Garmin has quietly pushed out a fresh beta update for its Fenix lineup, and while version 22.05 doesn’t bring flashy new features, it does fix a few stubborn issues that have been nagging users.
If you’re part of Garmin’s beta testing program—or thinking about joining—here’s a quick look at what this update brings, why it matters, and whether it’s worth downloading.
Why This Update Matters—Even Without New Features
Let’s be real: beta updates aren’t always headline-worthy. There are no shiny new widgets or breakthrough health insights here. But what version 22.05 lacks in glamour, it makes up for in practical reliability.
If you’ve ever had your Fenix freeze while trying to connect your GoPro mid-hike—or been annoyed when the music volume page just wouldn’t update—this one’s for you.
In a nutshell, this is a “clean-up” release: Garmin’s engineers are tightening the screws, fixing minor annoyances, and ensuring a smoother experience overall.
As someone who uses a Fenix 7 almost daily for trail running and bike commuting, I can tell you—these kinds of updates are what keep your $700 watch feeling premium long after launch day.
What’s Fixed in Version 22.05
According to Garmin’s official changelog, here’s what the update improves:
- GoPro Connectivity Fix: Resolved crashes that occurred when using the GoPro Connect IQ app.
- Music Volume Page Update: Fixed an issue where volume changes weren’t visually updating.
- Sleep Coach Widget Crash: Eliminated a bug that could cause the widget to crash unexpectedly.
No new features, no changes to battery life, and no UI redesigns. Just solid bug fixes.
Devices Getting the Update
This beta is available for the following watches:
- Fenix 7 / 7 Pro
- Epix (Gen 2) / Epix Pro (42mm, 47mm, 51mm)
- Enduro 2
- Quatix 7
- MARQ Gen 2
❗️Note: If you own a Tactix 7 or MARQ Aviator Gen 2, you’re out of luck—for now. Garmin has not included these models in the 22.05 beta release.
Why I Appreciate These “Small” Updates
I’ve been part of Garmin’s beta program for over a year now. While it’s easy to get excited over major firmware upgrades, I’ve learned that it’s these incremental updates—the ones most people ignore—that often make the biggest difference in day-to-day usability.
In my case, I’ve had the GoPro crash issue happen during trail runs, which meant I missed capturing some pretty epic views.
I also rely heavily on the Sleep Coach, and while it hasn’t crashed on me, knowing it’s now more stable adds peace of mind. These aren’t just “nerdy tweaks”—they’re real fixes for real users.
How to Install the Update
If you’re already enrolled in Garmin’s Public Beta Program, here’s how to manually check for updates:
On your watch:
Go to Main Menu → Settings → System → Software Update → Check for Updates
It’s that simple. If the update is ready for your device, it will begin downloading over Wi-Fi.
Want to Join Garmin’s Beta Program?
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys testing early builds and helping shape the final release, joining Garmin’s Beta Program is easy:
- Go to connect.garmin.com on a desktop.
- Log in to your Garmin Connect account.
- Click the device icon in the top-right corner.
- Select the device you want to enroll.
- Choose “Join Beta Software Program.”
- Accept the terms and conditions.
That’s it—you’ll now receive beta updates as they’re released. Keep in mind: that beta software is not always perfect.
But if you’re up for it, you’ll be among the first to test what’s next.
Final Thoughts: Should You Update?
If you’ve experienced any of the bugs this update addresses, absolutely yes—update now. Even if you haven’t, there’s no harm in getting a more stable experience.
This might not be the kind of update that makes waves on tech blogs, but for Garmin users who value reliability, version 22.05 is a quiet but meaningful step forward.
Sometimes, it’s the updates you don’t notice that do the most good.
