What is Garmin Connect IQ?

Connect IQ is Garmin's app platform — the thing that lets you add custom watch faces, apps and data to a compatible Garmin watch. Here is what it is and how to use it.

The four kinds of add-ons

Connect IQ lets developers build four things for your watch:

• Watch faces — the main screen showing the time and your stats.
• Widgets — glanceable screens you swipe to (weather, calendar, body battery).
• Data fields — extra metrics inside an activity (during a run or ride).
• Apps — full standalone apps (maps, workouts, games).

Not sure which is which? See watch face vs widget vs data field.

How to get it

Install the Connect IQ Store app on your phone, sign in with your Garmin account, find something, and tap Download. Open Garmin Connect to sync it to your watch over Bluetooth. That is the whole flow — our install guide walks through it.

Which watches support it

Most modern Garmin watches do — Fenix, Epix, Venu, Forerunner, Vivoactive, Instinct and more. Each face or app lists its compatible devices; always check yours.

Is it safe?

Connect IQ items run in a sandbox and request specific permissions for the data they use. A well-made watch face only reads what it displays and keeps it on the device. Stick to the official store and check that permissions match what you see. Our faces, for example, collect no data at all.