Garmin Forerunner 45 Not Connecting to iPhone or Android Phone 

You’re not alone if you are having trouble connecting your Garmin Forerunner 45 to your iPhone or Android phone. Many users have experienced this issue, which can be frustrating and confusing. Fortunately, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to get your device connected. In this article, we’ll explain how to troubleshoot this issue and get your Garmin Forerunner 45 connected to your smartphone.

Fix 1: Enable Bluetooth on your Smartphone

Bluetooth is essential for connecting your Garmin Forerunner 45 to your mobile device. If your Garmin Forerunner 45 is not connecting to your iPhone or Android phone, it might be that Bluetooth is disabled.

It’s relatively easy to enable Bluetooth on your smartphone. All you have to do is make sure that your device’s Bluetooth setting is turned on. Here’s how to do it on an iPhone and an Android phone:

For iPhone:

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Toggle the switch to the “On” position.

For Android:

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Tap Connected devices.
3. Tap Bluetooth.
4. Toggle the switch to the “On” position.

Once you have enabled Bluetooth on your phone, you should be able to connect your Garmin Forerunner 45 to your device.

Fix 2: Restart your Watch and Smartphone

You can also try restarting your watch and smartphone. This simple step can help you establish a connection between the two devices, allowing you to take advantage of all the features and benefits of your Garmin Forerunner 45.

To restart your watch:

1. Press and hold the Light button (located on the top-left) on your device until it turns off.
2. Then, press and hold the button again for about 2 seconds until it turns back on.

Restart your Android device:

1. Press and hold the Power button until the “Power off” option appears.
2. Tap “Restart” to restart your device.

Restart your iPhone:

1. Press and hold the Side button and Volume Up or Volume Down keys together until the “Slide to Power off” option appears. For iPhones with a Home button, simply press and hold the Side button.
2. Drag the power icon from left to right to turn off your device.
3. Press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears to turn your device back on.

Once both devices have been restarted, try connecting them again. This time you should have success in establishing a connection.

Fix 3: Make Sure your Devices are in Range

Distance is the primary factor that affects the performance of a Bluetooth connection. This is especially true when it comes to connecting your Garmin Forerunner 45 to your phone. To ensure that your device is in range, make sure that it is within 33 feet (10 meters) of your phone. If you are further away than this, your connection may not work.

To ensure that your devices are in range:

• Make sure that both the Forerunner 45 and your phone are turned on and have Bluetooth enabled.
• Bring both devices as close to each other as possible.
• Check for any physical obstacles that may be blocking the connection, such as walls or furniture.

Fix 4: Update the Garmin Connect App

If you’re still having trouble connecting your Garmin watch to your smartphone, you may need to update the Garmin Connect app. Updating the app can help fix common issues like your device not connecting or syncing properly.

To update the Garmin Connect app on an Android device:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap the Profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Tap “Manage apps and device.”
4. Scroll through the list and find the Garmin Connect app.
5. Tap “Update” next to the Garmin Connect app to start the update process.

To update the Garmin Connect app on an iPhone:

1. Open the App Store app.
2. Tap your Profile at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll through the list and find the Garmin Connect app.
4. Tap “Update” next to the Garmin Connect app to start the update process.

Note: You will need to have a Wi-Fi connection or be connected to a mobile data network to update the app. If you don’t see the app listed in the Updates tab, it means that you already have the latest version installed.

Once you’ve ensured that the Garmin Connect App is up to date, you can try connecting your device again.

Fix 5: Pair your Watch Manually

If you are still having trouble connecting your Garmin Forerunner 45 watch to your iPhone or Android phone, don’t worry! You can manually pair the watch with your phone in just a few simple steps. Follow the steps below to manually connect your Garmin Forerunner 45 watch to your phone.

On your Watch:

1. Press the Up button on your Forerunner 45 to access the Settings menu.
2. Select the cog-like (Settings) icon.
3. Use the Down button to scroll down and select Phone.
4. Select Pair Phone to enter into pairing mode. Your watch is now in pairing mode.

On your Smartphone:

1. Open the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines or three dots) in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Tap Garmin Devices.
4. Tap Add Device to enter into pairing mode.
5. Once both devices are in pairing mode, they should automatically connect to each other.
6. If the connection is successful, you should see a confirmation message on both the watch and the smartphone.
7. Tap Connect it on your phone.
8. You should now receive a code on your watch. Enter the code on your phone.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

If you have any trouble pairing the devices, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on both the watch and the smartphone and try restarting both devices before attempting to pair them again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect my Garmin Forerunner 45 to my phone?

To connect your Garmin Forerunner 45 to your phone, make sure that the device is powered on and open the Garmin Connect mobile app on your phone. Put both your device and watch into pairing mode. Follow the onscreen instructions to pair your device with your phone. You can find detailed instructions in this guide.

What should I do if my Garmin Forerunner 45 isn’t connecting to my phone?

If your device is not connecting to your phone, make sure that the device is powered on and that your phone’s Bluetooth is enabled. Then, try restarting the Garmin Connect mobile app or restarting the device. If these steps don’t work, contact Garmin Support for further assistance.

Final Words

The Garmin Forerunner 45 is a great device for runners who want to track their progress without breaking the bank. However, if you are having trouble connecting it to your smartphone, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. By making sure that Bluetooth is enabled, restarting the device, and updating the app firmware, you can successfully connect the watch to your smartphone. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.