Garmin Connect App Displays Sync Failed Message

A “Sync Failed” message in the Garmin Connect™ app indicates that your device is busy and the sync request timed out. In most instances, if you try syncing again at a later time, you should be able to sync successfully.

I Repeatedly See This Error. How Can I Sync My Device?

A repeated sync failed message means that there is a file on your device that is preventing a successful sync via the Garmin Connect app. To fix this issue, you will need to connect your device to a personal computer and use the Garmin Express™ program to sync. We have provided installation instructions below.

Garmin Express Installation Instructions

NOTE: You will need a Windows or Mac computer, your USB charging/data cable, and your Garmin Connect account credentials to complete the steps below.

Follow the instructions found in How Do I Install Garmin Express Software? to install Garmin Express. Once installed, connect the device to the computer using your USB charging cable and follow the instructions to add it Garmin Express. Once added, Garmin Express will sync your device to your account and identify any files that are unable to sync. If prompted (as shown below), you will need to remove affected file(s) from the device.

Removing Affected Files From Your Device

For assistance with removing .fit files from your device see: Removing Activity Files to Free Up Space on a Garmin Device