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Garmin Explore App Bluetooth Troubleshooting for the eTrex SE or eTrex Solar

If you are experiencing issues with an eTrex® SE or eTrex Solar outdoor handheld not pairing with your smartphone or tablet, this article reviews what to look for and troubleshooting for the Garmin Explore™ app.

If you are experiencing issues with the Garmin Connect™ app, see - Garmin Connect App Bluetooth Troubleshooting.

If your issues are concerning connection with the Garmin Explore app after pairing or syncing, see Related .

Items to Check

If issues occur when trying to pair for the first time, or after resetting your device, refer to the following suggestions.


Check for Software Updates

Garmin Device Updates

Use Garmin Express on a computer to check for software updates available for the eTrex. For steps, see - Installing Software Updates to Outdoor Handhelds.

Garmin Explore App Updates

Access the app store on the phone or tablet to install any available updates for the Garmin Explore app.

App StoreGoogle Play

Phone or Tablet Updates

Most mobile devices install updates automatically, but it is best to confirm you have the latest operating system and install any missing updates. Consult your phone manufacturer for assistance, if needed.


Reboot the eTrex and Phone or Tablet

Restarting the devices you are trying to pair will often resolve common Bluetooth® connection issues.

Try powering off both the eTrex and your phone or tablet, then powering them both back on.


Confirm Bluetooth® Pairing is Enabled

Check in the phone or tablet settings to ensure Bluetooth is turned on and not in Airplane mode. Contact the phone or tablet manufacturer for assistance, if needed.

To enable Bluetooth pairing on the eTrex:

  1. Press Back Arrow/Menu Button until you reach the main menu.

  2. Select Settings.

  3. Select Pair Phone.

    • NOTE: If you do not see Pair Phone, you will need to select Phone, then Forget Phone before the eTrex can be paired.


Retry the Pairing if it Fails or Stalls

If you encounter a Pairing Failed error with the option to Retry, select Retry to try again.

If it fails again after selecting Retry, perform the following:

  1. Forget/remove/unpair the eTrex from the Bluetooth menu in the phone or tablet's settings.

  2. Forget the smartphone in the eTrex device settings:

    1. Press Back Arrow/Menu Button until you reach the main menu.

    2. Select Settings.

    3. Select Phone.

    4. Select Forget Phone.

  3. Start the pairing process again in the Garmin Explore app.


Allow Enough Time for the Phone or Tablet to Find the eTrex 

During the pairing process it can take 20+ seconds for the phone or tablet to find the eTrex.

If your phone or tablet does not find the device right away, allow more time. Once the device has been found, select Connect it.

Ready to Connect eTrex SE

A six digit pin will appear on the device after you select Connect it.


Connect the Phone or Tablet to Mobile Data and Try Again

If the eTrex is not pairing with the phone or tablet connected to Wi-Fi, try switching to a mobile data connection and try again.

Related