Garmin users have been running into a frustrating issue with their smartwatches for a couple of months. Many are reporting that their watch faces keep crashing, displaying the “IQ!” logo with an orange exclamation point. This problem seems to affect several models, including the Venu 3, Forerunner 965, and others. The issue started after recent firmware updates, and it’s causing headaches for developers and users alike.
At the heart of the issue is a system error related to the Storage.setValue() function in Garmin’s Connect IQ platform. Developers say this error happens when apps or watch faces try to save data using this function. Once it occurs, the affected watch faces crash and can sometimes cause other watch faces to fail until the device is restarted. But even after restarting, the issue often comes back.
This bug isn’t small. One developer reported nearly 400,000 crashes in a single app since August. It’s not just limited to one or two devices either. The problem has been seen on models like the Venu 3, Fenix 7, and Forerunner 265, with firmware versions 11.16, 20.29, and others mentioned in user forums.
Users are venting their frustration online. Some say the crashes happen randomly, while others notice it after receiving notifications. A few have tried switching to different watch faces, but that hasn’t always fixed the issue. Developers are equally frustrated, with many posting detailed logs and crash reports, hoping Garmin will address the bug quickly.
Garmin has acknowledged the issue but says it’s been tricky to reproduce consistently. A team member noted they are actively investigating, but there’s no clear timeline for a fix yet.
For now, the workaround is restarting the watch when it crashes, but that’s hardly a solution. Some users suggest reporting the problem directly to Garmin’s support team to push for a quicker resolution. As one Redditor put it, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.”
Until Garmin releases a firmware update to fix this, users and developers will have to deal with the crashes.
Dwayne Cubbins
409 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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