What Are Open and Secure Connection Types in Garmin Accessories?

Starting in January 2025, you may see a connection type message when pairing an accessory with your Garmin® watch or cycling computer. 

What Are the Different Connection Types?

Open Connection:  An open connection between a sensor and display is not encrypted1 or authenticated2.  Most ANT+®, and some Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) connections are examples where the connection may be considered open depending on the specifics of the use case.  All Garmin devices support open connections, as open connections are necessary for interoperability with many commonly available sensors and other products. 

Secure Connection:  This connection type is encrypted and authenticated.  Sensors must be in pairing mode to form secure BLE connections, while devices that are Wi-Fi® based may rely on user-specified passwords for security3. For a list of Garmin devices that support secure connections, see below.

List of Compatible Devices That the Offer Secure Connection Type

Note: Devices listed below also support open connections.

  • Approach® S70 | Approach® S70 - TaylorMade® Edition watches

  • Descent™ S1 buoy

  • Edge® 540 | Edge® 540 Solar cycling computer

  • Edge® 840 | Edge® 840 Solar cycling computer

  • Edge® 1040 | Edge® 1040 Solar cycling computer

  • Edge® 1050 cycling computer

  • Edge® Explore 2 cycling computer

  • Enduro™ 2 watch

  • Enduro™ 3 watch

  • epix™ (Gen 2) - Standard Edition | epix™ (Gen 2) - Sapphire Edition | epix™ (Gen 2) - Porsche Edition watches

  • epix™ Pro (Gen 2) - Standard Edition | epix™ Pro (Gen 2) - Sapphire Edition watches

  • fēnix® 7 - Standard Edition | fēnix® 7 - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7 - Sapphire Solar Edition watches

  • fēnix® 7S - Standard Edition | fēnix® 7S - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7S - Sapphire Solar Edition watches

  • fēnix® 7X - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7X - Sapphire Solar Edition watches

  • fēnix® 7 Pro - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7 Pro - Sapphire Solar Edition watches

  • fēnix® 7S Pro - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7S Pro - Sapphire Solar Edition watches

  • fēnix® 7X Pro - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7X Pro - Sapphire Solar Edition watches

  • fēnix® 8 AMOLED Edition | fēnix® 8 Solar Edition watches

  • Forerunner® 165 | Forerunner® 165 Music watches

  • Forerunner® 255 | Forerunner® 255S | Forerunner® 255 Music | Forerunner® 255S Music watches

  • Forerunner® 265 | Forerunner® 265S watches

  • Forerunner® 570 watch

  • Forerunner® 955 | Forerunner® 955 Solar watches

  • Forerunner® 965 watch

  • Forerunner® 970 watch

  • Lily® 2 Active watch

  • MARQ® Adventurer (Gen 2) | MARQ® Athlete (Gen 2) | MARQ® Aviator (Gen 2) | MARQ® Captain (Gen 2) | MARQ® Golfer (Gen 2) watches

  • MARQ® Adventurer (Gen 2) - Damascus Steel Edition | MARQ® Athlete (Gen 2) - Carbon Edition | MARQ® Athlete (Gen 2) - Performance Edition | MARQ® Commander (Gen 2) - Carbon Edition | MARQ® Golfer (Gen 2) - Carbon Edition watches

  • tactix® 7 - AMOLED Edition | tactix® 7 - Standard Edition | tactix® 7 - Pro Edition | tactix® 7 - Pro Ballistics Edition watches

  • tactix® 8 - AMOLED | tactix® 8 - Solar watches

  • Venu® X1 watch

What Accessories Can Form Secure Connections?

Currently the HRM 200 and HRM 600 are the only sensors that have both secure and open connections. For information about changing connection type see: How Do I Change the Connection Type on My Sensor?

1 A radio connection that is not encrypted may be visible to others within radio range who are able to decode the radio transmission (i.e., using software-defined radio).

2 A radio connection that is not authenticated means that, under certain circumstances, others may be able to falsely pose as a legitimate accessory if they are within radio range and are capable of encoding radio transmissions (i.e., using software-defined radio).

3 Using the default password can make it easier for others to access your network or device. This may allow them to intercept communications or initiate unauthorized interactions with the device or its users. For improved security, it is recommended to change the default password. 

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