Garmin Vivosport User manual

Troubleshooting guide
I am getting a "Pairing Failed" message
when setting up my Garmin device through
the Garmin Connect App
If you receive a "Pairing Failed" message went attempting to add your Garmin device to the
Garmin Connect App, review the following common solutions that may solve your problem.
Example of error message
NOTE: When prompted from the phone, make sure that you are entering the six-digit code displayed on your Garmin device into your smartphone. Not entering this
code or entering the wrong code will result in a "Pairing Failed" message
Select the option to Retry the process. Sometimes attempting the process a 2nd time will finish the pairing process.
If the issue persists, reboot the Garmin device by powering it off and then powering it back on. Attempt to complete the pairing process again.
oFor devices without a button, plugging them into external power with the charging cable will reboot them.
Try rebooting the smartphone by powering it off and then powering back on. Attempt to complete the pairing process again.
The Garmin Connect App is Not Finding my
Garmin Device During the Pairing Process
If you are attempting to add your Garmin device to the Garmin Connect App and the app is not
finding your device, review the following common solutions that may solve your problem.

Make sure that pairing mode is enabled on your Garmin device.
oTurning on pairing mode will trigger a Bluetooth beacon signal that the Garmin Connect
App will look for. Access Settings and then Bluetooth or Phone options to enable pairing
mode on your device. Location of this setting can vary, consult your Owner's Manual for
specific instructions.
Turn the Bluetooth setting on your smartphone off and then back on.
oCycling this setting on your smartphone can resolve some pairing issues.
Power off and then power on your Garmin device.
oIf you have a Garmin device that does not feature a button, use the charging cable and
plug it into external power. The device will reboot automatically when you connect it to
an external power source.
Garmin Connect App Bluetooth
Troubleshooting
Many Bluetooth issues can be solved by restarting your Garmin device and restarting your
phone. If you continue to have an issue, the following topics cover Bluetooth connection issues
with the Garmin Connect app.
Select a topic below that best describes your issue.
None of the above topics cover my issue.
Confirm that you are running the latest version of the Garmin Connect app.
oChoose your app store below to check for and install any available updates:
Make sure the software on the Garmin device is up to date.
oUse Garmin Express from a computer which will automatically check for and install
available software updates.
Check for and install any available updates for your phone.
oConsult your phone manufacturer for assistance in needed.
Review the following to confirm your phone meets our minimum system requirements:
Bluetooth® Minimum Device Requirements

If issue persists contact Garmin Product Support for further assistance.
Controlling What Android Smart
Notifications Display on a Garmin Device
Managing which notifications from an Android phone that come across to a Garmin device can
be controlled from the settings within the Garmin Connect app.
To manage Smart Notifications:
1. From the Garmin Connect app select (upper left-hand corner)
2. Select Settings
3. Select Smart Notifications
From here, toggle to enable or disable all Smart Notifications or customize by selecting
individual apps.
If these steps have been completed and you are not receiving any smart notifications, See Related
content below to further troubleshoot your issue.
The Band on My vivosport Device Is
Damaged
If the band on your vivosport is torn, it will need to be repaired by Garmin.
For customers in the United States proceed by following the steps below. This will provide you a
Return Authorization to have the device replaced free of charge. For all other locales please
contact your local Garmin office for support.
Step 1:
Visit our Repair Center here. This will open a new window.
Step 2:
Refer back to the steps below which is an example of walking you through the process of
obtaining a repair authorization
My Garmin Fitness Device Is Not Receiving
Smart Notifications from My Phone

In order to receive smart notifications on your Garmin device, it must be paired to your phone
through the Garmin Connect app. If your device is paired and you are not seeing notifications,
check the following steps which should resolve most issues:
Step 1: Review App Permissions settings
Select your phone platform below to reveal instructions
Android Instructions
1. Open the Garmin Connect app
2. Select (upper left corner)
3. Select Settings
4. Select App Permissions
5. If any permissions related to notifications (SMS, Contacts, Phone) say OFF,
select Manage and enable the related permissions
iOS Instructions
1. Open Garmin Connect app
2. Select More (lower right)
3. Select Settings
4. Select App Permissions
5. If any permissions related to notifications (Contacts, Phone) say OFF, select Manage and
enable the related permissions
Step 2: Review App Notification settings
Select your phone platform below to reveal instructions
Android Instructions
1. From the Garmin Connect App select (upper left corner)
2. Select Settings
3. Select Smart Notifications
4. Toggle to enable or disable all Smart Notifications or customize by selecting individual
options.
iOS Instructions
1. Access the iPhone Settings
2. Select Notifications
3. Under NOTIFICATION STYLE select the app you want to adjust
4. Choose your phone iOS version:

