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Updating the Varia Radar Software

Varia Radars receive software updates from several different sources. Choose your model below for device-specific instructions:


RCT715: Radar Camera Taillight

The Varia RCT715 software can be updated via the Varia app or Garmin Express.

Updating the Varia RCT Software Using the Varia App

Before you can update your device software, you must download the Varia app.

  1. Put your Varia RCT715 into pairing mode (Flashing purple status LED).

  2. Open the Varia app on your smartphone or tablet.

  3. Pair your RCT715 to the Varia app.

    • Select Pair Now.

    • Select That's Mine!

  4. If new software is available, the Varia app will alert you to update the software.

  5. Select Install Software Update.


Updating the Varia RCT Software Using the Garmin Express Application

Before you can update your device software, you must download the Garmin Express application.

You can update Varia software using the Garmin Express application.

  1. Connect your Varia Radar to your computer using the USB cable.

  2. Open the Garmin Express application on your computer.

    • Garmin Express looks for software updates automatically and sends them to your device.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions in Garmin Express.

  4. Once your Varia Radar has finished syncing with Garmin Express, unplug it from your computer.

Following a software update, the RCT715 status LED will go through three series of blue/green flashes. There will be a short period where all LEDs will be off (up to one minute). The software update will complete when the main LED turns ON and device status LED flashes green 20 times. Do not press the device buttons until the software update is complete and the main LED turns on. This entire process will take approximately five minutes.

NOTE: If the software update fails, check your battery status. If the RCT715 battery level is under 5%, the RCT715 will not apply the update.


RTL515 & RTL510: Radar Taillight 

The Varia RTL515 and RTL510 software can be updated via an Edge cycling computer or Garmin Express.

Updating the Varia RTL Software With Your Edge Cycling Computer

Your Varia Radar must be paired with your Edge device to receive software updates. Your Edge device must be registered to a Garmin Connect account and paired to the Garmin Connect app.

  1. Power on both your Varia Radar and Edge cycling computer.

  2. Sync your Edge with the Garmin Connect app.

  3. Bring the Edge device within 3 m (10 ft.) of the Varia.

  4. When new software is available, your Edge will alert you to install the software update.

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions on your Edge to install the update.

The Varia Radar status LED flashes blue and green to indicate the device is updating software. When the update is complete, the status LED flashes green twenty times.


Updating the Varia RTL Software Using the Garmin Express Application

Before you can update your device software, you must download the Garmin Express application.

You can update Varia software using the Garmin Express application.

  1. Connect your Varia Radar to your computer using the USB cable.

  2. Open the Garmin Express application on your computer.

    • Garmin Express looks for software updates automatically and sends them to your device.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions in Garmin Express.

  4. Once your Varia Radar has finished syncing with Garmin Express, unplug it from your computer.

The Varia Radar status LED flashes blue and green to indicate the device is updating software. When the update is complete, the status LED flashes green twenty times.


RVR315: Radar Only

The Varia RVR315 software can be updated via an Edge cycling computer or Garmin Express.

Updating the Varia RTL and RVR Software With Your Edge Cycling Computer

Your Varia Radar must be paired with your Edge device to receive software updates. Your Edge device must be registered to a Garmin Connect account and paired to the Garmin Connect app.

  1. Power on both your Varia Radar and Edge cycling computer.

  2. Sync your Edge with the Garmin Connect app.

  3. Bring the Edge device within 3 m (10 ft.) of the Varia.

  4. When new software is available, your Edge will alert you to install the software update.

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions on your Edge to install the update.

The Varia Radar status LED flashes blue and green to indicate the device is updating software. When the update is complete, the status LED flashes green twenty times.


Updating the Varia RCT, RTL, and RVR Software Using the Garmin Express Application

Before you can update your device software, you must download the Garmin Express application.

You can update Varia software using the Garmin Express application.

  1. Connect your Varia Radar to your computer using the USB cable.

  2. Open the Garmin Express application on your computer.

    • Garmin Express looks for software updates automatically and sends them to your device.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions in Garmin Express.

  4. Once your Varia Radar has finished syncing with Garmin Express, unplug it from your computer.

The Varia Radar status LED flashes blue and green to indicate the device is updating software. When the update is complete, the status LED flashes green twenty times.