To turn on your Garmin heart rate monitor, the process depends on whether you're using a wrist-based heart rate monitor or an external chest strap. For most Garmin devices with wrist-based heart rate, it is enabled by default.
Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitor
Most Garmin devices use wrist-based heart rate monitoring, which is typically enabled automatically. If it's disabled, here's how to enable it:
- Access the Menu: Hold the MENU button on your Garmin device. The specific button and its location may vary depending on your model, so consult your user manual if needed.
- Navigate to Sensors & Accessories: Look for "Sensors & Accessories" in the menu options and select it.
- Find Wrist Heart Rate: Scroll through the list of options until you find "Wrist Heart Rate."
- Enable/Set to Auto: Select "Wrist Heart Rate." You will usually see options such as "On," "Off," or "Auto."
- On: This setting will always use the wrist heart rate monitor.
- Off: This setting disables the wrist heart rate monitor.
- Auto: This setting automatically uses the wrist heart rate monitor unless you pair an external heart rate monitor (like a chest strap). This is usually the default setting. Choose "On" or "Auto".
External Heart Rate Monitor (Chest Strap)
External heart rate monitors, such as chest straps, usually turn on automatically when they detect a heartbeat. You typically don't need to manually turn them on. However, you do need to pair them with your Garmin device:
- Wear the Heart Rate Monitor: Put on the chest strap, ensuring it makes good contact with your skin. You may need to moisten the electrodes.
- Go to Sensors & Accessories: On your Garmin device, navigate to the "Sensors & Accessories" menu (as described above).
- Add New: Select "Add New" or a similar option to search for new sensors.
- Select Heart Rate: Choose "Heart Rate" from the list of sensor types.
- Wait for Pairing: Your Garmin device will search for nearby heart rate monitors. Once it finds yours, select it to complete the pairing process.
Once paired, the Garmin will automatically use the chest strap HR data when it's available. If you choose to remove the connection, it'll switch back to the wrist HR.
