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My Forerunner Will Not Fully Turn On

If your Forerunner watch turns on but gets stuck on a triangle or the Garmin logo and will not display the main menu screen, it can be forced into mass storage mode allowing it to be seen by the computer so that you can check for any available software updates. This will usually fix the problem. 

NOTE: If you have a music compatible watch, you must use a Windows computer for these steps. A Mac computer will not work.

Before proceeding you will need the following:

  • Your watch

  • The Garmin data/charging cable to connect it to a computer USB port

  • A computer with an internet connection and available USB port

  • Garmin Express™ program installed on the computer

To Force a Forerunner Into Mass Storage Mode:

  1. Power the watch off.

  2. Press and hold the START/STOP key (or the UP button on the Forerunner 920XT).

  3. Continue to hold the START/STOP key and plug your Forerunner into the computer's USB port.

  4. Wait until the device is recognized by the computer (this may take up to 30 seconds).

  5. If prompted, install USB device drivers:

    1. Select No, not at this time.

    2. Select Next.

    3. Select Install USB drivers automatically (Recommended).

    4. Select Next and wait for the USB driver installation to complete.

    5. Select Finish.

  6. Release the button on your watch.

  7. From the computer, open our Garmin Express program and add the device or sync. If you have a music watch, proceed to step #9; otherwise, proceed to the next step.

  8. Right-click on the device drive.

  9. Select Eject.

  10. Disconnect the watch from the computer.

  11. Power on the watch (wait for the firmware update to complete if installed).

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