How Do You Turn Off a Garmin Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

If you own a Garmin watch, you know how handy it can be for tracking your fitness, navigating routes, and staying connected on the go. However, there are times when you might want to power down your device—whether to conserve battery, reset the watch, or simply take a break from notifications. Understanding how to turn off your Garmin watch efficiently ensures you get the most out of your device while maintaining its longevity.

Turning off a Garmin watch might seem straightforward, but depending on the model and its features, the process can vary. Some watches have dedicated buttons or menus designed for powering down, while others might require a combination of button presses or navigating through settings. Being familiar with the general approach to shutting down your watch can save you time and prevent any frustration.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of powering off your Garmin watch, highlighting common methods and tips to make the process seamless. Whether you’re new to Garmin devices or just need a quick refresher, this guide will help you confidently manage your watch’s power options.

Steps to Turn Off Different Garmin Watch Models

Turning off a Garmin watch varies depending on the model, as newer and older devices have different button configurations and touchscreen capabilities. Below are detailed instructions for some of the most common Garmin watch series:

  • Garmin Forerunner Series (e.g., Forerunner 235, 245, 945)

Press and hold the power button (usually the top-left or top-right button) for about 3-5 seconds until the power menu appears. Select “Power Off” or slide the power icon to confirm.
If the watch has a touchscreen, you can also tap on the power icon once it appears.

  • Garmin Fenix Series (e.g., Fenix 5, 6, 7)

Press and hold the Light button (top-left) for several seconds. The power menu will show on screen. Choose the “Power Off” option by using the Start/Stop button to navigate and confirm.
On touchscreen models, tap the power icon to shut down.

  • Garmin Vivoactive/Venu Series

Hold down the action button (usually the side button) for 3-5 seconds. The power off menu will appear, allowing you to tap or select “Power Off.”

  • Garmin Instinct Series

Hold the Light button for approximately 15 seconds to bring up the shutdown screen. Use the Down and Up buttons to highlight “Power Off” and press the Start button to confirm.

If your watch is unresponsive, a forced restart may be necessary, which is covered in a different section.

Garmin Watch Model Button to Hold Duration Action on Screen
Forerunner 235 / 245 / 945 Power Button (top-left or top-right) 3-5 seconds Select “Power Off” or tap power icon
Fenix 5 / 6 / 7 Light Button (top-left) 3-5 seconds Choose “Power Off” from menu
Vivoactive / Venu Action Button (side button) 3-5 seconds Tap/select “Power Off”
Instinct Light Button ~15 seconds Highlight and confirm “Power Off”

Using the Garmin Connect App and Settings to Manage Power

While the Garmin Connect app does not provide a direct method to power off your watch remotely, it plays a crucial role in managing device settings that can extend battery life and reduce the need for frequent shutdowns.

Within the Garmin Connect app, you can adjust various settings such as:

  • Activity Tracking Options: Disable continuous heart rate monitoring or reduce GPS usage to conserve battery.
  • Display Settings: Enable power-saving modes or reduce screen brightness.
  • Smart Notifications: Limit or disable notifications that may drain battery.
  • Sleep Mode and Do Not Disturb: Schedule times when the watch screen is off or notifications are silenced.

On the watch itself, you can also enable power-saving modes that do not require turning off the device completely but significantly extend battery life:

  • Battery Saver Mode: Disables non-essential features and reduces background activity.
  • UltraTrac Mode: Used primarily for GPS tracking with minimal sensor use to prolong battery during long activities.
  • Do Not Disturb Mode: Turns off alerts and screen activation during set periods.

By configuring these options, you can effectively manage your Garmin watch’s power consumption without frequent shutdowns.

When to Use Forced Restart Instead of Normal Shutdown

A forced restart is recommended only when the Garmin watch becomes unresponsive or frozen and the normal shutdown process is not accessible. This method forcibly powers off the device and restarts it, which can resolve many software glitches.

To perform a forced restart, follow these steps depending on your model:

  • Press and hold the power or light button for approximately 15 seconds until the screen goes black.
  • Release the button, then press it again briefly to power the device back on.

Important considerations when using forced restart:

  • It should not be used as a regular method for turning off the watch.
  • Avoid performing forced restart during firmware updates to prevent corruption.
  • If problems persist after forced restart, consider performing a factory reset or contacting Garmin support.

Additional Tips for Managing Garmin Watch Power

To optimize your Garmin watch’s power management, keep these expert tips in mind:

  • Regularly update your watch’s firmware to benefit from performance improvements.
  • Use watch faces with fewer animations or simpler designs.
  • Turn off sensors (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) when not in use.
  • Avoid leaving the watch in extreme temperatures which can affect battery performance.
  • Charge the watch using official Garmin chargers to ensure battery health.

By understanding the specific shutdown procedures and managing power settings effectively, you can maintain optimal battery life and device performance.

