Knowledge Base

How Long Do Garmin Watches Last?

Photo of author
Written by:

Jacky Chou

How Long Do Garmin Watches Last

Garmin watches have made a name for themselves in the fitness and outdoor niche. Watches like this should come rugged and they should also last long so that you are not caught in a bind when outdoors.

I have detailed how long you’ll get on different Garmin watch model batteries after a full charge below. I also provide insights into the overall length of time you can expect to use a Garmin watch for before it needs replacement.

Let’s get at it then.

How Long Do Garmin Vivoactive Watches Last?

Depending on the type of Vivoactive watch you have, and what you are using it for, these watches can last varying times. Below is an average of how long Garmin Vivoactive watch batteries last:

S/N Watch Runtime
(GPS Enabled)
Runtime
(Smartwatch mode)
1 Garmin Vivoactive 3 13 hours 7 days
2 Garmin Vivoactive 4 18 hours 8 days
3 Garmin Vivoactive 4s 18 hours* 8 days
How long Garmin Vivoactive watches last in GPS and Smartwatch modes
  • Garmin Vivoactive 3 – A full charge allows you to use the GPS feature for up to 13 hours. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to seven days on a full charge.
  • Garmin Vivoactive 4 – When using GPS mode on this watch, it lasts up to 18 hours. Combining GPS mode and music playback lessens the runtime to 6 hours. On smartwatch mode, it lasts up to 8 days.
  • Garmin Vivoactive 4s – Activity mode and animation workout on the watch give you 8 hours of usage. Combining activity mode with music playback and workout animation gives 3 and half hours of usage.

Your battery usage is crucial to how long these watches last on a charge. Garmin Vivoactive watches can last as long as five (5) years with proper use, care, and maintenance.

How Long Do Garmin Fenix Watches Last?

Garmin Fenix watches can last up to 4 years. Same as every other smartwatch, the battery might get weaker with time which would lead to a shorter usage between charges.

Here’s a list of some Fenix watches and their battery time:

S/N Watch Runtime
(GPS Enabled)
Runtime
(Smartwatch mode)
1 Garmin Fenix 5 36-72 hours 14 days
2 Garmin Fenix 6 24 hours 14 days
3 Garmin Fenix 7 37 hours
(up to 48 hours on the solar version)
18 days
(22 days with solar charging)How long the Garmin Fenix watches last on GPS and smartwatch mode
  • Garmin Fenix 6 – Without the use of GPS, this watch can last up to 14 days. If GPS is in constant use, battery life reduces to 36-72 hours.
  • Garmin Fenix 5 – You can get up to two (2) weeks of battery life in standard mode, and 24 hours in GPS mode.
  • Garmin Fenix 7 – The Fenix 7 promises up to 37 hours of battery life. This battery life can be extended to 48 hours on the solar version of this watch.

How Long Does Garmin 935 Last?

The Forerunner 935 can last 2 weeks as a day-to-day watch, run for 21 hours in GPS mode, and 44 hours in battery-saving mode on a single charge. This watch should work for at least 3 years, and still be in top condition if properly handled.

How Long Does Garmin Forerunner 45 Battery Last?

The Garmin Forerunner 45 guarantees up to 13 hours of battery life in GPS mode, and can also go for 7 days in smartwatch mode. It’s safe to say that it would last you between 3-5 years of usage if properly cared for and maintained.

How Long Does Garmin Take to Charge?

Garmin watches require a maximum of 90 minutes to get a full charge. If you have the Fenix 7 solar, you can get a full charge in about 3 hours using the solar power source.

What Is the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Lifespan?

A Garmin Vivoactive 3 can function properly for 2-3 years. It can last 7 days in smartwatch mode, and 13 hours in GPS mode.

How Long Should a Garmin Battery Last?

With 3-4 hours of daily GPS usage, Garmin watches can last up to 7 days. If GPS isn’t in use, they can last you several weeks on a single battery charge

Can you replace a Garmin watch battery?

Replacing Garmin watch batteries might not follow the conventional models, but it is possible.

I have found different helpful video guides on replacing the batteries on different Garmin watch models for you.

Find them below:

  • Replacing the Garmin Forerunner 235 Sports Battery
  • Replace Garmin Fenix 5X battery
  • Replace Garmin Forerunner 220 battery
  • Replace Garmin Vivoactive 3 battery

General Guide to Replace a Garmin Watch Battery

For this process, you will need two things; the new battery, and a Phillips screwdriver. Follow these instructions to change the battery:

  1. Separate the watch from its band;
  2. Unscrew the four screws on the back of the watch;
  3. Remove the rear casing, then the battery;
  4. Place the new battery inside. Ensure to place the negative side first;
  5. Replace and tighten the screws;
  6. Insert the watch into its band.

If the watch does not come up after, you should try the process again or take the watch to a repairman.

Which Garmin Watch Has the Longest Battery Life?

Due to its solar installation, the Garmin Instinct Solar has the longest battery life with 56 days of usage in smartwatch mode. On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 945 and Fenix 6 both boast 36 hours of GPS usage, which makes them the highest ranking on the GPS usage chart.

Why Is Your Garmin Watch Dying So Fast? (5 Reasons)

If your Garmin watches are dying too fast, it might be due to a weak battery from extended usage/ charging cycle consumption, or your preferred modes of using the watch.

Here are five functions that drain your battery faster than normal:

  • GPS – This function should only be enabled for navigation. GPS takes a very huge bite out of your charge causing a quick battery drain.
  • Backlight – Putting your backlight at 100% drains the battery quickly to maintain such brightness.
  • Bluetooth – The amount of battery drained by Bluetooth is dependent on how many notifications you get from your synced phone, and how much you sync to your watch per day. Receiving texts, playing music, answering phone calls, and other sync activities will cause the watch to easily get drained.
  • Wi-Fi – When you connect your watch to your Wi-Fi, it continuously searches for updates and connects other internet-based apps too. This constant connection takes a toll on your charge
  • Vibration – Constant vibrations from notifications can also have a little effect on your charge.

Can You Overcharge a Garmin Watch?

YES. Your Garmin watch can be overcharged if not disconnected from its charging source after 24 hours. This overcharging will damage the battery over time.

Tips to Improve Garmin Watch Battery Life

A few things you can do to maximize your watch’s battery life are:

  • Disabling Wi-Fi – After every necessary update or usage, disable the Wi-Fi on your watch.
  • Disabling data connection – Switch off your data connection when it’s not in use.
  • Enabling battery saver – Using the battery saver can also help minimize battery drain.
  • Before engaging in any long-term usage, always charge your watch to 100%.
  • Adjust your brightness according to your surroundings. Increased backlight drains a lot of battery
  • Disabling vibrations – Although it might not drain as much as other factors, disabling your vibrations will also help you save charge.

Take note of non-critical activities that you carry out with your watch, sideline them, and enjoy a longer battery use.

About
Jacky Chou

Jacky Chou is the co-founder of Uberwrists and has gotten into watches from his father from a young age. His first watch was a black G Shock that was comedically large for his wrist. He appreciates watches from Seiko to a Patek Philippe.

Leave a Comment