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My Approach Device Is Not Detected by Garmin Express on a Mac Computer

USB communication issues can prevent your Garmin Approach® golf product from being detected by the Garmin Express™ program.

Below are items to check and troubleshooting steps to try.


Force Quit Garmin Express Program

  1. Press Command+Option+Escape on the keyboard.

  2. Select Garmin Express from the list of applications.

  3. Select Force Quit.

The Garmin Express program will now be closed.


Verify Your Approach Displays the Connection Icon

Most Approach devices will display an icon on the screen indicating that the Approach device is communicating with your computer. The display should look similar to the image below.

watch charging screen


Recognizing the USB Connection

An Approach device will display as a removable disk or portable device when they are properly connected to a Mac.

IMPORTANT: The Approach® S62, Approach® S70 - 42mm, and Approach® S70 - 47mm watches are Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) devices which do not show as a disk on a Mac. Garmin Express can still read the watch to sync data and perform updates.

To verify Mac detects the device:

  1. Open Finder.

  2. View Devices.

Approach devices will be listed in the Finder as GARMIN.


Approach Device Does Not Display the Connection Screen or Display as a Drive 

Try the steps below if your Approach product does not display the connection screen or does not appear as a drive on the Mac.

Try a Different USB Cable

  • Try a Garmin® branded cable, if available.

  • If a new cable must be purchased, ensure that the cable is a USB Data Cable and not a USB Charging Cable.

  • See Replaceable Approach Charging Cables.

Mini USB Cable

Both ends of mini USB cable

Micro USB Cable

Both ends of micro USB cable

Ensure Battery Contacts Are Clean on Approach Watches

Ensure That the USB Port is Working Properly

  • Try a different USB port on your computer and/or test the USB port with a different USB device.

  • Avoid connecting through a USB extension cable, if possible.

Restart the Computer and Try Again

Plug the Approach into the computer before restarting.


Approach Is Recognized by the Computer but Not by Garmin Express

Ensure Garmin Express Allows Devices to be Recognized

IMPORTANT: Since Mac OS 10.15, there is a setting change that needs to be agreed to for Garmin Express to read your Garmin device. For instructions, see - Garmin Express not Detecting Devices on Mac Catalina 10.15 or Big Sur 11.0 and Newer.

Ensure Garmin Express Is Up to Date

  1. Select Garmin Express on the menu bar at the upper left.

  2. Select About Garmin Express.

  3. Select Check for Updates to Express.

  4. Select Install Now and follow the prompts if there is an update available.

Remove the Device and Add It Back

  1. Select Home.

  2. Right-click or Ctrl+click your Approach.

  3. Select Remove from Express.

  4. Select Remove.

  5. Select Add a Device.

  6. When the Approach is found, select Add Device.

  7. Follow the on-screen prompts to add your Approach back to Express.

Uninstall and Reinstall Garmin Express

Restart the Computer

Plug the Approach into the computer before restarting.


If These Steps Did Not Resolve the Issue

Visit the Garmin Express section of Support Center and you will find the available Product Support contact options in the Contact Us for More Help section.