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Alpha 200 or Alpha 200i Not Syncing or Staying Bluetooth Connected to the Garmin Explore App

If you are having trouble getting the Alpha® 200 or Alpha® 200i dog tracking handheld to stay connected to, or sync with the Garmin Explore™ app, there are a few things to look for.


Check That the Bluetooth for the Alpha 200 Handheld Is Turned On

  • The Bluetooth icon should be displayed in the status bar next to the battery charge indicator.
    Bluetooth Status Icon

Confirm That You Are Running the Latest Version of the Garmin Explore App

  • Check for updates to the Garmin Explore app.
    App Store Icon Google Play Icon

Make Sure the Software on the Alpha 200 Is Up to Date


Check For and Install Any Available Updates for Your Phone

  • Consult your phone manufacturer for assistance if needed. 

Miscellaneous Items to Check

  • Make sure that Airplane Mode is turned off on your mobile device.
  • Select Devices in the Garmin Explore app and verify that the Alpha 200 handheld shows Connected.
  • Make sure you are selecting the correct sync option:
    • The sync option in the Account section synchronizes the Garmin Explore app with the Garmin Explore website.
    • The sync option in the Devices section syncs the Garmin Explore app with the Alpha 200 handheld.
  • If the Garmin Explore app will sync with the Alpha 200 handheld but not with your account on the Garmin Explore website, check that your phone has a wireless data connection.

Troubleshooting Steps for Connection/Syncing Issues

Attempt unpairing and pairing the two devices again.

  1. Select Forget Phone in the Bluetooth Settings of the Alpha 200 handheld.
    1. Navigate to the Main Menu on the Alpha 200 handheld.
    2. Select Setup.
    3. Select Bluetooth.
    4. Select Forget Phone.
    5. Select Yes.
  2. Select Remove Device in the Garmin Devices section of the Garmin Explore app.
    1. Select device.
    2. Select 3 dots in upper right corner.
    3. Select Remove Device.
  3. Forget the Alpha 200 handheld in the Bluetooth Settings of your phone or tablet.
    • Consult your phone manufacture for assistance if needed
  4. Restart both the Alpha 200 handheld and the phone or tablet.
  5. Pair the Alpha 200 handheld back to your mobile device in the Garmin Explore app.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Garmin Explore App

  1. Uninstall the Garmin Explore app from your mobile device.
    • Select your operating system below for instructions on how to uninstall an app. For further assistance, refer to your mobile device's user manual.
  2. Reinstall the Garmin Explore app from your mobile device's app store.
    App Store Icon Google Play Store Icon