You Can Finally Set a Passcode to Lock Your Garmin Watch

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Garmin is introducing a feature to many of its watches that Apple Watch users have been able to enjoy for a while. That’s a device passcode, so you can lock your data when your watch isn’t on your wrist. The feature will be rolling out to Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, and Vivoactive users, or you can get it right now with the beta program. 

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How the Garmin device passcode works

In the old setup—what you have right now if you aren’t on the beta program—devices that have a “wallet” feature will ask you to set up a passcode to use the wallet. Then, when you tap your watch to use Garmin Pay at a store checkout, you’ll have to enter a four-digit code. 

The new update adds the ability to lock your entire watch, not just the wallet. Here’s how to turn it on: 

1. Enroll in the beta program (more about that below)

2. Go into your Settings menu

3. Select System

4. Under Passcode, you’ll have the option for “On” or “Wallet only.” Select “On” if you want to have to enter the passcode each time you put your watch on.

What you can and can’t do with a Garmin passcode

With the passcode enabled, you’ll have to punch in your code when you put your watch on, but otherwise things will work as usual—for you. 

For someone who doesn’t know the code, they can pick up the watch and look at it, but most things beyond the watch face will be locked behind the passcode. To a stranger who doesn’t know the code, here’s what is still available:

• The watch face is visible as usual

• The light button works to turn the watch face or light on and off

• If an activity was running when you took the watch off, it will remain running

• You can still answer a phone call

• The flashlight and emergency assistance shortcuts still work

And here is what is not: 

• The glances (data you reach by scrolling down from the watch face) are locked

• The settings menu is locked

• The activity menu is locked, so you can’t start a new activity

• The shortcuts menu (hold the top left button on a Forerunner) only contains five options: power off, lock device, turn the touchscreen on or off, flashlight, and emergency assistance. 

• Everything else that might be on that menu, like your wallet, timers, find my phone, etc.—all are missing.

Which Garmin watches are getting the device passcode feature?

Garmin says that the following watches are getting the device passcode feature, so long as you are enrolled in the beta, you have the latest beta software installed, and you have the most recent version of the Garmin Connect app: 

• Enduro 3

• Fenix 8 (AMOLED or Solar) and Fenix E

• Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965, and their variations (including S and Music)

• Venu 3 and 3S

• Vivoactive 5

How to enable the beta to get the passcode feature

If you like getting new Garmin features, I’d recommend signing up for the beta. I haven’t found things to be buggy, although that’s always a risk with any beta program. 

Garmin’s instructions for enrolling in the beta program are here. Basically, you’ll use your Garmin Connect app to select your device, then tap Join Beta Software Program, and agree to the terms. 

Within an hour, you should be able to install the latest software. To check for an update at any time, go into the Settings menu on your device, then System, Software Updates, and Check for Updates.

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