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| Garmin’s Bounce 2 smartwatch is getting software version 16.38 |
A minor but meaningful fix lands for Garmin’s popular kids’ smartwatch, addressing an emoji-related annoyance.
Parents who picked up the Garmin Bounce 2 for their children have a small but welcome reason to check for updates this week. The young smartwatch, which first launched back in September 2025 as a follow-up to the original Bounce wearable, is now receiving firmware version 16.38.
This latest release comes just a couple of months after Garmin pushed out version 16.23, an update that brought more activity animations and extra sound options for alarms. That previous update made the watch a bit more engaging for kids, but today’s release takes a more focused approach—squashing a single, specific bug.
According to the official change log, which you can view directly in the Garmin Bounce 2 software update forum thread, version 16.38 “fix emoji filter.” No other new features, performance improvements, or additional bug fixes are listed. For parents who’ve noticed odd behavior when their child uses emoji filters during messaging or watch face customization, this update should clear things up.
If you’re still on the fence about picking one up, the Garmin Bounce 2 is currently available for around $297 on Amazon—a solid option for families wanting a durable, feature-packed kids’ watch with voice calling, two-way voice messaging, and a built-in voice assistant.
How to Install the Update
Getting the new software onto your child’s Bounce 2 is straightforward. Garmin has confirmed that version 16.38 is now available to 100% of users. You have two options to install it:
Via the Garmin Jr. App – Open the app on your connected smartphone, navigate to the device settings, and look for the software update option.
Directly on the watch – Press and hold the top A button, then go to Settings > System > Software Update.
Once the update downloads and installs—typically a quick process—the emoji filter bug should be resolved. If you run into any issues or have questions about the update, Garmin recommends creating a new thread in their community forums rather than posting in the locked 16.38 discussion.
A Small but Steady Stream of Improvements
While version 16.38 is undeniably minor, it’s part of a healthy pattern of ongoing support for the Bounce 2. Since its September 2025 debut, Garmin has steadily refined the wearable, balancing new feature drops (like the activity animations in 16.23) with targeted stability fixes. For parents, that means less time troubleshooting and more confidence that the device will keep running smoothly for their kids.
It’s worth noting that no further updates have been announced yet, but given Garmin’s typical cadence, Bounce 2 owners can likely expect another feature-oriented release later this year. For now, though, grabbing version 16.38 is a quick, low-effort way to ensure your child’s watch is running at its best.
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| The release notes for software version 16.38 for the Garmin Bounce 2 smartwatch |