Garmin Watches – Global GPS Errors AGAIN
Garmin is having a hard time this year. Early in January, we saw a significant shift in recorded GPS tracks on Garmin devices that have the latest Sony GNSS Chipset. By coincidence today I logged some of the ongoing battery problems you guys were having. Well, it looks like the GPS shift errors are back for the Sony Chipsets on Garmins.
I had a one hour ride and a 45-minute run today sadly not with a single Sony chipset amongst the devices, just my trusty Apple Watch 6, an old Garmin and ‘something else’. However, reports are once again coming into the Garmin forums showing some significant shifts like these two from @AJR and @Sietse_runner (no relation).
Strangely this time the tracks seem shifted to the North or West, whereas last time it was to the South or West.
@temper00 shows two tracks, one good one from an old 920XT (right) and the other from a 945 (left). This one is very strange as the shift seems to have happened mid-run
A Fix?
The fix is to sync your Garmin device with Garmin Connect. This should update the satellite positions.
Next, to be sure, go outside and prepare as if you are about to go for a run. Wait until the GPS is fully locked on, you should hear a beep or get a green circle or something similar depending on the Garmin model you have.
Only then start your run recording. Leave the Garmin in the middle of your garden (or somewhere similarly safe and open) and leave it there recording for A FULL 15 minutes.
End the recording and all of that nonsense should have really, properly updated the satellite positions on your watch.
On your Garmin check this: System>About>CPE Expired. If it says ‘Expired’ you still have the problem.
Be mindful for the next few days to always get that satellite lock before embarking on exercise, you should NOT have to repeat the above steps.
Another solution, like with cycling, is to buy another device for your collection. So here are some thoughts for Garmin’s 2021 releases (955 yay!) or try the following link to products they could release but won’t (personally I think the latter is a more thought-provoking read)
Last Updated on 24 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 — The small adapter that keeps your charging cables tidy. Essential for race day. 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 Garmin watch. 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.
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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
