for Garmin’s global audience.
A Quick Recap of Version 13.24
Since this is a minor iterative update, it is worth remembering the substantial features that arrived with the previous version (13.24) that you might still be discovering:
- New Activity Mode: Users can now enjoy a dedicated Treadmill Walk activity, perfect for indoor training when the weather turns sour.
- Morning Report Customization: Garmin enhanced the Morning Report feature on the Instinct 3 and Instinct E, giving users more control over which metrics (weather, HRV status, sleep score) are displayed when they wake up.
- Fresh Faces: The Instinct Crossover received some love in the form of new watch face designs, allowing owners of the analog-handed rugged watch to further customize their look.
Availability: How to Get It
As with most Garmin rollouts, the 13.25 update is being distributed in phases to ensure server stability. At the time of writing, the system software has been pushed to approximately 20% of users across the Instinct 3, Instinct E, and Instinct Crossover families.
You don't need to do anything manually to trigger the download. The update will install automatically as long as your smartwatch is synchronized and connected to either the Garmin Connect mobile app on your smartphone or the Garmin Express software on your computer.
Is the Instinct Crossover Still Worth It?
With the ongoing software support for the Instinct line, including these recent updates, it is a great time to look at the hardware. The Instinct Crossover remains a unique player in the market, combining the durability of a thermal-plastic polymer case and a solar charging lens with the classic look of analog watch hands.
If you’ve been considering adding one to your gear collection, you can check the current price and options here:
Check the Garmin Instinct Crossover on Amazon
The Bottom Line
While version 13.25 might not introduce flashy new features, it represents Garmin’s commitment to polishing the user experience. By fixing the Smart Wake Alarm crashes, the company ensures that one of the most useful health-tracking features actually works when you need it most. Keep an eye on your Garmin Connect app—that update notification should be hitting your wrist very soon.