new Garmin PASSCODE Support – All you need to know

Garmin PASSCODE has long been required to tap and pay with cards loaded onto your watch with GarminPAY. Garmin has now extended the feature to compatible devices to add an extra layer of security for those who want it.

PASSCODE with GarminPAY

Previously, PASSCODE required a 4-digit numeric PIN to be entered before making an electronic purchase with Garmin PAY. This could be entered either with the touchscreen or buttons. I

Providing you put your watch on your wrist and had heart rate monitoring enabled, a PASSCODE was not needed again for another 24 hours.

Passcodes can only be changed via Connect if you remember the password. If you forget the PASSCODE, you need to reset Garmin PAY.

All that remains unchanged

Incorrect PASSCODEs

Be mindful of the repercussions of an incorrect passcode. Three consecutive incorrect attempts will lock your device for a minute. Subsequent incorrect attempts will have more serious consequences, such as resetting your watch to factory settings unless an active Bluetooth is pairing with Garmin Connect.

PASSCODE – What’s changed

Now, you can add the same PASSCODE for all your watch menus. Go to the system menu to set it, as shown in the images at the top.

If you enable the PASSCODE for the entire watch, you can still see your watch face without the passcode. Still, almost everything else requires the passcode – exceptions being TORCH, Emergency assistance, an active workout, or answering a connected call.

PASSCODE – What’s Different To Apple

Garmin’s PASSCODE does NOT protect personal data on the complications on your watch face. So, even with a PASSCODE, anyone can see whatever is on your watch face – personal info like your heart rate history, VO2max or steps. That’s not the case with Apple; Apple can protect all personal data.

It’s also worth pointing out that anyone can plug a stolen Garmin watch into a computer and have full access to the watch’s contents regardless of PASSCODE protection

Take Out

If Garmin plans to go as far as Apple by letting the passcode feature encompass complications, then the most security-minded amongst you will be happy. Personally, I don’t need this level of security, and I suspect I’m in the majority.

Perhaps the only use I can see for a passcode would be if my watch is lost or stolen or if a friend wants to annoy me – a passcode could stop someone from accessing the settings menu or even resetting the watch.

Is your watch supported?

At the time of writing, these watch models officially support this feature.

• Enduro 3, fēnix E,
• fēnix 8 – AMOLED Edition | fēnix 8 – Solar Edition
• Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 165 Music
• Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 255S | Forerunner 255 Music | Forerunner 255S Music
• Forerunner 265 | Forerunner 265S
• Forerunner 955 | Forerunner 955 Solar
• Forerunner 965
• Venu 3 | Venu 3S
• vívoactive 5