Garmin Instinct Firmware Goodies
I was surprised about this.
The new beta firmware (v6.5.3) for the Garmin Instinct includes support for the Pool Swim profile’s AUTO REST functionality amongst a few other things as listed here
Must Read: Garmin Instinct 2 Review Solar & Thoughts
Changes made from version 6.52 to 6.53:
- Added low Abnormal Heart Rate alert. (Settings > Sensors & Accessories > Wrist Heart Rate > Abnormal Heart Rate Alerts > Low Alert)
- Added Autorest setting for Pool Swim activity. (Settings > Activities & Apps > Pool Swim Settings > Autorest)
- Added Swim Time data field for Pool Swim activity.
- Added support for a ‘Silent’ option to the Smart notifications Sounds alert settings. (Settings > Phone > Smart Notifications > During Activity/Not During Activity > Sounds)
- Fixed an issue where the watch may freeze during a Ski activity.
- Fixed issues where activity elevation chart would appear blank when viewing an activity in History or when doing a TracBack.
- Fixed graphical glitch affecting the key lock icon.
If you want to read a bit more about the full set of swim features from Garmin, then I’ve covered them in the next link. To cut a long story short for Instinct owners
- I use AUTOPAUSE…it’s good. It saves you pressing LAP at the end of a swim interval.
- Instinct won’t get the full set of SWIM features
Last Updated on 20 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- 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. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Wahoo. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love, which is this site, and I appreciate everyone who supports it.
Support the site: Follow (free, fewer ads) · Subscribe (paid, ad-free) · Buy Me A Coffee ❤️
All articles are written by real people, fact-checked, and verified for originality. See the Editorial Policy. FTC: Affiliate Disclosure — some links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
The Suunto Ambit 3 vertical is now £90 direct from Suunto. This looks to be very favourable, especially as the Suunto can give you a location in OS grid reference format.
AND it’s one of the most accurate gps sports watches EVER.