oiOS 12 or higher
Under ALERTS make sure that Notification Center is checked to receive smart
notifications for the selected app
oiOS 11 or lower
Under ALERTS make sure that Show in History is toggled on to receive smart
notifications for the selected app
Step 3: Check the Smart Notifications setting on your Garmin Device
This setting is usually found under Settings > Bluetooth/Phone. This setting needs to be
turned on. For specific steps, refer to your device's Owner's Manual.
Step 4: Android Users: Confirm that Notification Access has been granted to
the Garmin Connect app.
The location of this setting will vary by phone manufacturer. If you cannot find this
setting Contact your phone manufacturer for specific instructions.
NOTE: The following are general steps and may not match your particular phone
1. Open the phone's Settings menu
2. Select the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen
3. Input “Access” into the search box
4. Select Notification Access or Access to Notifications
On some phones you may need to select Special Access first
5. Enable access to notifications for Connect

vívosport - Turning On and Setting Up the
Device
Before you can use your device, you must plug it into a power source to turn it on.
To use the connected features of the vívosport device, it must be paired directly through the
Garmin Connect Mobile app, instead of from the Bluetooth®settings on your smartphone.
1. From the app store on your smartphone, install the Garmin Connect Mobile app.
2. Plug the small end of the USB cable into the charging port on your device.
3. Plug the USB cable into a power source to turn on the device
Hello!appears when the device turns on.

4. Select an option to add your device to your Garmin Connect account:
oIf this is the first device you have paired with the Garmin Connect Mobile app,
follow the on-screen instructions.
oIf you have already paired another device with the Garmin Connect Mobile app,
from the settings menu, select Garmin Devices >Add Device, and follow the on-
screen instructions.
he Heart Rate Sensor on My Watch Is Not
Accurate
Optical heart rate sensors work by using lights that can measure small changes in blood volume
in the capillary layer just below the epidermis (outermost of the three layers that make up the
skin) as blood flows through the wrist area. While Garmin’s wrist heart rate monitor technology
is state of the art, there are inherent limitations with the technology that may cause some of the
heart rate readings to be inaccurate under certain circumstances.
The information below describes the main reasons that can affect heart rate accuracy as well as
ways to potentially improve it.
IMPORTANT: Garmin Optical Heart Rate Sensor Accuracy Disclaimer
SKIP TO

FALSE HEART RATE DETECTION
WEARING THE WATCH PROPERLY
CERTAIN ACTIVITIES CAN AFFECT HEART RATE PERFORMANCE
SKIN TONE AND ACCURACY
TATTOOS AND ACCURACY
False Heart Rate Detection
Changes in blood volume aren't always caused by changes in heart rate. Your vascular system is
like a balloon, so movement of your body or flexing of large muscle groups can affect the level
of blood volume in the wrist area and make it more challenging to accurately detect heart rate
among the presence of other signals that have a much larger magnitude and that change more
dynamically.
In the following example the watch initially detected and locked onto the runner's pulse,
but around 20 minutes in it locked to their running cadence:
Why does this happen?
In some cases there isn't much blood in the tissue on the back of the wrist. This issue is
common when it is cold outside or early in a workout before your blood really starts pumping.
How can I prevent this from occurring?
When you plan to workout, warm up a bit before starting the activity. In addition to this, make
sure you are properly wearing the watch. Tips on fit are described in the next section.

Not Wearing the Watch Properly
For the best heart rate performance from your watch, ensure the following.
The optical heart rate sensor must remain in contact with your skin at all times
The watch must also be worn snug, but not too tight
oIf worn too loose the watch can slide around, creating a gap between the optical heart
rate sensor and your skin.
oIf the watch is worn too tight it can actually restrict blood flow..
The watch is properly tight when you can move the watch and the skin underneath moves with
it.
Certain Types of Activities Can Affect Heart Rate Performance
Activities that cause flexing of the wrist (ex. rowing, weight lifting, or gripping a tennis racket)
may create an effect similar to wearing the watch too tightly and restrict blood flow. When this
occurs the watch may have a difficult time detecting an accurate heart rate.
Skin Tone Can Affect Heart Rate Accuracy
Skin tone has an effect as the melanin in the skin absorbs some of the light. Garmin designs our
watches to work on all skin tones.

For higher Fitzpatrick classifications, more melanin is present in the skin. The sensor may have
to work harder to find pulse which can require slightly more battery power
Tattoos Can Affect Heart Rate Accuracy
Tattoos can impact heart rate sensor accuracy and performance. In some cases the optical sensor
may not even turn on. The ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from
reaching the sensor, potentially making it difficult to get a reliable heart rate reading. Garmin
recommends that the watch be worn in an area free of tattoos.