Garmin Reinstates Sleep Shortcut in Forerunner 570/970 After User Backlash

Garmin has addressed a significant user concern by reintroducing direct Sleep Focus shortcut functionality in its Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches. Software version 16.28, rolling out throughout February 2026, reverses a contentious decision made in the previous 15.16 update where Garmin removed dedicated sleep mode activation. This change follows substantial user feedback across forums and social media, including confirmed reports from Fenix 8 owners who received direct support communication about the restoration.

The initial removal forced users to navigate multiple menus (Main Menu > Focus Modes > Sleep) to activate sleep tracking, disrupting established workflows. The restoration now enables physical button reassignment for instant activation/deactivation. To configure: Navigate to Main Menu > Watch Settings > System > Shortcuts, select your preferred button assignment, then choose Sleep Focus. This returns one-tap functionality comparable to pre-15.16 behavior.

Compared to the previous version, this update demonstrates Garmin's responsiveness to core user needs. The 15.16 change reflected a broader UI consolidation effort but overlooked how athletes use sleep tracking during travel or post-workout recovery. Restoring hardware shortcuts acknowledges that quick sleep mode access remains essential for serious runners who value efficiency. Notably, implementation differs from older firmware versions by integrating sleep as a Focus Mode subtype rather than a standalone function.

This update specifically targets Forerunner 570 and 970 owners (current pricing starts at $649.99). Users should manually trigger the update via Main Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. While Garmin's forum confirmation explicitly mentions these models, Fenix 8 users report similar functionality returning, suggesting wider implementation. For athletes prioritizing sleep tracking efficiency during training cycles, this correction eliminates a notable friction point in daily use.

The reversal highlights how hardware manufacturers must balance UI simplification with power-user preferences. Garmin's decision to walk back the removal—while maintaining Focus Mode integration—shows pragmatic adaptation to user feedback without compromising system architecture. As wearable software grows more complex, expect continued tension between streamlined interfaces and customizable controls for dedicated performance users.