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| Garmin’s Venu X1 is receiving software version 16.40 |
If you own a Garmin Venu X1, it’s time to check your wrist. The premium smartwatch has just received another stable software update, barely two weeks after the previous 16.37 release landed on devices. Version 16.40 is now rolling out globally, and while it’s not a feature-packed upgrade, it does squash one annoying little glitch that some users might have noticed.
According to the official change log shared by Garmin, the Venu X1 software version 16.40 addresses a specific issue where the smartwatch’s serial number wasn’t displaying correctly on the “About” page. You know that screen where you go to check your device ID, software version, and other hardware details? Yeah, that one – it was apparently showing a blank or incorrect serial number for some users. This update fixes that.
Aside from that single correction, there are no other changes, new features, or performance tweaks mentioned in the release notes. So if you were hoping for new sports modes, watch faces, or battery optimizations, you’ll have to wait for a future release. But hey, a bug fix is a bug fix – and stability matters.
What About the Venu 4 and vivoactive 6?
Interestingly, the 16.40 update appears to be exclusive to the Venu X1. Garmin’s previous 16.37 update rolled out simultaneously for the Venu X1, Venu 4, and vivoactive 6, bringing a handful of general bug fixes across all three models. This time, however, there’s no similar release for the Venu 4 or vivoactive 6. That strongly suggests the serial number display bug was unique to the Venu X1 – likely because of its slightly different hardware or firmware structure.
Owners of those other two wearables can breathe easy; your About page is probably just fine.
How to Get the Update (and Why You Might Want It)
Garmin has confirmed that version 16.40 is now available for all Venu X1 users. The update will be pushed automatically to your watch whenever it’s connected to either the Garmin Connect Mobile app (via Bluetooth on your phone) or Garmin Express (the desktop software for Windows and Mac). If you’re the impatient type – or you just like being in control – you can manually trigger the update right now:
- Press and hold the top button (or swipe) to open the Main Menu.
- Scroll to Settings > System > Software Update.
- Tap “Check for Updates” and follow the prompts.
Make sure your watch has at least 50% battery and stays within range of your phone or computer during the installation. The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes, and your Venu X1 will restart once or twice. Don’t panic – that’s normal.
A Quick Recap of What’s New in 16.40
For those who like the technical details, here’s the full release notes from Garmin’s forum (condensed for readability):
- Bug fix: Resolved an issue where the device serial number was not displayed as expected on the About page.
- No other changes – same performance, same sensors, same battery life.
The Garmin Venu X1 (currently priced at $699.99 on Amazon) remains one of the company’s most feature-rich wearables, with an AMOLED display, advanced health tracking (ECG, SpO2, stress, sleep scores), and up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. If you’ve been on the fence about buying one, this steady stream of updates is a good sign that Garmin is actively supporting the device.
Garmin Forum Confirmation
Over on the official Garmin forums, a company representative confirmed the rollout in a post earlier this week. The thread – titled “Venu X1 Software Version – 16.40” – includes the change log and instructions for manual installation. Forum users have been reporting successful updates, with a few noting that their serial numbers now appear correctly. No widespread issues have been reported so far, which is exactly what you want from a “point release” like this.
Should You Update Right Away?
Generally speaking, yes. Bug fixes are low-risk, and this one doesn’t touch any core functionality like GPS, heart rate tracking, or notifications. However, if you’re the type who waits a few days to see if any unforeseen problems pop up, that’s not a bad habit either. But given that 16.40 has been tested in beta (the previous 16.37 was a stable build), it’s almost certainly safe to hit that “Install” button.
One small tip: after updating, go to Settings > About and double-check that your serial number now shows up correctly. If it doesn’t, a quick restart usually does the trick. And if you’re still having trouble, Garmin Support is responsive – though the forums suggest this fix works for almost everyone.
What’s Next for the Venu X1?
With two updates in quick succession (16.37 and now 16.40), Garmin seems to be tightening up the software experience on the Venu X1 ahead of something bigger. Industry watchers speculate that a major feature update could arrive later this quarter – possibly adding new workout animations, improved nap tracking, or even integration with third-party apps like Strava’s live segments. But that’s just rumors for now.
For the time being, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a properly working “About” screen. It’s not the most glamorous fix, but it’s one less thing to scratch your head about. And if you haven’t picked up a Venu X1 yet, now might be a good time – especially if you can snag it at that $699.99 price point on Amazon. Check the latest deal here.
Have you installed version 16.40 on your Venu X1? Notice any difference – or still seeing the serial number bug? Drop your experience in the comments (or head over to the Garmin forum thread). Stay tuned for more updates as they roll out.
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| The release notes for software version 16.40 for the Garmin Venu X1 |