Users of the garmin watches have been reporting in recent weeks about a recurring problem that is affecting a large number of devices. The error, commonly referred to as the «blue triangle», is generating a blockage in the smartwatches when trying to start activities that depend on the GPS connection. The problem, as you can imagine, is generating quite a bit of frustration among owners, who have filled social networks and platforms such as Reddit with complaints about it.
How does the “blue triangle” affect Garmin watches?
The origin of the problem seems to be linked to a recent update. According to reports, when activating GPS-related functions, such as sports activity tracking, the watch displays a blue triangle on the screen, falling into a continuous reboot loop or becoming completely inoperative. Some devices are starting to freeze even when trying to interact with widgets like the weather widget. This bug affects several models, including:
- Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2).
- Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 8.
- Garmin Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, 965 and 55.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5.
- Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 2.
- Garmin Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active.
- Garmin Instinct 3.
The error obviously prevents the clock from working normally, leaving many people without their wearable of trust, with which they usually monitor your physical activities, among other functions. There were theories that this was a problem related to Garmin's beta program, however, there have also been reports of cases of users who are not part of the program and who have also experienced what has already been dubbed "the triangle of death." It is therefore a widespread problem.
User SuspiciousCucumber16's watch posted on Reddit
Temporary solutions for the blue triangle problem
So far, Garmin has not released a definitive solution, but suggestions are being made on the forums. some measures that could temporarily solve the problem:
- Factory reset: This option erases all data stored on the device. Although it is a rather “aggressive” method, it has worked in some cases. To perform this reset, you must hold down the main button on the watch until it turns off and restarts. However, this solution is not guaranteed to work in all cases either.
- Disable GPS: Some users have reported that avoiding GPS-related features, such as activity tracking, may reduce the incidence of the crash.
- Removing Corrupt File from PC: Some advanced users have connected their watches to a computer to access the Garmin directory and manage to delete the update file that they believe is the source of this whole problem. It is important to note that this procedure is not officially recommended by Garmin. Keep this in mind for the product warranty.
However, several users have experienced that even after performing a factory reset, the blue triangle reappears shortly after using the GPS. This underlines the need for a definitive (and urgent) solution from the company.
Garmin's statements and next steps
Garmin has publicly acknowledged the issue and said it is working around the clock to develop a permanent fix. According to the company, its development team is investigating the source of the bug, and a fix will likely come in the form of a software update. However, they have not provided a specific date for its release, stating only that fixing the bug is "our number one priority".
The problem of blue triangle en garmin watches It has primarily affected recent models, such as the Forerunner, Fenix and Epix lines, although it has also been reported on other devices such as the Instinct and Vivoactive. Some believe that older watches may be less exposed to the bug due to the difference in updates they receive.
Although there are temporary solutions, the only definitive answer will be the release of the promised update that fixes the root of the problem. In the meantime, affected users will have to be patient and follow the temporary instructions… or leave the smartwatch resting in a drawer.