What to Do When Your Garmin Watch Freezes or Crashes After a Beta Update

Are you experiencing a freeze or crash on your Garmin watch during a Beta update? Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps and how to report the issue to Garmin for resolution.

Understanding Freezes or Crashes on Garmin Watches

What is a Freeze?

Freeze-when the Garmin watch just stops responding. It’s a common occurrence with Beta software updates.

You can force crash the watch, which is just a restart that will create files Garmin can use for debugging.

What is a Crash?

A crash is when your device unexpectedly restarts or shows an error. Unlike freezes, crashes automatically create diagnostic files, which makes it easier for Garmin to analyze and solve the problem.

How to Fix a Frozen Garmin Watch

Step 1: Force Crash Your Watch

Follow these steps to reboot your watch and create files for Garmin:

1. Repeatedly alternate between pressing the Power and Back buttons in this sequence:
   • Power, Back, Power, Back, and so on.
2. Continue until the watch crashes and restarts.

Important: This process creates diagnostic files needed for troubleshooting.

Step 2: What to Do If Force Crash Doesn’t Work

If your watch doesn’t respond to the force crash method:

• Press and hold the Power button until the device turns off.
  • Note: This resolves the freeze but doesn’t generate files for debugging.

Handling a Crash on Your Garmin Watch

When your watch crashes or restarts unexpectedly, it generates diagnostic files automatically. Here’s how to locate these files:

Finding Diagnostic Files

1. Connect your Garmin watch to a computer.
2. Navigate to the Garmin\Debug folder.
3. Look for these files:
   • RAM.txt or RAM.bin
   • err_log.txt and/or err_log.bak

Note for Instinct Watches: These models won’t generate RAM files but will have error logs.

Manually Saving RAM Files (If Needed)

If the RAM file doesn’t save automatically, you can save it manually:

1. Open the Main Menu on your watch (ensure it’s disconnected from the computer).
2. Go to Settings > System.
3. Select the About page.
4. Press the Light button 8+ times until a new menu appears.
5. Choose Save RAM Region.
   • Wait up to 30 seconds for the process to complete.

How to Report the Issue to Garmin

Step 1: Visit the Beta Program Forum

Head to the Beta Program forum for your device. Locate the Bug Report section that corresponds to your software version.

Step 2: Search for Existing Reports

• Look for similar bug reports:
  • If found:
    • Comment on the thread and describe your experience.
    • Upload the diagnostic files (RAM.txt, RAM.bin, err_log.txt, etc.) via Garmin Support Upload.

Step 3: Create a New Bug Report

If no existing report matches your issue, create a new report with these details:

• Software Version: Mention the Beta version installed on your watch.
• Description: Explain what you were doing when the crash occurred.
• Files: Attach diagnostic files to Garmin Support Upload.

Pro Tips for Garmin Beta Users

• Be Detailed: When reporting issues, include as much information as possible.
• Backup Regularly: Always back up your data before installing Beta updates.
• Stay Updated: Check for new Beta releases or fixes on Garmin’s forums.

Conclusion

Freezes and crashes are frustrating, but they’re part of using Beta software. By following the steps in this guide, you can fix the problem and help Garmin improve its devices.

If you’re using production software, visit Garmin Support for further assistance.

With these tips, you’ll be back to tracking your fitness goals in no time. Happy exploring!

Also See:-

• Garmin Beta v20.10 Now Available – Adds CIQ System 8 Compatibility for Fenix 7.
• Garmin Beta 13.14 Update: New Features & Bug Fixes for Fenix 8 & Enduro 3.
• Garmin Forerunner Beta Update v22.12 Adds Dynamic Training Readiness Scores.