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Guide

Easy Steps: How to Change Garmin Forerunner 35 from Miles to KM

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

  • Whether you’re a seasoned runner embracing the metric system or a newcomer to the world of Garmin, you might find yourself wanting to switch your Forerunner 35 from miles to kilometers.
  • This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps on how to change Garmin Forerunner 35 from miles to km, ensuring you’re running with the right units for your fitness journey.
  • While changing units is a fundamental adjustment, your Garmin Forerunner 35 offers a range of other settings you can explore to customize your training experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner embracing the metric system or a newcomer to the world of Garmin, you might find yourself wanting to switch your Forerunner 35 from miles to kilometers. This simple adjustment can make your training data and workout stats more intuitive and easier to understand.
This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps on how to change Garmin Forerunner 35 from miles to km, ensuring you’re running with the right units for your fitness journey.

Understanding the Importance of Unit Preferences

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to grasp why setting your preferred units is crucial.

  • Accurate Tracking: Using the correct units ensures your distance, pace, and speed are measured precisely, giving you a clear picture of your performance.
  • Improved Data Interpretation: When your data is displayed in your preferred units, it becomes easier to analyze your progress and make informed decisions about your training.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Navigating your Garmin Forerunner 35 becomes more intuitive and less confusing when the device displays information in units you’re familiar with.

The Quick and Easy Way to Switch Units

The most direct method to change your Garmin Forerunner 35 from miles to km is through the device’s settings. Here’s how:
1. Power On Your Forerunner 35: Ensure your device is turned on and ready to go.
2. Access the Settings Menu: Press the “Up” button on your watch to navigate through the menus. Look for the “Settings” icon, which usually resembles a gear or wrench.
3. Navigate to System Settings: Within the Settings menu, scroll down until you find “System.” Select this option.
4. Choose Units: In the System settings, you’ll find a list of options. Locate “Units” and select it.
5. Switch to Kilometers: You’ll see a list of units, including miles and kilometers. Select “Kilometers” to change your device’s display to the metric system.
6. Save Changes: Once you’ve chosen kilometers, your watch will automatically save the changes.

Changing Units Through the Garmin Connect App

For those who prefer managing their device settings from their smartphone, the Garmin Connect app provides an alternative method:
1. Open the Garmin Connect App: Launch the app on your phone and ensure it’s connected to your Forerunner 35.
2. Access Device Settings: Tap on the device icon in the bottom right corner of the app to access your Forerunner 35’s settings.
3. Navigate to System Settings: Scroll down and select “System” to view the system settings for your watch.
4. Change Units: Similar to the device settings, you’ll find the “Units” option within the System settings. Tap on it to change the units.
5. Select Kilometers: Choose “Kilometers” from the available unit options to switch to the metric system.
6. Sync Your Device: After selecting kilometers, your watch will automatically sync with the app, updating its settings to reflect the change.

Troubleshooting: When Units Don’t Change

Sometimes, even after following the steps, your Garmin Forerunner 35 might not switch to kilometers. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • Check for Updates: Ensure your watch and the Garmin Connect app are up-to-date. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
  • Restart Your Device: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches. Turn off your Forerunner 35 and turn it back on again.
  • Clear the App Cache: If you’re using the Garmin Connect app, try clearing the app’s cache and data. This can help refresh the app’s connection to your watch.
  • Contact Garmin Support: If none of the above solutions work, reach out to Garmin support for assistance. They can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

Beyond Unit Changes: Exploring Additional Settings

While changing units is a fundamental adjustment, your Garmin Forerunner 35 offers a range of other settings you can explore to customize your training experience. Some key settings include:

  • Time Format: Set the time format to 12-hour or 24-hour based on your preference.
  • Language: Change the language displayed on your watch to make it more user-friendly.
  • Auto Lap: Configure how often you want your watch to automatically record laps during your runs.
  • Backlight: Adjust the backlight brightness to suit your needs, especially during nighttime runs.

Embracing the Metric System: Benefits for Runners

Switching your Garmin Forerunner 35 to kilometers can be more than just a unit change; it can be a gateway to a more global and unified approach to running. Here’s why:

  • Global Standards: The metric system is the standard unit of measurement in most parts of the world. Embracing it helps you connect with a broader running community and understand international race distances.
  • Easier Calculations: Kilometers are often considered easier to work with for distance calculations, especially when it comes to understanding pace and speed.
  • Improved Performance Tracking: By using the same units as most other runners, you can more accurately compare your performance to others and track your progress over time.

Running with Confidence: Mastering Your Garmin Forerunner 35

By understanding how to change your Garmin Forerunner 35 from miles to km, you unlock a more personalized and efficient training experience. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, the ability to customize your device settings empowers you to achieve your goals.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I change the units back to miles at any time?
A: Absolutely! You can switch back to miles using the same steps outlined above. Simply select “Miles” instead of “Kilometers” in the Units settings.
Q: Will my previous data be affected by changing units?
A: No, your past data will remain as it was recorded, regardless of the current unit setting. The change only affects how new data is displayed.
Q: Can I change the units on my Garmin Forerunner 35 through a computer?
A: No, the unit settings can only be changed directly on the device or through the Garmin Connect app.
Q: What if my watch doesn‘t have a “Units” option in the settings?
A: If you cannot find the “Units” option, it’s likely that your watch model doesn‘t offer this functionality. In this case, you might need to contact Garmin support for more information.

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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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