Customers slam Garmin for slow response after smartwatches, including Fenix 8, crash globally
Garmin, the popular smartwatch brand, is facing a growing backlash after a widespread issue caused many of its devices to stop functioning. Customers around the world have reported problems with their watches, including the flagship Fenix 8 model, which retails for just under £1,000 ($1,200).
The malfunction causes users to see a blue triangle on the screen when they try to power on their devices, while others are stuck on the startup screen. Not all Garmin devices have been affected, but many of the company’s smartwatches, including the Fenix 8, Approach, Epix, Forerunner, and Vivoactive series, are reportedly impacted.
Garmin responded to the issue, acknowledging the problem and advising customers to attempt resetting their devices. The company also suggested using its app to try to resolve the issue, but warned users that this might not fix the problem and that a full factory reset may be required. However, many users have claimed that even after following these steps, their devices remain non-functional.
Embed from Getty Images“I’ve done everything they suggested, and my watch is still dead. Garmin’s silence is frustrating,” one disgruntled user posted on social media, adding to the growing list of complaints. Even well-known figures, such as Absolute Radio DJ Leona Graham, shared their frustrations with the malfunction, posting footage of the infamous blue triangle.
The issue appears to be widespread, affecting multiple Garmin models, including cycling computers and various fitness trackers. Despite Garmin’s acknowledgment of the problem, the company has yet to offer a clear explanation for the malfunction. Some experts speculate that the issue may be tied to a faulty update that interferes with the GPS functionality of the devices.
Customers have expressed increasing frustration with Garmin’s response, with many calling out the company for its lack of communication and failure to promptly resolve the problem. “This is unbelievable. These watches aren’t cheap, and there’s no clarity on the cause of the issue,” one user commented.
Garmin has yet to release any further updates, leaving users questioning how long it will take for a permanent fix to be implemented. The delay in communication has raised concerns among loyal customers, who feel abandoned by the brand despite their continued investment in Garmin products.
As the frustration mounts, it remains to be seen whether Garmin will be able to restore its reputation and regain the trust of its user base.
