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| Garmin's Venu 4 has received an ECG bug fix with its latest beta update. |
Garmin isn’t slowing down. Just weeks after finalizing the v16.xx development cycle with the stable release of Software Version 16.37, the company has already kicked off the next round of testing for two of its most popular smartwatches: the Vivoactive 6 and Venu 4. The new beta, version 17.16, is now rolling out to enrolled users, and it brings a surprisingly long list of fixes and features.
If you own a Venu 4, you’re in for a treat. The update adds a long‑requested silent mode, fixes several annoying battery drain issues, and even improves how the watch handles phone calls. Vivoactive 6 owners get a simpler but still useful addition: the ability to toggle vibration for smart notifications on or off. And both watches share a massive 24‑line changelog packed with 19 bug fixes that address everything from pool swim workouts to Garmin Coach sync problems.
But there’s a twist. Garmin typically releases new Vivoactive 6 and Venu 4 updates alongside an equivalent Venu X1 firmware. That hasn’t happened yet with v17.16. We suspect the Venu X1 will receive Beta 17.16 within the next day or so. In the meantime, the current beta gives us a clear preview of what that update will look like once it lands on the Venu X1.
What’s New in Garmin Beta 17.16?
The update is available now through Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM). If you’re enrolled in the Beta Program, you can manually trigger the installation by going to Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check for Updates. The beta version is labeled 17.16 (not to be confused with the earlier v7.16 numbering that appears in some forum posts – that appears to be a typo from Garmin’s side).
Below is the complete changelog broken down by device.
Venu 4 – 8 Specific Improvements
The Venu 4 gets the lion’s share of new features in this beta:
- Adds support for a silent mode that can be quickly accessed via the control loop or a button shortcut.
- Adds support for opening the battery manager app using a voice command.
- Fixes an issue that could cause excessive battery drain after using the phone assistant or accepting a phone call on the watch.
- Fixes an issue that could cause the screen to incorrectly respond to touch after taking an ECG reading.
- Fixes an issue where ending a call on the device could fail to end the call on the phone.
- Fixes an issue with Garmin Coach workouts sometimes failing to sync to the device.
- Fixes being able to access voice command, music, and voice notes apps during an active call.
- Updates the phone shortcut to open the phone app rather than the phone settings menu.
If you’ve been frustrated by unexpected battery drain after taking a call or using Google Assistant on your Venu 4, this update should finally put that to rest.
Vivoactive 6 – One Key Tweak
Adds a setting to turn vibration on or off for smart notifications.
It’s a small change, but one that many users have requested for quieter environments like meetings or movie theaters.
Shared Changelog (Vivoactive 6 & Venu 4)
The two watches also share a long list of fixes and minor improvements:
- Allows access to the keyboard layout menu via a swipe up from the bottom of the page.
- Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when using WhatsApp on an iPhone.
- Fixes an issue that could cause an upcoming race event not to show on the device.
- Fixes an issue that could cause pool swim workouts to progress through active steps without interaction.
- Fixes an issue that could cause some activities to be missing as factors affecting the body battery.
- Fixes an issue that could cause the device to fail to mount as a mass storage device after connecting to an inReach device.
- Fixes an issue that could cause the device to receive auto lap alerts during a golf activity.
- Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when deleting a workout.
- Fixes an issue that could cause the tones for the rest timer countdown during strength workouts to sound out of rhythm.
- Fixes an issue that could result in a failure when uploading an activity file to Garmin Connect.
- Fixes an issue that could result in devices with many saved activity files to appear unresponsive at times.
- Fixes an issue where special characters are missing from some keyboards.
- Fixes an issue where the gear tracking progress bar shown after an activity does not include the just-completed activity.
- Fixes an issue with setting up Wi-Fi using Garmin Express.
- Fixes an issue with sports scores being blank if a team with no upcoming games is added.
- Fixes an issue with syncing strength personal records with Garmin Connect.
- Fixes double number entry when long pressing a button on the pinpad.
- Fixes nap alarm not stopping when exiting the page by palming.
- Fixes other minor bugs.
- Fixes watch face sunset/sunrise data fields not updating.
- Increases the length of time that goal animations are displayed.
- Updates translations.
- With a Garmin Golf subscription, adds premium features like green contour data, enhanced CourseView maps, and PlaysLike distance.
Also included: GCM Translations update to version 3.80.
How to Get the Beta (and What to Watch For)
If you want to try v17.16 right now, you’ll need to be enrolled in Garmin’s Beta Program. The update is rolling out gradually, so if you don’t see it immediately, keep checking. For those who prefer stability over new features, the public release will likely follow in a few weeks assuming no major bugs are found.
For more details, you can read the official beta announcements directly from Garmin:
Should You Buy the Venu 4 Now?
If you’ve been on the fence about picking up a Venu 4, now might be a good time. The watch is currently priced at $549 on Amazon , and with this new beta bringing significant quality‑of‑life improvements – especially the silent mode and battery fixes – the experience is only getting better. Garmin’s commitment to regular updates (v16.37 only dropped last month, and now we’re already on v17.16) means your device will keep improving long after you’ve unboxed it.
Final Thoughts
Garmin’s beta program continues to deliver meaningful updates at a rapid pace. While Venu X1 owners will have to wait a little longer, the v17.16 beta for Vivoactive 6 and Venu 4 is one of the more substantial mid‑cycle updates we’ve seen in a while. The sheer number of fixes – especially the WhatsApp reset bug and the pool swim workout glitch – will make daily use noticeably smoother.
Have you installed Beta 17.16 yet? Let us know in the comments if you’ve noticed any new issues or if the battery drain fix really works as advertised. And as always, back up your data before enrolling in beta software.