Capturing the world through a Nikon lens
Guide

Unlock Your Garmin Forerunner 955’s Full Potential: How to Reset Your Device

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • This guide will walk you through the steps on how to reset your Garmin Forerunner 955 effectively, getting it back to its peak performance.
  • Before diving into the reset process, let’s understand why you might need to reset your Garmin Forerunner 955 in the first place.
  • If a soft reset doesn’t resolve the issue, you might need to perform a hard reset.

Are you experiencing issues with your Garmin Forerunner 955? Whether it’s freezing, lagging, or displaying strange behavior, a reset can often be the solution. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to reset your Garmin Forerunner 955 effectively, getting it back to its peak performance.

Why Reset Your Garmin Forerunner 955?

Before diving into the reset process, let’s understand why you might need to reset your Garmin Forerunner 955 in the first place.

  • Freezing or Lagging: If your watch is experiencing frequent freezes or lags, a reset can help clear out any temporary glitches and restore smooth operation.
  • Software Issues: Sometimes, software updates or bugs can cause unexpected behavior. A reset can address these issues and ensure your watch runs on the latest, stable software.
  • Performance Improvements: If you’ve noticed a decline in battery life or overall performance, a reset can help optimize your watch’s resources and potentially improve its efficiency.
  • Troubleshooting: A reset is a common troubleshooting step for many issues. It can help isolate the problem and determine if it’s a software or hardware-related issue.

Soft Reset: The Quick Fix

A soft reset is the simplest way to address minor issues with your Garmin Forerunner 955. It essentially restarts your watch without erasing any data. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press and Hold the Power Button: Locate the power button on the top right of your watch and press and hold it.
2. Select “Restart”: A menu will appear on the screen. Use the navigation buttons to select “Restart.”
3. Wait for Restart: Your watch will restart and should be back to normal operation.

Hard Reset: A More Thorough Solution

If a soft reset doesn’t resolve the issue, you might need to perform a hard reset. This will erase all data on your watch, including settings, activities, and apps. It’s a more drastic solution but can be necessary for more persistent problems.
1. Enter the Settings Menu: From the watch face, navigate to the settings menu.
2. Find “System”: Scroll down and locate the “System” option.
3. Select “Reset”: Select “Reset” from the System menu.
4. Confirm the Reset: You’ll be prompted to confirm the reset. Select “Yes” to proceed.
5. Wait for Completion: Your watch will restart and complete the reset process.

Restoring Your Data

Once you’ve performed a hard reset, you’ll need to restore your data from a backup. Here’s how to do it:
1. Connect to Garmin Connect: Make sure your Garmin Forerunner 955 is connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth and the Garmin Connect app is open.
2. Select “Device Settings“: In the Garmin Connect app, tap on the device icon (your Forerunner 955) to access the device settings.
3. Choose “Restore”: Look for the “Restore” option in the device settings menu.
4. Select Backup: Choose the backup you want to restore from.
5. Wait for Restoration: The app will start restoring your data to your watch. This may take some time depending on the amount of data.

Resetting Through Garmin Express

If you prefer a more desktop-based approach, you can also reset your Garmin Forerunner 955 through Garmin Express.
1. Download and Install Garmin Express: Download and install Garmin Express from the official Garmin website.
2. Connect Your Watch: Connect your Forerunner 955 to your computer using the charging cable.
3. Launch Garmin Express: Open Garmin Express and allow it to detect your watch.
4. Choose “Reset Device“: Navigate to the “Device” section and select “Reset Device.”
5. Confirm the Reset: Confirm the reset by following the on-screen prompts.
6. Wait for Completion: Garmin Express will complete the reset process.

When to Contact Garmin Support

While these reset methods can resolve many issues, sometimes the problem might be more complex. If you’ve tried all of these steps and your Garmin Forerunner 955 is still not working properly, it’s best to contact Garmin Support for assistance. They can help diagnose the issue and provide further guidance or repair options.

Beyond the Reset: Maintaining Your Garmin Forerunner 955

To keep your Garmin Forerunner 955 running smoothly, here are some tips for maintaining its performance:

  • Regularly Update Software: Ensure your watch is running the latest software by checking for updates through Garmin Connect or Garmin Express.
  • Keep the Battery Healthy: Avoid completely draining the battery and charge it regularly to maintain its optimal performance.
  • Clean Your Watch: Wipe down your watch with a soft cloth to remove dirt and sweat, which can affect its functionality.
  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Keep your watch away from extreme heat or cold, as this can damage the internal components.

Time to Shine Again!

By following these steps, you can effectively reset your Garmin Forerunner 955 and get it back to its best performance. Remember, a reset can be a powerful tool for resolving various issues, but it’s also important to maintain your watch properly to ensure its longevity.

What You Need to Know

Q: Will a hard reset delete all my data?
A: Yes, a hard reset will erase all data on your Garmin Forerunner 955, including settings, activities, and apps. Make sure to back up your data before performing a hard reset.
Q: How long does a reset take?
A: A soft reset takes only a few seconds, while a hard reset can take a few minutes depending on the amount of data stored on your watch.
Q: Can I reset my watch without a computer?
A: Yes, you can reset your Garmin Forerunner 955 using the on-device settings menu. However, you can also use Garmin Express for a desktop-based reset.
Q: What should I do if my watch is still not working after a reset?
A: If you’ve tried all the reset methods and your watch is still experiencing issues, contact Garmin Support for further assistance.

Was this page helpful?

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
Back to top button