I wouldn’t normally write about this, but it’s likely to be of interest, so it’s worth noting that Garmin has pushed firmware 2.50 for the CIRQA Smart Band. The changelog is simply one line: “Includes improvements to OHR.”
That one line COULD cover two very different problems
- The first is accuracy during fast changes in effort. This site’s own testing found wrist-worn CIRQA underestimated heart rate at the start of most reps in a running interval session, by roughly 9 to 10bpm, the worst result of any device in that particular test. Moving the band to the biceps fixed it: three reference devices agreed within half a beat in a repeat test. That’s more likely a sensor-and-algorithm problem tied to a specific kind of movement, not a fault.
- The second is no heart rate data at all. Garmin Forums and Reddit have multiple independent reports of the optical sensor simply stopping after charging, with no warning shown even though the band reports as connected and synced. The only fix users have found is powering the band off in the Garmin Connect app and back on via the button. A related set of reports describes heart rate, Body Battery and Training Readiness all stopping mid-day, despite the band being correctly set as the primary wearable.
Which one does 2.50 fix?
My guess is the second, not the first, as a one-line changelog that says “improvements to OHR” reads like a stability patch than a recalibration of the sensing algorithm across the entire Elevate Gen 4 platform.
Garmin CIRQA Smart Band
Screenless health and fitness band (no subscription required)
+other retailersQuick answers
What does Garmin CIRQA firmware 2.50 fix?
Garmin’s changelog only says “improvements to OHR,” with no further detail. The most likely target is the optical sensor dropout bugs reported on Garmin Forums and Reddit, rather than the interval-response accuracy lag found in this site’s own testing.
Does firmware 2.50 fix CIRQA's heart rate lag during interval training?
Probably not. That’s a sensor-and-algorithm issue tied to fast changes in effort, found in a single testing session rather than widely reported by other users, which makes it a lower priority for a one-line stability patch.
Why does CIRQA's heart rate sensor stop working after charging?
This is an unresolved, widely reported bug. The optical sensor stops responding after charging and doesn’t resume until the band is powered off in the Garmin Connect app and back on via the button, even though it shows as connected and synced.
How do I check what firmware version my Garmin CIRQA is running?
Open the device settings for CIRQA in Garmin Connect and look for the software or firmware version listed there. Updates roll out gradually, so not every unit receives 2.50 at the same time.
Last Updated on 21 August 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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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
