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Garmin watches are incredibly powerful tools for fitness enthusiasts, but they can also be a bit complicated to navigate. No other brand offers as many different settings across various menus. If you’re getting accustomed to a new watch, let me help you find the first few things you should customize and explore.
Most of these tips apply to Forerunner watches, including my favorites, the 265 and 265S—the 55, 165, and 965 all share similar features and controls. Other models like the Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 will also have many of the features discussed here, so when in doubt, consult your device’s manual online.
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Additionally, Garmin offers a unique feature in its support articles: a search bar at the top of the page where you can type in your device name to see if the content applies to your watch. (Here’s an example.)
Customize the data on your main watch screen
When you glance at your watch face, you’ll see the time and probably a few other stats, like your daily step count. On most watches, you can customize both the watch face and the data displayed in these complications.
To change your watch face on a Forerunner, hold the left middle button (the UP button) and select Watch Face. From that screen:
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Scroll with your finger or use the UP and DOWN buttons (middle and bottom buttons on the left) to change the watch face
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Press the START button (top right) to bring up a menu asking if you’d like to apply the watch face or customize it
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If you choose to customize, you can change the color (scroll to see options) or the data fields (scroll to change the data in a field, hit the START button again to move to the next field)
After selecting a watch face you love, I highly recommend taking a moment to customize the data it displays. There are some exciting complications, including my favorite, which shows the current time in relation to sunrise and sunset (appearing as a blue and yellow arc at the top of the screen).
Customize your glances
When you swipe up (or scroll down) from your clock face, you’ll encounter various statistics and tools known as “glances.” Some of these may be interesting and useful, while others might feel unnecessary. The good news is that you can customize which ones you see!
While viewing your glances, hold the middle left button (on a Forerunner) or tap the pencil icon (on a Venu or Vivoactive). Now you can reorder the glances, moving them up or down the list, or remove them entirely. Scroll to the end of the list to add new glances.
I have my glances set up with my running mileage and training status at the top, and other handy options like weather and calendar lower down. I skip the body battery and naps since those don’t interest me.
Customize your activity fields
When participating in an activity—like running—you likely have specific metrics you want to monitor. I prefer to see my total mileage and the current time, rather than total time or calories burned.
To customize these fields, go to the activity as if you’re about to start a run. On a Forerunner, long press the UP (left side middle) button. (On the Venu 3 or Vivoactive 5, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.) From there, select Run Settings and Data Screens, then scroll through the available options. You can customize the data fields on an existing screen or add a new screen with the data you wish to see.
Set up a Garmin Coach plan for weekly workout suggestions
If your watch features daily workout suggestions, as many running watches do, you can view the upcoming week’s workouts on your phone—but only after setting up an adaptive training plan.
While you can set up a more structured training plan whenever you wish, you don’t need a specific race or goal to start an adaptive plan. Go to the More menu in the Garmin Connect app, select Training & Planning, then Garmin Coach Plans and Find a Plan. When you reach the final screen, choose the nameless option instead of the one with human names, as this will provide daily suggested workouts in your app.
Adding a race to your calendar (yes, there is a calendar in the app) will adjust your workout schedule to prepare you for that event. For more information about various Garmin run training plans, I have a breakdown here, highlighting the differences between expert plans and adaptive plans.
Change your step goal
By default, Garmin selects your step goal. Even if the initial number seems reasonable, such as 7,500 or 10,000 steps per day, you might notice it changing over time. What’s happening?
Most likely, you allowed it to set an “auto” goal. This feature adjusts your goal based on your recent average steps. If you reached at least 10,000 steps daily last week, your average likely exceeded that, meaning the watch won’t congratulate you unless you surpass your new normal. This can lead to your goal gradually increasing, which some find motivating and others frustrating.
You can adjust this in the Garmin Connect app. The settings vary by watch; here’s the Garmin page describing where to find it. Use the app to navigate to your device settings and uncheck Auto Average from your step goal.
