Garmin finally enables ECG for Fenix 8
The latest beta software for the Fenix 8 shows that ECG and DIVE are enabled for the Fenix 8.
More: beta 12.22 Details
It is currently unclear if this is enabled worldwide (I doubt it) or if ECG will start to be rolled out globally for other Garmin watch models with the Elevate 5 sensor (I doubt it).
Q: Does ECG work for you outside the USA?
Workaround
Here is a 2023 article on how to get ECG to work on your Garmin outside of the USA. In a nutshell, you have to pretend you are in the USA to enable it, and then it will stay enabled when you switch back to your region.
This workaround should work on all models with Elevate 5.
Last Updated on 28 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
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- 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.
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- 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
Hi, when we saw that during Beta this is because Live Public release will be delivered.
ECG & Dive are disabled during Beta, until this information
This doesn’t mean new countries
How many training people can actually use the ecg functionality?
You need to have quite high resting hr to be able to reach over the 50 bpm that’s needed to do the test.
Hello, you here 😉
no problem for me i’m above 50 or more 🙂
yes, i’m not that convinced by the general usefulness of a short duration test. something like fourth Frontier X2 is much better: https://the5krunner.com/2024/01/25/fourth-frontier-x2-review-discount/ . makes a day long pdf of your ecg, highlighting every unusual event. alerts you if you are about to have some kinds of events. ideal for preparation to see a doctor about heart issues or for more elderly athletes concerned about heart health. plus its a regular sports chest strap as well