Garmin has released beta update 17.05 for the Venu 3 and vivoactive 5 smartwatches, targeting a specific bug that prevented users from downloading playlists from streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Music. While the official change log mirrors previous updates, user reports confirm the fix for the persistent download issue.
Garmin has pushed a new beta update, version 17.05, to owners of the Venu 3, Venu 3s, and vivoactive 5 smartwatches. This release is notable not for flashy new features, but for addressing a specific, frustrating bug that has plagued users of the company's mid-range wearables.
The update arrives several months after the last stable release, version 17.01, which was delivered in November 2025. That previous update focused on fixing a Garmin Messenger app pairing issue and correcting an EasyCard icon. The new beta, however, appears to tackle a more fundamental usability problem for music listeners.
The official change log for beta version 17.05 is identical to that of the stable 17.01 and the earlier beta 17.02. This can be confusing, as it suggests no new fixes are included. However, insights from the Garmin forums tell a different story. Users of the vivoactive 5 had identified a bug where attempting to download playlists from apps like Spotify or YouTube Music would result in a progress bar stuck at 0%. The watch would often freeze or crash during this process, rendering a core music feature unreliable.
Following the beta 17.05 installation, several forum participants have reported that the playlist download issue is now resolved. This indicates that while Garmin's official documentation may not be updated, the beta is indeed targeting this specific problem. It's a practical fix for a real-world annoyance, especially for users who rely on offline music during workouts or commutes.
How It Compares to Previous Updates
This beta follows a pattern Garmin has established for its mid-range lineup. Updates often focus on stability and bug squashing rather than introducing major new capabilities. The version 17.01 stable release was similarly corrective, addressing app pairing and iconography issues. The beta 17.02 from early December 2025 shared the same change log, suggesting a prolonged testing cycle for these specific fixes.
For context, the Venu 3 and vivoactive 5 are positioned as Garmin's more accessible smartwatches, sitting below the premium Forerunner and Epix series. They offer core health tracking, GPS, and music storage, but lack some of the advanced training metrics and premium materials of higher-end models. Keeping this hardware stable and functional is crucial for maintaining their value proposition against competitors like Fitbit and Apple Watch SE.
Who Should Install This Beta?
This update is strictly for users enrolled in Garmin's beta software program. It is not a stable release and may contain other, unreported bugs. Installation is straightforward for beta members:
- Navigate to the Main menu on your watch.
- Go to Settings > System > Software Update.
- Follow the prompts to download and install version 17.05.
Important Note for Venu 3 Owners: As is standard with Garmin beta software, the ECG (electrocardiogram) feature will be disabled on the Venu 3 during the beta period. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the feature's accuracy and reliability in the final stable release. If you rely on ECG monitoring, you should wait for the stable version of 17.05.
For those not in the beta program, the stable version 17.01 remains the latest official software. The fixes in 17.05 will likely be incorporated into a future stable update, possibly version 17.05 or 17.10, once Garmin is satisfied with the beta testing results.
The Bigger Picture: Software Support for Older Hardware
This release underscores Garmin's commitment to supporting its mid-range hardware with ongoing software maintenance. While the Venu 3 and vivoactive 5 are not the newest models in the lineup, they remain popular choices for their balance of features and price. A bug that breaks a core function like music downloads can significantly degrade the user experience, so addressing it is a priority.
It also highlights the importance of beta testing communities. Without user feedback flagging the specific Spotify/YouTube Music issue, this bug might have persisted longer in the stable channel. For tech-savvy users, participating in beta programs offers early access to fixes, though it comes with the risk of instability.
If you own a Venu 3 or vivoactive 5 and have been frustrated by playlist downloads, beta version 17.05 is worth installing—provided you're comfortable with beta software and can live without the ECG feature on the Venu 3 for a while. For everyone else, it's a sign that a stable fix is on the horizon.
Garmin Venu 3 Product Page Garmin vivoactive 5 Product Page Garmin Beta Software Program Forum
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