 |
| The Venu X1 now consists of three colour options. |
Garmin enthusiasts running the beta channel on their premium Venu X1 smartwatch have a new firmware to sink their teeth into. Version 17.19 just landed, skipping several intermediate builds and packing a surprisingly long list of changes—from bouldering button fixes to smarter LiveTrack automation.
If you own the $699 Venu X1 (currently available on Amazon), you already know Garmin has been refining this flagship hybrid wearable since its debut. Just earlier this month, the company pushed a stable update—v16.40—which cleaned up lingering bugs from the v16.37 release about a month prior. Now, the beta train is moving full steam ahead with v17.19, and it’s not a minor bump.
Why the jump from v16.40 straight to v17.19?
Sharp-eyed users on the Garmin beta forums noticed something curious: the company never publicly released a v17.16 update for the Venu X1 (that version was spotted on Venu 4 and Vivoactive 6 models). So beta testers are essentially leapfrogging directly to v17.19, which Garmin says introduces “a dozen changes from earlier firmware.” Whether this includes some unannounced v17.xx features that never saw daylight remains unclear, but the changelog speaks for itself.
What’s new and fixed in Beta 17.19
Garmin’s forum post breaks down a mix of quality-of-life additions, activity-specific corrections, and under-the-hood stability patches. Here’s the full official list:
- Adds support for Approach CT1 club sensors – Golfers, rejoice. The Venu X1 can now pair with Garmin’s latest golf club trackers.
- Allows LiveTrack to be enabled automatically on a per activity type basis – No more manually starting LiveTrack every run; set it and forget it for cycling, hiking, or whatever you choose.
- Improves responsiveness when starting the timer – That slight lag when you hit “Start” on a workout? Greatly reduced.
- Fixes various issues that could cause the device to reset – Random reboots should become a distant memory.
- Prevents automatic track detection during trail run activities – Finally, no more unwanted course snapping when you’re off the beaten path.
- Fixes send off time not vibrating during swim workouts – Swimmers will feel the intended haptic alerts at intervals and send-offs.
- Fixes a possible issue where the back and down key would not work for indoor climb and bouldering activities – Critical for gym climbers who rely on those buttons mid-route.
- Fixes an issue that could result in not being able to accept an incoming call on the watch – One of the more frustrating bugs in previous betas has been squashed.
- Updates mute setting to only persist for the current phone call – Mute now resets after each call, preventing accidental silences on future conversations.
- Fixes popularity map layer not showing when routing is turned off – A mapping annoyance that’s been lingering since v16.37 is resolved.
- Fixes other minor bugs – The classic catch-all, but always welcome.
- GCM Translations – 3.80 – Updated translations for Garmin Connect Mobile.
Climbing and bouldering get special attention
Indoor climbers and boulderers should pay close attention to that back/down key fix. In earlier beta versions, the physical buttons could become unresponsive during climbing activities—a serious problem when you’re mid-route with sweaty gloves on. Garmin seems to have isolated the issue, and v17.19 promises normal key function for both indoor climb and bouldering profiles. That alone might be worth the beta jump for regular gym users.
How to get Beta 17.19 on your Venu X1
Unlike automatic stable updates, Garmin is not pushing this beta out over the air to all devices. You must manually request it. Here’s the step-by-step:
- On your Venu X1, go to the Main menu → Settings → System → Software.
- Tap ‘Check for Updates’.
- If you’re enrolled in the beta program (you must have previously opted in via Garmin Connect or the web), version 17.19 should appear.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install.
Heads-up: Beta software can still contain unknown bugs. Always sync your watch and keep it charged before updating. And if you’re not comfortable with experimental builds, stick with the stable v16.40—it’s solid.
Where to buy the Garmin Venu X1
If all this beta talk has you itching to pick up a Venu X1, you’re in luck. The smartwatch is currently priced at $699 on Amazon, which includes the full warranty and access to Garmin’s beta program if you choose to enroll.
👉 Check the latest price and availability on Amazon here 👈
The Venu X1 sits in a unique spot—premium build quality, long battery life, and the hybrid MIP/AMOLED display that Garmin fans have been requesting for years. It’s not cheap, but for athletes who want durability without sacrificing smartwatch features, it’s a top contender.
What’s next for the Venu X1 beta?
Given that v17.19 skipped a public v17.16, some forum users are speculating that Garmin is accelerating toward a stable v17.xx release. The company hasn’t confirmed a timeline, but beta builds typically cycle for two to four weeks before going wide. If you’re not seeing critical issues in v17.19, expect this version (or a follow-up v17.22) to become the next stable update sometime in late May or early June.
One thing is clear: Garmin remains committed to polishing the Venu X1 experience. From mapping layers to swim haptics to climber-friendly button logic, the team is listening to feedback. Beta testers are encouraged to report any new quirks on the official forums—especially since this build touches so many different activity types.
Bottom line
For current Venu X1 beta users, v17.19 is a no-brainer install. The incoming-call fix alone resolves a daily frustration, and the climbing key behavior is a huge win for indoor gym rats. Even if you’re not a climber, the smoother timer start, LiveTrack automation, and reset fixes make this a meaningful step forward.
Non-beta owners on stable v16.40 can safely wait for the public release—but if you’re curious and don’t mind an occasional glitch, enrolling in the beta program is straightforward. Just remember to manually check for updates; Garmin won’t do it for you.
Have you installed Beta 17.19 on your Venu X1? Hit the Garmin forums link above and share your experience—especially if you’ve tested the Approach CT1 sensor support or the new climbing button behavior.