Garmin makes excellent smartwatches and fitness trackers. Most Garmin watches are working correctly. But few of the Garmin series show this issue( Stuck on waiting for GPS). This problem is due to some factors. These issues can be solved with a few steps.
Here we take a cursory idea of its solutions.
When your Garmin watch shows the issue, it is stuck waiting for the GPS signal. Weak GPS signals and overcasts can be the reason for this situation. Maybe you are using your watch after a long time, which can be an issue with your Garmin watch. Let the Garmin watch for about 20 minutes in the clear sky. It will improve the GPS signals to load the map on your watch.
Let’s take a closer look at every possible reason and their solutions. Why this issue is happening to your Garmin watch and how to fix it.
How to fix Garmin Watch that Stuck on Wait for GPS.
Leave the Garmin Watch in Clear View of Sky
When your Garmin watch is stuck, wait for GPS signals. You should leave your Garmin watch outside. It can solve this problem and unfreeze your watch.
You should leave the device for about 30 minutes outside.
Because leaving the Garmin device outside in a clear view of the sky; Improves the GPS signals and it catches the satellite where it is in the sky.
If you are trying to load the map inside you have to go outside and try again to load the map.
If you have used it for a long distance or travelled a long distance it is possible your watch will take 5 to 10 minutes to catche GPS signals.
Don’t worry it is not a serious issue just wait to load the GPS on your watch.
Update EPO or CPE
Extended Prediction Orbit (EPO) Connected Predictive Ephemeris (CPO) is files that allow the Garmin watch to predict where the satellite is in the sky.
You should check that these files are not expired. If these files are expired you need to update them easily.
You can check and update these files by follow these steps:
Check the files:
- Go to the System
- Select About
- And then scroll down to CPE
- It will show Current if it is Expired you have need to update
Update CPE
Sync your Garmin watch with Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express. When the watch connects to the previously configured wifi network; it makes sure that it has the latest satellite location available.
Update Garmin watch’s software
Still if this problem is not solved you need to check your Garmin watch’s software. Ensure that you are running the latest software on watch. If you have not installed the latest software update you should install it rapidly.
You can install latest update by following the below steps:
Update Via Garmin Connect App
Once you connect with the Garmin Connect app; automatic software update will be default. But to check it you have to go deep into the settings.
There are two ways to update with the Garmin Connect app.
Automatic Update
- Open the Garmin app and sync to the app
- Press and hold the top left button to bring the menu button
- Select Settings from this menu
- Select Start/Stop
- Tap on the System option scroll down to the bottom of the menu
- Select Software Update
- Press the hold button to Enable this option
Update Manually
To update your Garmin watch software follow the steps below:
- Press the top left button to bring the menu option
- Select Settings from here
- Select the Start/Stop option
- Here you’ll find System option
- You’ll see the software version (e.g., v.4.5) and Install button
- Tap on Install Now to Conform
Update Via Garmin Express
If you are not using the Garmin Connect app you can update your Garmin watch from Garmin Express.
You’ll need to connect the watch with your pc via USB cable.
Ensure you have installed the Garmin Express on your PC. Create or Login to your Garmin account.
Follow the steps below to update your Garmin watch’s software:
- Plug your device to the computer
- If you have enabled Garmin Express will send it automatically to your device.
- If you have automatic update disabled; you’ll be informed about the latest update to your device.
- Follow the on screen instructions to install the latest update
Note: Don’t disconnect the Garmin watch while a software update is installing on your device.
Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled
If your device uses the phone’s GPS then you have to ensure your Bluetooth is turned on for both watch and mobile phone.
Turn all permissions to access your mobile phone location on Always allow.
You can check and allow the permission by follow the steps below:
- Open the Garmin Connect app on your mobile
- Open the Menu (top left)
- Select Settings
- Go to the Phone Permissions
- Select Manage Permission option
- Select Permissions that you want to allow
- Select Location
- Check that Allow All the time is selected
- If this is disabled toggle Location On
Restart Garmin Watch
If all the above mentioned processes do not solve this problem. You need to restart your Garmin watch.
Because restarting the device solves the minor issue and refreshes the device.
To restart your Garmin watch you can follow the steps below:
- Long press the Light button to power off watch
- Release your finger while watch’s screen goes blank
- Left it about for a minute
- Press the Light button again to turn it On
- Release the button while Garmin’s logo appear on screen
Now your Garmin watch is completely restarted. You can now load your map without being stuck waiting for a GPS signal.
Check Ultra Trac Feature
The Ultra trac feature is used to save battery power. Ensure the ultra trac feature is turned off.
Because it maintains the balance between battery power and gps.
If this is enabled you can face this issue like your watch is stuck on waiting for gps.
You can check this feature by follow the steps below:
- Hold the top left button to bring menu option
- Go to the Settings
- Select Activities & App
- Choose an App
- Select the Settings for this app (e.g., Run Settings)
- Select GPS / Satellite
- Select Ultra Trac
- Toggle it to turn off