Unlock the Garmin Secret Menu: A Hidden Diagnostic Tool
Did you know there’s a “secret menu” tucked away in the settings of many high-end Garmin watches? This hidden feature is more of a debug and reinstall tool for developers or technicians. Still, it’s accessible on popular models like the Garmin Forerunner 970 and older versions such as the Fenix 6 Pro and Forerunner 935. While it’s probably not a secret anymore (since we’re sharing it!), please proceed with caution if you use it.
When these menus were found on older watches, they evolved, and new tools were added. At present, there’s not too much exciting to be seen!
Related: Garmin vs Strava latest news as Strava continues to back down
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How to Access the Secret Menu
This hidden diagnostic screen is in the standard Settings > About menu.
- On your compatible Garmin watch, navigate to the main Settings menu.
- Select About.
- Once on the About screen, quickly press the top-left Light button approximately 8 times.
You will now enter the deep world of the debug and reinstall menu.
⚠️ A Warning: This menu contains sensitive system settings. It is highly recommended that you do not experiment or change anything in this menu unless you are an expert, as you could potentially damage or “brick” your expensive sports watch.
Must See: Garmin Secret Menu Video Demonstration
Further Reading: Detailed Garmin Forerunner 970 Review
https://the5krunner.com/2025/10/18/whoop-sues-polar-over-copycat-design-another-fitness-feud-begins/
Last Updated on 30 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
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- 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
The 965 has a “clear ephemeris” option too.
I’ve tested it on a Fenix 8 (43mm) and it does have the debug menu too.
It’s not a secret and it’s not even a menu, it is the procedure reinstall the software.
I contacted the Garmin support last month for a problem with the ECG app on my FR970 and they asked me to reinstall the software exactly with this procedure.
It certainly is a menu given that it has multiple item – including reinstalling the software (again just one of multiple menu options).
We debate whether it is ‘secret’, but it certainly is ‘hidden’ seeing that there is no link to it and it can only be accessed as described
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thank you for sharing that insight with the readers here, I’m still using Alta vista, google looks good. It should take off one day.
255 have also this 🙂
Did it help? The ECG App is missing on my FR970 and Garmin wants to replace it. But i am following a training plan atm and don’t want to top it for two weeks until Garmin send the new one.