Garmin has released a critical software update to address widespread display issues plaguing its popular Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 165 Music smartwatches. The hotfix, labeled software version 22.26, aims to resolve problems ranging from garbled screens to unresponsive displays during workouts—issues that have frustrated athletes and fitness enthusiasts since the devices launched earlier this year.
The Problem: Distorted Screens and Disrupted Workouts
Over the past month, Garmin’s user forums erupted with reports from Forerunner 165 owners experiencing erratic screen behavior. Complaints included distorted text, “multiplied” activity metrics overlapping on the display, and screens freezing or turning off entirely mid-workout. One user described their screen as “completely garbled, like static from an old TV,” while another shared frustration over their watch face going blank during runs, leaving them unable to track pace or heart rate.
The glitches appeared most frequently during GPS-based activities, such as running or cycling, with some users noting that rebooting the device provided only temporary relief. “It’s been a nightmare during training sessions,” wrote a marathoner in the forums. “I rely on real-time data, and suddenly my watch just… stops cooperating.”
Garmin’s Response: A Swift Hotfix
After weeks of troubleshooting, Garmin confirmed the display issues stemmed from a software bug interfering with the device’s graphics rendering. The company fast-tracked a fix, releasing version 22.26 this week. According to an official forum announcement, the update “resolves screen distortion and stability problems during activities” and improves overall system performance.
“We apologize to our users for the inconvenience,” a Garmin spokesperson said. “This hotfix prioritizes the core functionality athletes depend on, and we’re committed to ensuring the Forerunner 165 series delivers the seamless experience our community expects.”
How to Install the Update
The hotfix is rolling out globally via Garmin Connect, the companion app for syncing devices. To manually trigger the update:
- Open Garmin Connect on your paired smartphone.
- Navigate to Settings > Device > System Update.
- Follow on-screen prompts to install version 22.26.
Users are advised to ensure their watch has at least 50% battery before updating. Most report the process takes under 10 minutes.
Early Feedback: “Finally Fixed”
Initial reactions to the hotfix are cautiously optimistic. “Did a 5K test run, and no screen glitches!” wrote a user in the forums. Others praised Garmin’s transparency, though some remain wary. “Hoping this isn’t just a Band-Aid,” commented a triathlete. “Time will tell, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights the growing pains of feature-packed wearables. The Forerunner 165 series, lauded for its lightweight design and advanced training metrics, now faces scrutiny over software reliability. For Garmin—a brand synonymous with rugged durability—swift fixes like this are critical to maintaining trust in its ecosystem.
For ongoing updates, users can monitor Garmin’s official support page or engage with the community-driven Forerunner 165 forum.
Have you installed the hotfix? Share your experience in the comments.