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Troubleshooting the fenix 5 Plus Series Altimeter and Barometer

When experiencing incorrect readings from the altimeter or barometer sensors on a watch, there are a few factors to consider that might be impacting these readings, as well as some steps that can help increase their accuracy. For information on how these sensors work see: Understanding How the Barometric Altimeter Sensor Works on an Outdoor Watch

Troubleshooting the Barometer and Altimeter

One of the main troubleshooting steps to perform when you notice your altimeter or barometer are off is to calibrate the sensor. The fenix 5 Plus series offers three ways to calibrate; auto-calibrate during an activity, auto-calibrate not during an activity, and manually calibrating. 

Select an option below for more information on each calibrating option. 

Auto Calibration: During Activity

These settings allow you to control how calibration of the altimeter happens while you are in an activity. 

  • Continuous Mode - During activities, the watch uses DEM mapping data, and GPS elevation to offset any altimeter drift due to pressure changes caused by a weather event during an activity. Continuous Mode will allow the watch to calibrate altitude throughout the activity.
    Note: "At Start" calibration will also occur when Continous Mode is enabled
  • At Start - The goal of "At Start" calibration is to provide a consistent relative starting elevation for users that do multiple activities at specific locations. It will not calibrate again during the activity. When the timer is started the watch will try to determine the best elevation source to calibrate to, based on the following priority:
    Click here to view priority list
    1. Manual calibration immediately prior to starting the activity
    2. Prior manual calibration point at the same location
    3. Recent manual calibration, if the quality of the calibration is determined to be good enough
    4. Map data (DEM), if available
    5. Prior GPS point at the same location
    6. GPS, if a good fix has been acquired:
      • After acquiring a GPS fix the timer ring will turn yellow. At that point, it can take up to 30 seconds for the GPS elevation to settle. If vertical speed settles to less than .1 m/s the GPS elevation data will be considered good enough use for altimeter calibration.
      • Before starting the timer, the elevation data field on the watch will preview the calibrated elevation
  • Off - The watch will not perform any calibration during or at the start of the activity. 

Calibrating the altimeter should always be done outside with a clear view of the sky. 

  1. Hold Up to enter the Main Menu
  2. Scroll to Settings and select Sensors & Accessories
  3. Select Altimeter 
  4. Select Auto Cal. 
  5. Select During Activity
  6. Select an option 


Auto Calibration: Not During Activity

These settings allow you to control how calibration of the altimeter happens while the fenix 5 Plus series is in watch mode.  

  • On - The watch will calibrate the altimeter once every night during the user's sleep window. A Garmin Connect app connection is required for this feature to work, as it uses location data from the phone and compares it to the DEM information.
  • Off - The watch will not automatically calibrate the altimeter, and manual calibration will need to be used. 

Calibrating the altimeter should always be done outside with a clear view of the sky. 

  1. Hold Up to enter the Main Menu
  2. Scroll to Settings and select Sensors & Accessories
  3. Select Altimeter 
  4. Select Auto Cal. 
  5. Select No During Activity
  6. Toggle On or Off


Manually Calibrating the Altimeter

Accuracy of this mode is based on your GPS satellite strength. It is recommended to be outside and away from any obstructions for the best accuracy.

If the altimeter of fenix 5 Plus series watch is displaying an elevation that is off significantly, it should be manually calibrated. Below are the options for calibrating the altimeter. 
  • Known Elevation (Yes) - Use this option to calibrate if you know the current elevation. This option offers the most accurate calibration. 
  • Use DEM - The watch will locate your position through GPS and use the DEM data to get an elevation reading from the map. 
  • Use GPS - This mode will determine your elevation through GPS triangulation. Accuracy of this mode is based on your satellite reception strength. It is recommended to be outside and away from any obstructions for the best results.

Calibrating the altimeter should always be done outside with a clear view of the sky. 

  1. Hold Up to enter the Main Menu
  2. Scroll to Settings and select Sensors & Accessories
  3. Select Altimeter
  4. Select Calibrate
  5. Select an option and follow onscreen prompts

Note: Allow the watch to air dry before calibrating the barometric altimeter after doing any water based activities. 


Other Factors to Consider

Some factors that might impact the function of the altimeter and barometer include: rapidly moving air entering the sensor port while participating in high speed activities; climate controlled buildings which can have slightly different pressure indoors compared to the ambient pressure outside; and soap, dirt, or salts from sweat which can clog the sensor port.  

Cleaning the Sensor Port

Debris blocking the sensor port will need to be rinsed free. The sensor port is located on the right side of the watch, between the Start/Stop and the Back/Lap.

  1. Run low pressure, warm water over the sensor port
  2. Gently remove any visible debris 
    IMPORTANT: Do not put any objects into the sensor port!
  3. Shake away excess water and allow to air dry
  4. Calibrate the altimeter


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