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Garmin has recently brought a feature to many of its watches that Apple Watch users have been able to enjoy for a while: A device passcode, so you can lock your data when your watch isn’t on your wrist. The feature is now available to users of recent Enduro, Fenix, Forerunner, Lily, Tactix, Venu, and Vivoactive watches.
How the Garmin device passcode works
In previous versions of the Garmin software, devices that have a “wallet” feature would ask you to set up a passcode to use the wallet. Then, when you tapped your watch to use Garmin Pay at a store checkout, you’ll have to enter a four-digit code.
Recent software updates add the ability to lock your entire watch, not just the wallet. Here’s how to turn it on:
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Go into your Settings menu on the watch.
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Select System
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Under Passcode, you can set a passcode if you don’t have one already.
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Once you’ve set a passcode, you’ll have the option for “On” or “Wallet only.” Select “On” if you want to have to enter the passcode each time you put your watch on.
If you haven’t set up Garmin Pay, your passcode options will just be “On” or “Off.”
What you can and can’t do with a Garmin passcode
With the passcode enabled, you’ll have to punch in your code when you put your watch on, but otherwise things will work as usual—for you.
For someone who doesn’t know the code, they can pick up the watch and look at it, but most things beyond the watch face will be locked behind the passcode. To a stranger who doesn’t know the code, here’s what is still available:
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The watch face is visible as usual
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The light button works to turn the watch face or light on and off
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If an activity was running when you took the watch off, it will remain running
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You can still answer a phone call
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The flashlight and emergency assistance shortcuts still work
And here is what is not:
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The glances (data you reach by scrolling down from the watch face) are locked
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The settings menu is locked
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The activity menu is locked, so you can’t start a new activity
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The shortcuts menu (hold the top left button on a Forerunner) only contains five options: power off, lock device, turn the touchscreen on or off, flashlight, and emergency assistance. (This is what I see on the Forerunner 265S and 570; specifics may vary by watch.)
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Everything else that might be on that menu, like your wallet, timers, find my phone, etc.—all are missing.
You also need to enter your passcode to turn the passcode feature on, which helpfully confirms that you still remember what it is and won’t lock yourself out.
Which Garmin watches have the device passcode feature?
Garmin lists these watches as passcode-capable, so long as you have the most recent software update installed, and you have the most recent version of the Garmin Connect app:
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Enduro 3
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Fenix 8 (AMOLED or Solar) and Fenix E
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Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965, and their variations (including S and Music), and the new 570 and 970.
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Instinct 3, 3 Tactical, and E (according to this chart)
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Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active
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Tactix 8
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Venu 3 and 3S
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Vivoactive 5 and 6
How to enable beta software to get new features in the future
Before the passcode feature came out officially, it was available in a public beta. If you like getting new Garmin features, I’d recommend signing up for the beta. I haven’t found things to be buggy, although that’s always a risk with any beta program.
Garmin’s instructions for enrolling in the beta program are here. Basically, you’ll use your Garmin Connect app to select your device, then tap Join Beta Software Program, and agree to the terms.
Within an hour, you should be able to install the latest software. To check for an update at any time, go into the Settings menu on your device, then System, Software Updates, and Check for Updates.
