Capturing the world through a Nikon lens
Guide

Unlock the Secrets: How to Reset Garmin Vivoactive 4S Like a Pro

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

  • Before selling or giving away your Vivoactive 4s, a reset ensures that all your personal data is removed and the watch is ready for a new owner.
  • If you are unable to access the settings menu on your Vivoactive 4s, you can use the hardware buttons to perform a reset.
  • You will need to connect your Vivoactive 4s to a Wi-Fi network to download necessary updates and complete the setup process.

Are you experiencing glitches or performance issues with your Garmin Vivoactive 4s? Has your smartwatch become unresponsive or slow? Don’t worry! A factory reset can often solve these problems and bring your Vivoactive 4s back to its original state. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to reset your Garmin Vivoactive 4s and get it running smoothly again.

Why Reset Your Garmin Vivoactive 4s?

Resetting your Garmin Vivoactive 4s can be beneficial in several scenarios:

  • Performance Issues: If your smartwatch is lagging, freezing, or experiencing other performance problems, a reset can often resolve these issues by clearing out temporary files and data.
  • Software Glitches: A factory reset can fix software bugs or errors that might be causing your Vivoactive 4s to malfunction.
  • Selling or Giving Away Your Watch: Before selling or giving away your Vivoactive 4s, a reset ensures that all your personal data is removed and the watch is ready for a new owner.
  • Troubleshooting Problems: Sometimes, a reset is necessary to troubleshoot specific issues that might not be resolved through other means.

Method 1: Resetting Through the Settings Menu

This is the most common and straightforward method to reset your Garmin Vivoactive 4s.
1. Access the Settings Menu: On your Vivoactive 4s, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the quick settings menu. Then, tap on the gear icon to open the full settings menu.
2. Navigate to System: Scroll down through the settings list and find the “System” option. Tap on it.
3. Select “Reset”: Within the System settings, you should see an option called “Reset.” Tap on it.
4. Confirm the Reset: A confirmation message will appear, warning you that all data will be erased. Read the message carefully and tap “Yes” to proceed with the reset.
5. Wait for Completion: The reset process will take a few minutes to complete. Your Vivoactive 4s will restart automatically once the reset is finished.

Method 2: Resetting Using the Hardware Buttons

If you are unable to access the settings menu on your Vivoactive 4s, you can use the hardware buttons to perform a reset.
1. Power Off the Watch: Hold down the power button on your Vivoactive 4s until the power off menu appears. Select “Power off” to turn off the watch.
2. Press and Hold Buttons: With the watch powered off, press and hold both the power button and the “down” button (the button below the power button) simultaneously.
3. Release the Buttons: Continue holding both buttons until the Garmin logo appears on the screen. Then, release the buttons.
4. Watch the Reset: The reset process will begin automatically. You will see a progress bar on the screen. Wait for the reset to complete.

Important Considerations Before Resetting

Before you proceed with a factory reset, keep these points in mind:

  • Backup Your Data: A factory reset will erase all data stored on your Vivoactive 4s, including your health data, activity logs, settings, and downloaded apps. Make sure you have backed up any important data before performing the reset.
  • Remove Pairing: If you have paired your Vivoactive 4s with your smartphone, you’ll need to unpair the devices after the reset.
  • Reinstall Apps: After the reset, you will need to reinstall any apps you had downloaded on your watch.

Recovering from a Reset: Setting Up Your Garmin Vivoactive 4s

Once the reset is complete, your Vivoactive 4s will be back to its original factory state. You will need to set it up again. This process is similar to setting up the watch for the first time.
1. Turn On the Watch: Press the power button to turn on your Vivoactive 4s.
2. Select Language: The watch will prompt you to select your preferred language.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi: You will need to connect your Vivoactive 4s to a Wi-Fi network to download necessary updates and complete the setup process.
4. Garmin Connect App: Download the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.
5. Pair Your Watch: Open the Garmin Connect app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your Vivoactive 4s with your phone.
6. Personalize Settings: You will be able to customize various settings, such as your profile, notifications, and watch faces.

Restarting Your Garmin Vivoactive 4s (Soft Reset)

If you are experiencing a minor issue or your watch is simply acting slow, a soft restart can often fix the problem without erasing your data.
1. Hold the Power Button: Press and hold the power button on your Vivoactive 4s for about 10 seconds.
2. Watch Restarts: The watch will restart automatically.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are still having trouble resetting your Garmin Vivoactive 4s, consider these troubleshooting tips:

  • Check Battery Level: Ensure your watch has enough battery power to complete the reset process.
  • Try a Different USB Cable: If you are using a USB cable to connect your watch to a computer, try a different cable.
  • Contact Garmin Support: If you are still unable to reset your Vivoactive 4s, contact Garmin customer support for assistance.

The Final Step: Enjoy a Fresh Start!

After successfully resetting your Garmin Vivoactive 4s, you should experience improved performance and a smoother user experience. Take advantage of this opportunity to personalize your watch and explore its features.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Will I lose my music on my Vivoactive 4s after a reset?
A: Yes, a factory reset will erase all data stored on your watch, including any music you have downloaded. Make sure to back up your music before performing a reset.
Q: Can I reset my Vivoactive 4s without a Wi-Fi connection?
A: It is recommended to have a Wi-Fi connection available during the reset process. The watch will need to download updates and complete the setup process.
Q: What if I forget my PIN after a reset?
A: If you forget your PIN, you will need to contact Garmin customer support for assistance. They may be able to help you reset your PIN or provide instructions for recovering your watch.
Q: Will a reset affect my warranty?
A: A factory reset should not affect your warranty. However, it is always a good idea to check with Garmin customer support if you have any concerns.

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