Garmin GPS Watch Boot Loop Crisis: Thousands of Users Stuck in Reboot Loop

Thousands of Garmin GPS watch users are experiencing a boot loop crisis, with devices freezing on a blue triangle logo when trying to use GPS functions. Users are advised to turn off their watches and resync, or perform a factory reset, but data loss is a risk.

Garmin GPS watches, known for their reliability and advanced features, have recently been plagued by a widespread issue known as the “boot loop.” This problem causes devices to freeze on a blue triangle logo, preventing users from accessing essential GPS functions. The issue affects multiple watch series, including the Forerunner, Venu, and Epix models.
Users have reported that their watches become stuck in an infinite reboot loop when attempting to engage GPS-related activities, such as tracking workouts. This has left thousands of fitness enthusiasts frustrated, as they rely on these devices for their daily activities. The problem is not limited to any specific model; it has been reported across various Garmin smartwatches.
Garmin has acknowledged the issue and provided temporary fixes. Users are advised to turn off their watches by holding the power button until they shut down, then power them back on and sync with the Garmin Connect or Garmin Express apps. For those still experiencing issues, a factory reset is recommended, although this method comes with the risk of data loss.
Technical speculations suggest that the root cause of this problem is a malfunctioning firmware update tied to the GPS subsystem of these watches. The failure of the satellite pre-cache file, which is updated frequently to facilitate faster location acquisition, is also being considered as a potential cause.
As users await a permanent resolution from Garmin, the company’s status page remains updated with instructions and workarounds. The anticipation for a swift and reliable fix is high, especially during the workout season when these devices are most critical.

What is causing the boot loop issue in Garmin GPS watches?
The root cause is believed to be a malfunctioning firmware update tied to the GPS subsystem, possibly related to the failure of the satellite pre-cache file.
Which Garmin watch models are affected by the boot loop?
The issue affects multiple watch series, including the Forerunner, Venu, Epix, Fenix, Instinct, Tactix, Vivoactive, and Venu series.
What are the temporary fixes provided by Garmin?
Users are advised to turn off their watches by holding the power button until they shut down, then power them back on and sync with the Garmin Connect or Garmin Express apps.
What is the risk associated with performing a factory reset?
Performing a factory reset will delete Connect IQ content, Body Battery data, Garmin Wallet data, shortcut and hotkey controls, and more.
Has Garmin dealt with similar issues in the past?
Yes, Garmin faced a WastedLocker ransomware attack four years ago, which caused a worldwide outage of its services.

The Garmin GPS watch boot loop crisis has left thousands of users frustrated and seeking reliable solutions. While temporary fixes are available, the root cause remains unclear. Users are advised to stay updated through Garmin’s official channels for any permanent resolutions. The reliability of these devices is a concern, especially during the workout season, and users are eagerly awaiting a swift and reliable fix.