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The Ultimate Guide: How to Factory Reset Your Garmin Forerunner 935 and Boost Performance

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 factory reset Garmin Forerunner 935 and explain the reasons why you might want to do it.
  • Before selling or giving away your Forerunner 935, it’s essential to factory reset it to protect your personal data and ensure the new owner starts with a clean slate.
  • If you simply want to start fresh with your watch, a factory reset allows you to customize settings and personalize your experience from scratch.

Are you experiencing glitches, slow performance, or just want to start fresh with your Garmin Forerunner 935? A factory reset can be the solution. This process erases all data and settings, returning your watch to its original state. While it might seem daunting, it’s actually quite simple. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to factory reset Garmin Forerunner 935 and explain the reasons why you might want to do it.

Why Would You Need to Factory Reset Your Garmin Forerunner 935?

There are several reasons why you might want to factory reset your Garmin Forerunner 935:

  • Troubleshooting Issues: If you’re encountering problems like slow performance, app crashes, or connectivity issues, a factory reset can often resolve these problems.
  • Selling or Giving Away Your Watch: Before selling or giving away your Forerunner 935, it’s essential to factory reset it to protect your personal data and ensure the new owner starts with a clean slate.
  • Starting Fresh: If you simply want to start fresh with your watch, a factory reset allows you to customize settings and personalize your experience from scratch.

Backing Up Your Data: A Crucial First Step

Before you proceed with the factory reset, it’s crucial to back up your data to avoid losing it. Here’s how:
1. Connect Your Watch: Connect your Forerunner 935 to your computer using the USB cable provided.
2. Open Garmin Connect: Open the Garmin Connect website or mobile app.
3. Access Your Device Settings: Go to your device settings within the Garmin Connect platform.
4. Select “Back Up Data”: Choose the option to back up your data, which includes your activities, settings, and other information.
5. Download the Backup: Save the backup file to your computer for safekeeping.

Method 1: Resetting Your Garmin Forerunner 935 Through the Settings Menu

This method is the most common and straightforward way to factory reset your watch:
1. Turn On Your Watch: Make sure your Forerunner 935 is turned on.
2. Access the Settings Menu: Navigate to the settings menu on your watch. This is usually done by swiping down from the top of the screen.
3. Find the “System” Section: Locate the “System” or “About” section within the settings menu.
4. Select “Reset” or “Factory Reset“: You’ll find an option labeled “Reset” or “Factory Reset.” Choose this option.
5. Confirm the Reset: Your watch will prompt you to confirm the reset. Select “Yes” or “Confirm” to proceed.
6. Wait for the Process: The factory reset process might take a few minutes. Your watch will restart automatically once the reset is complete.

Method 2: Using the Hardware Buttons for a Factory Reset

If you’re unable to access the settings menu, you can use the hardware buttons to perform a factory reset:
1. Turn Off Your Watch: Power off your Forerunner 935 completely.
2. Hold Down the Buttons: Simultaneously press and hold the “Up” and “Down” buttons on the watch.
3. Release the Buttons: After a few seconds, the watch will vibrate and the screen will display the Garmin logo. Release the buttons.
4. Confirm the Reset: Your watch will prompt you to confirm the reset. Select “Yes” or “Confirm” to proceed.
5. Wait for the Process: The factory reset process will take a few minutes. Your watch will restart automatically once the reset is complete.

Re-Pairing Your Watch After the Reset

Once the factory reset is complete, you’ll need to re-pair your Forerunner 935 with your smartphone. This process is usually straightforward:
1. Turn on Bluetooth on Your Phone: Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone.
2. Open the Garmin Connect App: Launch the Garmin Connect app on your phone.
3. Follow the Pairing Instructions: The app will guide you through the pairing process. You might need to select your watch from a list of available devices.
4. Enter the PIN Code: If prompted, enter the PIN code displayed on your watch.
5. Complete the Pairing: Once the pairing is complete, your watch will be connected to your smartphone.

Setting Up Your Garmin Forerunner 935 After the Reset

Now that your watch is factory reset and paired with your phone, you can start setting it up:
1. Choose Your Language and Region: Select your preferred language and region.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect your watch to a Wi-Fi network to download updates and software.
3. Customize Your Settings: Configure your preferences, including time zones, units, notifications, and other settings.
4. Download Apps and Watch Faces: Explore the Garmin Connect IQ store to download apps and watch faces that suit your needs.
5. Start Tracking Your Activities: Start using your Forerunner 935 to track your workouts, monitor your sleep, and manage your fitness journey.

A Final Word: When a Factory Reset Might Not Be the Answer

While a factory reset can often resolve issues, it’s not always the solution. If you’re still experiencing problems after resetting your watch, consider these alternatives:

  • Check for Software Updates: Ensure that your watch has the latest software updates installed.
  • Contact Garmin Support: If you’re unable to resolve the issue yourself, reach out to Garmin support for assistance.
  • Consider a Hardware Issue: In some cases, the problem might be related to a hardware issue. If you suspect this, contact Garmin support for repair options.

The End of the Line: A Fresh Start for Your Garmin Forerunner 935

Rebooting your Garmin Forerunner 935 with a factory reset can be a powerful tool for troubleshooting problems, starting fresh, or preparing your watch for a new owner. By following these steps, you can give your watch a clean slate and enjoy a smooth and efficient experience.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Will a factory reset delete all my data on my Garmin Forerunner 935?
A: Yes, a factory reset will erase all data from your watch, including activities, settings, and downloaded apps. This is why it’s crucial to back up your data before performing a reset.
Q: Can I factory reset my Garmin Forerunner 935 without connecting it to my computer?
A: Yes, you can factory reset your watch directly from the settings menu on the watch itself.
Q: What if I forget my PIN code after the factory reset?
A: If you forget your PIN code, you’ll need to contact Garmin support for assistance. They can help you reset your PIN code and regain access to your watch.
Q: Is there any way to recover my data after a factory reset?
A: Once you perform a factory reset, the data on your watch is permanently deleted. However, if you have a backup of your data, you can restore it to your watch after the reset.
Q: How often should I factory reset my Garmin Forerunner 935?
A: There’s no set schedule for factory resets. However, if you’re experiencing performance issues or want to start fresh, a factory reset can be a helpful solution.

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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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