Garmin’s Backup/Restore Settings function explained

Garmin has a backup/restore settings function for a select range of its watches. This feature, initially seen in the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro series, has been extended to lots of devices since then. What exactly does the backup/restore settings feature do and how do you use it. Let’s get into the nitty gritty.

Why Backup/Restore?

Put simply, the backup/restore function offers users a practical way to save their settings and profiles. This includes things such as your activity and app list, watch faces, glances, alarms, timers, and paired sensors. It doesn’t include your user profile info, heart rate zones, or sleep schedule. But that stuff syncs over from Garmin Connect when you reconnect your watch. Just keep in mind, Garmin Pay details won’t be backed up. So you’ll need to set that up again if you reset your watch.

This feature serves as a safeguard for personalized settings. It ensures that users can easily recover their preferred configurations in various scenarios.

One such instance is when a user needs to reset their device back to its default settings. This process typically erases all personalized settings, but with the backup/restore function, users can quickly restore their preferred settings without having to manually reconfigure their device. It removes the hassle out of getting your watch back to its customised state.

Another scenario where this function proves useful is when a user receives a replacement device from Garmin. Instead of spending time reconfiguring the new device to match the settings of the old one, users can simply restore the settings from a backup, making the transition to the new device seamless and hassle-free.

Interestingly, the backup/restore function also facilitates the transfer of settings between different watches. If a user decides to replace their watch, they can use a backup from their old watch to restore settings on the new one. This feature not only saves time but also ensures consistency in the user experience across devices.

Lastly, the backup/restore function provides users with peace of mind. Knowing that their personalized settings are safely backed up allows users to experiment with different configurations without the fear of losing their preferred settings. This gives freedom to fully explore the capabilities of their Garmin devices.

Accessing the function

To access this function, go to ‘System’ > ‘Backups and Restore’ on your watch. When you initiate a backup, you’ll receive a message that it is queued for an upload. These backups are stored on the Garmin Connect platform, not on the device itself.

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Garmin Connect is integral to the backup/restore process. You can restore your backups via the smartphone app. To do this, click on the watch icon at the top, go to the Device Backups section again. From there, select the desired backup and follow the on-screen instructions to restore the settings to your device.

Also worth mentioning is the option for automatic backups. Manual backups can be initiated at any time, providing control over when settings are saved. Automatic backups, once enabled, periodically save settings to the Garmin Connect account, ensuring that the latest configurations are always preserved.

Security, privacy and final thoughts

You may have some security and privacy concerns. Garmin says it takes your data security seriously. When you back up your settings, they’re stored securely on the Garmin Connect platform, protected against unauthorized access. You have full control over your backups and can manage them through the Garmin Connect app, ensuring your personal information stays private.

If you have not used the feature, we suggest to give it a whirl. It’s a practical tool that saves you time and effort. Whether you’re resetting your watch or upgrading to a new model, it ensures your carefully customized settings are preserved. It’s all about keeping things simple and letting you focus on using your device instead of wasting time reconfiguring it.

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