Garmin has some of the best fitness watches available today and most of them have a lot of unique features. Your Garmin watch screen doesn’t just show you the time: it tracks your steps, monitors your heart rate, and notifies you of incoming calls and messages.
Unless you’re using a very old Garmin watch, chances are your device comes built-in with watch faces. Depending on the watch model, you may have a couple or a few more options. The watch face allows you to prioritize what is displayed on the screen. You can coordinate the watch faces with your outfit or wear the analog watch for a more official occasion.
Fortunately, preloaded watch faces aren’t your only options. You can download many third-party watch faces from the official Garmin Connect IQ store. Additionally, as mentioned, those who know how can also create custom watch faces. But let’s get into the step-by-step process of how to manage Garmin watch faces.
How to change the watch face on a Garmin
If you want to change your Garmin watch face to another pre-installed option, it’s a simple process. Is that how it works:
- Press and hold the “Up” button on your watch.
- Select the “Clock Face” option. Conveniently, it’s the first option you’ll see.
- You will notice a scroll bar on the left side of the screen. Use the “Up” and “Down” buttons to highlight watch face options.
- Tap the watch screen to select the watch face.
- Tap “Apply” to see the newly selected watch face on your screen.
How to customize the face of a Garmin watch
What happens if the face you’ve selected isn’t exactly how you imagined it would be? It’s an easy fix – you can customize it until the screen only shows the items you want to see. This is all you have to do:
- Press and hold the “Up” button on your watch and select “Watch Face.”
- Select the watch face you want, and then instead of “Apply,” click “Customize.”
- This message will open the “Watch Face Editor”. Using the “Up” and “Down” commands, begin cycling through the available options.
- You can change the layout, dial, data, background color, accent color and other elements. After each choice, be sure to press “Select.”
Note: Under “Data”, “Accent Color” and “Background Color”, you will have to go through other customization fields. Be sure to press “Select” after each choice.
Garmin allows you to add and remove items to make your watch fit your preferences.
Additional FAQs
How do I add a new watch face to a Garmin?
Typically, you’ll find five watch faces built into your Garmin watch. You can also find a few more faces that are hidden from view. All you need are a few simple steps:
1. Press and hold the “Up” button on your Garmin watch and select the “Watch Face” option.
2. Scroll down until you see the “Add New” option.
3. Press “Select” and browse the available watch faces.
4. Choose the face and then press “Apply”.
How can I make my own watch faces?
If you don’t like any of the Garmin watch faces available in the Garmin Connect IQ Store, you can try creating your own. The same applies if you’ve tried most of the options and it’s time to do something new.
However, to make a Garmin watch face, you need to have some basic programming knowledge. If you’re up to the task, you’ll need to download “Watch Face Builder” application available in the Garmin Connect IQ store.
There are many things you can do with this application. For example, you can set the position of the dial or change the size and color of each element on the screen, and much more.
The process can be rewarding for those who know application design. However, it’s essential to note that the Connect IQ store is always adding more watch faces and you’ll likely always be able to find something you like.
What are the best watch faces available in the store?
It’s hard to judge which watch faces are truly the best, but there are several incredibly popular options available on the Connect IQ Store that you might want to try.
SHN TxD It is a Garmin watch face with a clean design and multiple configuration options. The display is easy to read regardless of conditions and also has a power saving function.
Infocal is another excellent option that places time as the main feature on display. It also gives you the option to invert colors.
jogging teacher is an analog watch face created by Garmin and not a third-party developer. Also notable is the large number of steps, making it suitable for hikers and runners.
Rails is a free watch face for Garmin watches with a discreet but effective design. The default color scheme is black and yellow, but you can mix the colors if you wish.
Motion The watch face is also made by Garmin. Provides a sophisticated watch face pattern. The design is elegant and simple, you can also access the rainbow effect to give it a little more color.
Choosing the Perfect Garmin Watch Face
Wearing a Garmin watch is not the same as wearing a traditional watch. With a Garmin watch, you can set fitness goals, track your progress, and even join a community for inspiration.
However, since you’ll be looking at your Garmin watch several times a day, looking at the same screen can get boring after a while. That’s why Garmin gives you many options when it comes to customizing watch faces.
Plus, navigating the screen’s functions is very easy, and if you know how, you can create your own watch face and share it with others.
Do you change your Garmin watch face frequently? What is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.
