Hello there! Having worked with a multitude of watches over the years, I’ve encountered many Garmin watch models and have experience with their battery replacements. I understand how crucial it is to ensure your watch is functioning at its best. Let’s dive into the specifics:
Understanding Garmin Watch Batteries:
Garmin watches, like most modern smartwatches, primarily use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. These batteries are known for their long lifespan and ability to hold a charge. However, like all batteries, they do degrade over time.
Models and Their Battery Types:
- Forerunner Series: These often use coin cell batteries, particularly in some of the older models. For instance, the Forerunner 10 has a specific battery that can be replaced with some care1.
- vívo Series: The vívoactive models, for example, use integrated lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are sealed within the watch but can be replaced with the right tools and expertise.
- fenix Series: These high-end models usually come with built-in rechargeable batteries. It’s a bit more intricate to replace them, but it’s doable.
Identifying Whether Your Battery Can Be Replaced:
Before attempting any replacement, it’s essential to know whether your Garmin watch has a user-replaceable battery or a built-in one. Some Garmin watches, especially the older models, have user-replaceable coin cell batteries, which can be swapped out easily. However, many of the newer models have built-in batteries that require more care.
Step-by-Step Replacement Guide (for user-replaceable batteries):
Note: Always ensure you’re working in a clean, well-lit space, and use the proper tools.
Preparation: Turn off the watch. If possible, back up any important data.
Open the Back Case: For watches with screws, use a precision screwdriver. For snap-back cases, you might need a case opener or a thin blade.
Remove the Old Battery: Use plastic tweezers (to prevent short-circuits) to gently lift the battery.
Insert the New Battery: Ensure you’re placing it with the correct polarity. The battery’s ‘+’ sign should match the ‘+’ marking inside the watch.
Close the Case: Carefully reseal the back case, ensuring all seals or gaskets are in place to retain water resistance.
Recommendations for Built-in Batteries:
If your watch has a built-in battery, I’d advise caution. While it’s possible to replace these batteries, the process is more involved and can potentially damage the watch if not done correctly. In such cases, unless you’re very confident in your skills, it might be best to consult a professional or send the watch to Garmin for replacement.
After Replacement Care:
Once you’ve replaced the battery, ensure that all functions of the watch are working correctly. Test the buttons, backlight, and GPS functionality, if applicable. Also, monitor the battery life over the next few days to ensure the replacement was successful.
Eng. Matthew Joseph Nandirio is the Founder of walkingsolar.
After graduating from the University of Houston in 2002, matt started working as a Solar Electrical Engineer for several multi-national solar energy companies.
He has a wide range of experiences including solar system requirement analysis, planning, maintaining, debugging and even solar device development through research.
He now shares his 20 years of expertise through his articles on the walkingsolar website.
Further, he is also the author of two books on Solar Technology, “Solar Power for Villages” and “DIY Solar System for Dummies”.