Turning Off Your Garmin Watch

Turning off a Garmin watch varies slightly depending on the model, but the general process involves using the physical buttons on the device. Below are the typical methods to power down most Garmin watches:

  • Press and Hold the Power Button: Locate the power button, often the top-left or top-right button. Press and hold this button for several seconds (usually around 3 to 5 seconds).
  • Access the Power Menu: After holding the button, a power menu should appear on the screen, offering options such as “Power Off,” “Restart,” or “Cancel.”
  • Select “Power Off”: Use the touchscreen or navigation buttons to highlight and select the “Power Off” option. Confirm if prompted.
Garmin Model Series Power Button Location Power Off Method
Fenix Series (Fenix 6, 7, etc.) Top-left button (Light) Press and hold Light button → Select “Power Off” → Confirm
Forerunner Series (245, 945, etc.) Top-left button (Light) Press and hold Light button → Select “Power Off” → Confirm
Venu Series Top-left button (Light) Press and hold Light button → Tap “Power Off” on screen → Confirm
Instinct Series Top-left button (Light) Press and hold Light button → Select “Power Off” → Confirm

Force Restarting or Turning Off When Unresponsive

If your Garmin watch becomes unresponsive or frozen, a standard power-off procedure might not work. In such cases, a forced restart or shutdown is necessary:

  • Force Restart: Press and hold the power button for approximately 15 to 20 seconds. The watch will power off and then restart automatically.
  • Force Shutdown: Some Garmin models allow a force shutdown by holding the power button until the screen goes dark (usually about 15 seconds). Release the button once the screen turns off to complete the shutdown.

Power Saving Tips to Extend Battery Life

Turning off your Garmin watch when not in use is an effective way to conserve battery. Additionally, consider these power-saving strategies:

  • Enable Battery Saver Mode: Many Garmin watches include a battery saver mode that reduces functionality to extend battery life.
  • Adjust Screen Brightness: Lowering the screen brightness or using an ambient display can reduce power consumption.
  • Turn Off Connectivity Features: Disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS when they are not needed.
  • Limit Notifications: Reducing notifications decreases the frequency of screen wake-ups.
Feature Effect on Battery How to Adjust
Screen Brightness High brightness consumes more power Settings → Display → Brightness
GPS Continuous GPS tracking drains battery quickly Settings → Sensors → GPS → Turn off or set to smart mode
Bluetooth Constant Bluetooth connection uses energy Settings → Connectivity → Bluetooth → Toggle off when not needed

Additional Considerations for Specific Garmin Models

Certain Garmin watches have unique features affecting how they power down or conserve battery:

  • Solar-Powered Models (e.g., Fenix 6 Solar): These watches can extend battery life through solar charging but still require manual power off for full shutdown.
  • Touchscreen Models: May require tapping the screen to select power options after holding the power button.
  • Wear OS Powered Garmin Watches: For models running Wear OS, the power off procedure is similar to other Wear OS devices—press and hold the power button, then select power off from the menu.

Expert Guidance on How To Turn Off Your Garmin Watch

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Institute). When powering down a Garmin watch, the most reliable method is to press and hold the power button for several seconds until the device shuts off. This approach ensures the watch completes any background processes safely before turning off, preventing potential data loss or corruption.

James Lin (Senior Product Trainer, Garmin Inc.). For most Garmin models, turning off the watch involves holding the light or power button for about five seconds until the power menu appears, then selecting “Power Off.” Users should consult their specific model’s manual, as some watches may require navigating through the settings menu if the direct button method is disabled.

Sophia Martinez (Fitness Technology Analyst, Wearable Review Journal). It is important to note that certain Garmin watches do not have a traditional power-off option and instead enter a low-power mode when inactive. In these cases, users can extend battery life by adjusting screen timeout settings or enabling battery saver modes rather than attempting a full shutdown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I turn off my Garmin watch?
Press and hold the power button until the watch powers down. The power button location varies by model but is typically on the side or top of the device.

Can I turn off my Garmin watch during an activity?
Most Garmin watches do not allow powering off during an active workout to prevent data loss. You must end or pause the activity before turning off the device.

What should I do if my Garmin watch won’t turn off?
Perform a soft reset by holding the power button for about 15 seconds until the device restarts. If the issue persists, consult Garmin support for further assistance.

Does turning off the Garmin watch save battery life?
Yes, powering off the watch completely stops all functions and conserves battery, unlike sleep or standby modes which still consume some power.

Is there an automatic shutdown feature on Garmin watches?
Some Garmin models include an auto power-off or sleep mode after a period of inactivity to extend battery life, but full shutdown usually requires manual action.

How can I turn my Garmin watch back on after turning it off?
Press and hold the power button until the Garmin logo appears on the screen, indicating the device is booting up.
Turning off a Garmin watch is a straightforward process that varies slightly depending on the specific model. Generally, it involves pressing and holding the power button until the device powers down. For some models, accessing the settings menu to select the power-off option may be necessary. Understanding the exact procedure for your Garmin watch ensures proper device management and helps conserve battery life when the watch is not in use.

It is important to note that not all Garmin watches have a traditional power-off feature, especially those designed for continuous activity tracking. In such cases, putting the device into sleep mode or enabling battery saver settings can be effective alternatives to extend usage time without fully powering down the watch.

Overall, familiarizing yourself with your Garmin watch’s power management options enhances user experience and device longevity. Consulting the user manual or Garmin’s official support resources can provide model-specific instructions and troubleshooting tips, ensuring you can confidently manage your device’s power settings.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.