Bypassing borders: Activate ECG App on Garmin Venu 2 Plus outside the US
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a versatile smartwatch that boasts an array of health and wellness features, including an ECG app. However, due to regulatory approval, this functionality is officially available only in the United States. But what if you’re located outside the US and want to take advantage of this feature? It turns out there is a way to do this. This article will guide you through the steps to enable the ECG app on your Garmin Venu 2 Plus, no matter where you are in the world.
At the time of writing, Venu 2 Plus the only Garmin watch with ECG functionality. There is talk some other devices might receive the feature, but the company has not said anything yet. The ECG app was made available at the start of 2023.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that the ECG app is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It’s a tool that can provide useful data, but it’s not designed to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns. With that out of the way, let’s begin the guide.
How to enable Garmin ECG app outside the US – step by step guide
To enable the ECG app outside the US, you’ll need to trick your device into thinking it’s located within the US. This involves changing your account location. A tried and tested way of doing this is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), along with a fake GPS location spoofer app. There are also some additional steps required.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Change your account location
Log into your Garmin account on the main Garmin website (the one you can use to purchase devices from the company’s website). Change your account location to the United States. This is a crucial step as the ECG app is only available for US-based accounts. But remember, we are not referring here to the Garmin Connect website which holds your exercise and health data. That’s often a point of confusion.
Step 2: Use a VPN
As mentioned, a VPN masks your internet connection’s actual location by routing it through a server in a different location. In this case, you’ll want to connect to a server that is sitting in a city in the United States. There are many VPN services available, both free and paid. Once you’ve chosen a VPN, connect to a US server.
Step 3: Install GPS location spoofer on your phone
These apps allow you to set your device’s GPS location to anywhere in the world. Download a GPS location spoofer such as the Fake GPS Location app from your device’s app store. Set your location to somewhere in the United States.
Step 4: Turn off WiFi
This step may not be necessary for everyone, but some users have reported success after turning off their WiFi during this process. Some even say that it is a crucial step. It’s worth trying if you’re having trouble.
Step 5: Force stop and restart the Garmin Connect app
Once you’ve completed the previous steps, force stop the Garmin Connect app on your phone, then open it again. You should now see the option to add the ECG app to your device menu.
Essential reading: Keep tabs on your heart – wearables the come with an ECG sensor
Follow the onscreen prompts to set up the ECG app, and you’re done! You’ve successfully enabled the ECG app on your Garmin Venu 2 Plus outside the US. Start measuring and enjoying the capabilities of your Garmin Venu 2 Plus to its fullest, no matter where you are in the world.
Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!
Thanks for the great tutorial how to set up the watch. Worked like charm
Thanks, glad it helped! 🙂
Hi Ivan,
On my Pixel phone in Germany, I have installed Hide.Me VPN and Lexa’s Fake GPS location app to fake a location in the USA, switched off WiFi/WLAN, changed my Garmin account at Germin.com to USA, deleted the Garmin Connect app on my phone and installed it again from Google Play Store.
Garmin Connect finally showed the ECG option. I was glad.
But when I tried to install it, a message came up that my region was not covered.
Perhaps using a German email address (xxx.de) was a bad idea?
Perhaps Garmin is checking now the watch GPS for the location too?
Any thoughts what I could do now?
Would appreciate it very much.
Many thanks in adavance for your considerations.
Kind regards,
Heinz-Peter Sebregondi
Hi Peter. I had the same problem. Before tryinh to install EVG APP, restart your watch! Have a nice day!
Mr. Heinz-Peter Sebregondi please restart your watch and try again. I had the same problem. After restart ECG is installed on my watch! Gool luck!
Hola, después de uno conseguir ECG. Se puede volver todo a la anterior configuración de la Unión Europea o se pierde por ello el ECG?
It works, thanks a lot 🙂
Hi
Will the same processs qork foe Venu 3?
Do I need to have vpn on all time or just first setup?
Yes, just first setup.