How to Set Up a Garmin Vivosmart Fitness Tracker

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

The Garmin Vivosmart is a wrist-worn fitness band that sports a hidden OLED display that illuminates only when you receive notifications or tap it. It combines the communication features of a smartwatch with the fitness-centric capabilities of an activity tracker. Keeping your Vivosmart up to date ensures it tracks your progress and personal goals as accurately and seamlessly as possible. This guide will help you get started with your new fitness band whether you're looking to primarily use it with your smartphone or your computer.

Tools You'll Need:

  • A working Internet connection
  • Your Vivosmart's USB cable

Supplies You'll Need:

  • Zip ties
  • Any other consumable supplies
  • Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

You must have Garmin Connect or Express Installed

Garmin Vivosmart.

2. Power On and Charge

In order to proceed, your Vivosmart device must be powered on and charged if necessary. In order to do this:

  1. Locate the USB cable that came in the packaging with your VivoSmart. Plug it into any available USB port on your computer.
Vivosmart charger.

Plug the Vivosmart charger into computer USB port.
  1. Align the charger posts with the contacts on the back of the device, and connect the charging clip (1) securely to the device.
Charging adapter plugging into Vivosmart.
  1. The device turns on and battery icon appears.
Vivosmart's battery charging indicator.
  1. Allow the device to remain connected and charge if need be.
  2. When you wish to remove the charge cable, press the release lever (2) to remove the charger.
Removing the charging adapter from the Vivosmart.

3. Set Up App (Mobile)

  1. You will be prompted to Sign In with an existing Garmin Connect account, or you can also choose to Create Account if you do not currently have a Garmin Connect account.
Garmin Connect app sign in screen.
  1. You will be prompted to select your Garmin device from the on-screen list.
Garmin Connect app device selection screen.
  1. Select your device and follow the on-screen instructions for connecting it to the app.
Garmin Connect app attempting to pair with device screen.
  1. Once you have been taken to the main screen of the Garmin Connect app, your device is now linked with the Garmin Connect software and is ready to use.
Garmin Connect app dashboard screen.

4. Using the Touchscreen

  1. Double tap the touchscreen to wake the device.
  2. Hold the touchscreen to view the menu.
  3. Swipe left or right to scroll through the device features and menu options.
  4. Tap the touchscreen to make a selection.
    The screen turns off when not in use. When the screen is off, the device is still active and recording data.
  5. Select to dismiss a notification or return to the previous screen.
  6. Make each touchscreen selection a separate action.

5. Wearing the Device

The device can be worn on your left or right wrist. By default, the screen is oriented for your left wrist with the clasp toward the inside of your wrist. You can customize the screen and band orientation on your Garmin Connect account.

  1. Make sure the pegs on the clasp are fully inserted into the band.
  2. When both pegs are fully inserted, the device fits securely against your wrist.
  3. Slide the keeper over the clasp (optional). The keeper is a small loop designed to fit over both ends of the band and the clasp. It provides additional security and helps keep the band attached during rugged use.
Garmin Vivosmart clasp being secured.
  1. Wear the device all day for it to track movement and sleep activity.

6. Prepare PC Connection

  1. While your Vivosmart is connected via USB, the Battery icon appears.
Garmin Vivosmart physically connected with the supplied charging cable, displaying the battery icon.
  1. Hold the battery icon on the touchscreen until you see the USB symbol.
Garmin Vivosmart physically connected with the supplied charging cable, displaying the battery and USB icons.
  1. Your Vivosmart is now ready to be setup with your Garmin Express software.

7. Set Up (PC)

  1. Launch the Garmin Express software.
Garmin Express icon
  1. Click the Get Started button.
Get started button
  1. Connect your device to your computer with the provided USB cable when prompted.
Garmin Express software prompting the user to connect their device.
  1. When Garmin Express has detected the device you've plugged in, it will identify it for you. Click Add Device.
Garmin Express software displaying the detected device, with the add device button highlighted.
  1. From here, you will be prompted to Sign In or Create an Account for Garmin Connect. Sign in with an existing account if you have one, or complete the necessary steps to create an account.
Garmin Express presenting a login screen for the Garmin Connect service.
  1. Once logged in, your device may or may prompt you for a few extra initial setup steps to complete the setup of the Garmin Express software. Follow any on-screen steps.
  2. Once initial setup is complete, you will be presented with the status screen for your device. Setup is now complete and you are ready to normally use your device.
Garmin Express dashboard for the connected device.