Change Watch Face Garmin: Step-by-Step Guide

To change the watch face on a Garmin watch, press and hold the middle-left button (or the touchscreen, depending on your model) until the watch face menu appears, then swipe or scroll to browse and select a new face. This guide covers the exact steps for both button-only and touchscreen models, how to customize existing faces, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

How Watch Faces Work on Garmin

Garmin watches come with a set of pre-installed watch faces, and you can download additional ones from the Connect IQ Store. Each face can display a combination of time, date, heart rate, steps, battery, and other data fields. The number of available faces and the customization options vary by model—newer watches like the Fenix 7, Forerunner 265, and Venu 3 offer more flexibility than older or budget models.

There are two main types of watch faces: stock faces (built into the watch) and Connect IQ faces (third-party or Garmin-made, installed via the app). Stock faces are optimized for battery life and reliability, while Connect IQ faces can add more data fields, animations, or custom graphics but may drain the battery faster.

How to Change the Watch Face (Step-by-Step)

The exact method depends on whether your watch has a touchscreen or uses buttons only. Here are the general steps for both:

For Touchscreen Models (Venu, Vivoactive, Fenix 7/8, Forerunner 265/965, etc.)

1. Wake the watch by pressing any button or raising your wrist.
2. Press and hold the middle of the touchscreen for about 1–2 seconds until the watch face menu appears.
3. Swipe left or right to scroll through the available watch faces.
4. Tap the face you want to use—it will be set immediately.
5. To exit, press the back button (usually the top-right button) or tap the checkmark if shown.

For Button-Only Models (Forerunner 55, 245, 745, Instinct, etc.)

1. Press and hold the UP button (middle-left on most models) for 2–3 seconds until the watch face menu appears.
2. Use the UP and DOWN buttons to scroll through the list of watch faces.
3. Press the START button (top-right) to select the highlighted face.
4. Press the BACK button (bottom-right) to exit the menu.

Note: On some older models (e.g., Forerunner 235), you may need to press and hold the UP button from the watch face screen, then select “Watch Face.�

How to Customize a Watch Face

Once you’ve selected a face, you can often customize its data fields, colors, and style. Here’s how:

1. From the watch face, press and hold the touchscreen (or the UP button) to enter the watch face menu.
2. Select the gear icon or “Settings� (if shown).
3. Choose “Data Fields� to change what appears in each corner or on the bottom (e.g., replace “Steps� with “Heart Rate� or “Battery�).
4. Choose “Color� or “Style� to change the accent color or the overall look.
5. Press BACK to save and return to the watch face.

Not all faces allow full customization—some stock faces are fixed. Connect IQ faces often have their own settings accessible from the Connect IQ app on your phone.

How to Get New Watch Faces from Connect IQ

To download additional watch faces, you need the Garmin Connect IQ app on your smartphone (iOS or Android). Here’s the process:

1. Open the Connect IQ app and sign in with your Garmin account.
2. Tap the “Watch Faces� icon at the bottom.
3. Browse or search for a face you like. You can filter by “Free� or “Paid.�
4. Tap “Install� or “Download� on the face’s page.
5. Follow the prompts to sync it to your watch (ensure Bluetooth is on and the watch is nearby).
6. Once synced, go to the watch face menu on your watch (as above) and select the new face.

Some faces require a companion app or a subscription to unlock full features—read the description carefully. Also, note that installing a Connect IQ face may reduce battery life, especially if it updates frequently (e.g., shows seconds or heart rate every second).

Common Problems and Fixes

• Watch face not changing: Make sure you’re pressing and holding the correct button or the touchscreen. On some models, you need to press the UP button, not the DOWN or LIGHT button.
• New face not showing up: Check that the face is fully downloaded and synced via Connect IQ. Restart the watch (hold the LIGHT button for 10 seconds until it turns off, then turn it back on).
• Battery draining fast after installing a face: Some third-party faces are poorly optimized. Try a different face or revert to a stock face.
• Can’t find the watch face menu: On some models, you must be on the main watch face screen (not in a widget or app) before pressing and holding.
• Face appears but data fields are blank: Go to the face’s settings in Connect IQ and ensure the required data sources (e.g., heart rate) are enabled.

How to Choose a Watch Face

When deciding on a watch face, consider these factors:

• Battery life: Faces with always-on seconds, animations, or frequent heart rate updates consume more battery.
• Data fields: Think about what you want to see at a glance—distance, pace, heart rate, calories, weather, etc. Most faces allow 2–4 data fields.
• Readability: Choose high-contrast colors and clear numerals, especially if you run or cycle in bright sunlight.
• Style: Analog vs. digital, minimal vs. busy—pick what matches your taste and usage.
• Compatibility: Not all faces work on all models. Check the Connect IQ store listing for your specific watch.

For athletes, a face with pace and heart rate is useful; for everyday use, a simple face with date and battery is often enough.

Garmin Watch Faces vs. Third-Party Faces

Garmin’s own faces are reliable, battery-friendly, and come pre-installed. They are usually simple but may lack advanced data fields or customization. Third-party faces (from Connect IQ) offer more variety—some are highly customizable, with custom graphics, weather, or even complications from other apps. However, they can be less stable, may drain the battery, or may not receive updates for new watch models. For critical activities, stick to stock faces; for fun, experiment with third-party ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I change my watch face on my Garmin?

If the long-press doesn’t work, ensure you’re on the main watch face screen. On some models, you may need to press the UP button (not the touchscreen) even if the watch is touchscreen. Also, check if the watch is in battery-saver mode—some modes disable watch face changes. Restart the watch if the issue persists.

How do I delete a watch face from my Garmin?

To remove a downloaded face, go to the Connect IQ app on your phone, find the face under “My Apps,� and select “Remove.� You can also delete faces from the watch’s settings menu (Settings > Watch Face > Remove). Stock faces cannot be deleted, only hidden.

Can I use a photo as a watch face on Garmin?

Yes, some Garmin models (like the Venu and Vivoactive series) allow you to set a custom photo as the background. Go to Settings > Watch Face > Add New > Photo, and choose a picture from your phone’s gallery via the Garmin Connect app.

Do all Garmin watch faces work on all models?

No. Watch faces are designed for specific screen sizes and resolutions. A face made for the Fenix 7 (1.3-inch, 260×260) may not fit the Venu 2 (1.3-inch, 416×416). Always check compatibility before installing.

Will changing the watch face affect my activity tracking?

No, watch faces are purely cosmetic. They do not affect GPS, heart rate, or step tracking. However, a face that constantly updates data (like seconds) can reduce battery life, which may indirectly affect long activities.

How do I set a watch face as the default for all my Garmin devices?

You must set the watch face on each device individually. There is no global setting. Use the same steps on each watch to select the same face.

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