Spotify have produced a CIQ app for selected Garmin devices. It’s available now.
Link to: garmin.com
Spotify is a big music streaming service, especially in the EU. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised that Garmin have this all agreed with Spotify in 2018. I understood that there were licensing and other competitive issues (eg Samsung!) that could have delayed this…obviously not.
This is an important move for Garmin and music-loving runners
It’s also great that dynamic playlists are supported.
Problems
- Doesn’t work on the Forerunner 645 Music and Vivoactive 3 Music
- Only works on the Fenix 5 Plus Series (5 Plus, 5X Plus, 5S Plus Bible Review)
My guess is this ‘problem; will be sorted out very quickly and all the above devices will be supported before Christmas.
- Spotify PREMIUM users only
- Offline storage limits on your watch
- Requires a paried smartphone
- It’s not a true end-to-end streaming service. The music/podcast files must be sync’d to your Garmin device either by WiFi or Garmin Connect (mobile, desktop).
The end-to-end problem can only be solved by Garmin releasing a device that contains cellular connectivity (an envisaged Fenix 6 or Forerunner 945 perhaps?). That will come but it is not imminent – Apple Watch and some WearOS devices already do this.
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CREDITS:
Source: garmin.com
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Last Updated on 19 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
