Garmin Software Update Cripples Key Features on Forerunner 165, 265, and 965

A recent software update for Garmin's Forerunner lineup has introduced severe bugs, rendering core health and fitness tracking features unreliable or completely non-functional for many users. The problematic update, identified as software version 27.09, is affecting the Garmin Forerunner 165, Forerunner 265, and Forerunner 965. These models are popular choices for runners and fitness enthusiasts, making the timing of these issues particularly frustrating for those in training cycles.

The reported issues go far beyond minor glitches. Users on forums like Reddit and Garmin's own community boards are detailing significant functionality loss. One of the most critical failures is the breakdown of sleep tracking. On the Forerunner 165, for instance, the watch can no longer reliably track sleep data, which is a foundational metric for recovery and overall health assessment. Compounding this, the step counter has reportedly stopped working, and the heart rate monitor has become inconsistent or completely unreliable. For a device marketed on its ability to provide accurate biometric data, these failures fundamentally undermine its purpose.

The impact is not uniform across all devices, which makes diagnosing the root cause more difficult. Some users report experiencing no issues at all after installing version 27.09, while others see their watches become nearly unusable. One user noted significant lag following the update, suggesting potential performance optimization problems in the new firmware. In some isolated cases, a simple restart has temporarily restored functionality, but this is not a consistent fix. The lack of a clear pattern—why some watches are affected and others are not—points to a complex software bug that may interact with specific device configurations or user data.

Garmin has acknowledged the reports and is investigating the issues. However, as of now, the company has not released an official statement detailing the cause or provided a timeline for a corrective firmware update. For the average user, these bugs are an inconvenience, but for athletes preparing for a race, the consequences are more severe. Reliable heart rate data is essential for training in specific zones, and without accurate sleep and recovery metrics, athletes cannot properly gauge their readiness for intense workouts or competitions.

The situation highlights the inherent risks of connected devices that rely on frequent software updates. While updates often bring new features and security patches, they can also introduce unforeseen bugs that degrade the core experience. For Garmin, this is a critical moment to address the problem swiftly. A company known for its robust fitness trackers, Garmin's reputation for reliability is on the line. Users are advised to monitor Garmin's official support channels for an announcement regarding a fix. Until then, those who have installed update 27.09 and are experiencing issues may need to wait for Garmin to roll out a patch to restore full functionality to their devices.