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How to Replace Garmin Vivoactive 3 Battery: Essential Tips for Your Smartwatch’s Longevity

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

  • In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to replace Garmin Vivoactive 3 battery, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful replacement.
  • Ensure you purchase a battery specifically designed for the Vivoactive 3, as using an incompatible battery could damage your device.
  • While replacing the battery is a great way to revive your Vivoactive 3, there are other steps you can take to extend its lifespan and keep it running smoothly.

The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a popular smartwatch known for its fitness tracking capabilities, stylish design, and long battery life. But even the most durable devices need a little TLC. Over time, the battery in your Vivoactive 3 will eventually lose its charge capacity, leading to shorter battery life and frustration. If you’re experiencing this, don’t despair! Replacing the battery is a relatively simple process that can bring your smartwatch back to life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to replace Garmin Vivoactive 3 battery, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful replacement.

Before You Start: Gathering Your Supplies

Before embarking on your battery replacement journey, gather the following essential supplies:

  • A new Garmin Vivoactive 3 battery: You can find replacement batteries online or at authorized Garmin retailers. Ensure you purchase a battery specifically designed for the Vivoactive 3, as using an incompatible battery could damage your device.
  • A small Phillips head screwdriver: This will be used to open the back case of the smartwatch.
  • A prying tool: A plastic opening tool or a thin, flat-head screwdriver can be used to gently pry open the back case.
  • A clean cloth: This will be helpful for wiping away any dust or debris.
  • Optional: A pair of tweezers: These can be useful for handling small parts.

Step 1: Power Down Your Vivoactive 3

The first step is to ensure your Vivoactive 3 is completely powered down. This will prevent any accidental damage to the internal components. To power off your smartwatch, press and hold the power button until the shutdown menu appears. Select “Power Off” and confirm your choice.

Step 2: Removing the Back Case

With your Vivoactive 3 powered off, you can now proceed to remove the back case. Locate the small screws securing the back case. Using your Phillips head screwdriver, carefully unscrew these screws. Once all screws are removed, you can gently pry open the back case using your prying tool. Start at one corner and work your way around the case, applying gentle pressure. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as this could damage the case.

Step 3: Removing the Old Battery

Once the back case is removed, you’ll see the battery nestled inside. The battery is usually secured with a small adhesive strip. Gently peel back this adhesive strip to release the battery. Be careful not to damage the battery contacts or the surrounding components.

Step 4: Installing the New Battery

With the old battery removed, it’s time to install the new one. Align the new battery with the battery contacts and gently press it into place. Make sure the battery is properly seated and that the contacts are making good contact. Once the new battery is in place, re-apply the adhesive strip to secure it.

Step 5: Reassembling Your Vivoactive 3

Now that the new battery is installed, you can reassemble your Vivoactive 3. Carefully align the back case with the body of the smartwatch and gently press it back into place. Once the case is securely in place, re-insert the screws you removed earlier. Make sure to tighten the screws securely, but avoid overtightening them.

Step 6: Powering On and Testing

With your Vivoactive 3 reassembled, you can now power it on. Press and hold the power button until the device turns on. Once your Vivoactive 3 is powered on, charge it fully to ensure the new battery is properly calibrated. Test the battery life by using your smartwatch as you normally would. If you’re satisfied with the performance, you’ve successfully replaced the battery!

Beyond the Battery: Extending Your Vivoactive 3’s Lifespan

While replacing the battery is a great way to revive your Vivoactive 3, there are other steps you can take to extend its lifespan and keep it running smoothly.

  • Regular cleaning: Dust and dirt can accumulate on your smartwatch, potentially affecting its functionality. Regularly clean your Vivoactive 3 with a soft, damp cloth to remove any debris.
  • Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can damage the internal components of your smartwatch. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, heat, or extreme cold.
  • Update your software: Garmin regularly releases software updates that improve performance and address potential issues. Keep your Vivoactive 3’s software up to date to ensure optimal functionality.

Final Thoughts: A Fresh Start for Your Vivoactive 3

Replacing the battery in your Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a straightforward process that can breathe new life into your beloved smartwatch. By following the steps outlined above, you can restore your Vivoactive 3’s battery life and enjoy its features for many more years to come. Remember to exercise caution and take your time during the process. With a little patience and care, you’ll be back to tracking your fitness goals, receiving notifications, and enjoying all the benefits of your Vivoactive 3 in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a new Vivoactive 3 battery typically last?
A: A new Vivoactive 3 battery can last for up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode. However, battery life can vary depending on usage patterns and settings.
Q: Can I damage my Vivoactive 3 if I use a non-Garmin battery?
A: It’s strongly recommended to use only genuine Garmin batteries for your Vivoactive 3. Using a non-Garmin battery could damage your device, void your warranty, and potentially pose safety risks.
Q: Do I need any special tools to replace the battery?
A: You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver and a prying tool. A plastic opening tool or a thin, flat-head screwdriver can work well as a prying tool.
Q: What should I do if I encounter any difficulties during the battery replacement process?
A: If you run into any trouble, it’s best to seek help from a qualified technician or contact Garmin support for assistance. Attempting to force components or use improper tools could damage your Vivoactive 3.

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.
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