So you're planning to upgrade your Garmin watch and don't know what to do with your old one. Your first thought might be to list it on eBay, and that's certainly one option, but it's not the only one. We've put together a list of ideas here to help you give your old sports watch a second life, or dispose of it responsibly if it's really past the point of no return.
Save it as a backup
The Garmin Connect app is great, especially since it allows you to connect multiple devices (watches, bike computers, electronic pedals, etc.) and bring all that information together in one convenient place. If you bought a new watch, there's no reason why you can't set it as the primary device and leave the old one set as the backup device.
There are several reasons why you might want to do this. For example, your old watch may be a little thinner than the new one (especially if you've invested in a big Fenix 7), you might want to keep the old one for everyday use and just wear the new one. training. sessions when you really need all of its extra features.
You can also keep the old watch while charging the new one. Garmin has made great strides with battery life in recent years, but unless you're using an Instinct Solar in power-saving mode, you'll need to plug it in from time to time. Even if it's just to capture a few extra steps or get some sleep from time to time, having a spare clock means you won't have any gaps in your daily data.
Use it as a cycle computer
Garmin has made a name for itself in satellite navigation and its Forerunner watches are fantastic little bike computers when strapped to the handlebars. You won't get the biometrics you would if they were on your wrist, but they're easier to read while driving and you can get turn-by-turn directions on the screen.
Garmin sells a neat mounting system that allows you to attach your watch body to your bike with a snap and detach it just as easily. It costs $29.99 / £26.99 / AU$49 and is compatible with a wide range of watches, including the Fenix 6 and 7, Quatix 6 and 7, Epix (Gen 2), Enduro, D2 Mach 1, and Tactix 7 and more. Delta.
If your watch isn't compatible or you don't want to spend that much money, there's also a less elegant mount that attaches to your bike with zip ties and allows you to attach almost any Garmin watch in place during rides. It costs €14.99 / €10.99 / AU$17.99.
donate to a good cause
If your watch is still working properly, you can donate it to a good cause. There are charities like RecycleHealth in the US that accept working sports watches and fitness trackers. You can also search for clubs and organizations in your area that are working to make the sport more inclusive and contact us to find out if they would be interested in hosting.
sell it
If you really don't need two Garmins in your life, or want to recoup some of the cost of your new watch, selling it may be the best option. First, make sure all your data is synced with Garmin Connect so you don't lose any of your valuable stats, then open the left-hand menu in the app and select "Garmin Devices." Tap on the watch you want to sell, then tap on the menu icon in the top right corner and select "Remove Device".
Your watch contains all sorts of sensitive data, including GPS information, so it's important to perform a factor reset before selling it. Start by turning it off, then press and hold the back/spin button. Once the "Clear User Data" option appears, release the button and select "Yes." If your watch does not have a back/spin button, please refer to the manual on how to erase your data; You can find the manual by searching for your watch model on the Garmin website.
When shipping your watch, make sure it is well packed and be aware of any restricted items that your chosen shipping company will not handle. Some refuse to deal with lithium ion batteries like the one inside your Garmin watch.
Even if your watch isn't in perfect working order, you may still be able to make some money by selling it for parts. Just make sure you are completely transparent about the flaws.
Recycle it
If your watch is broken, recycling is another option. It's important to make sure your watch goes to the right place, so the lithium battery is handled safely and any other hazardous materials can be handled correctly (some LCD screens contain small amounts of mercury, for example).
You may already know of a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling facility near you, but if you're unsure, Garmin itself can provide details of places that can safely process your watch. Just fill out an online form with your name and the name of the device you want to recycle. You can also Google "WEEE recycling near me" for helpful results.
If you can't find anything, try calling an electronics dealer near you. Many of them run their own WEEE recycling programs, and some will even give you an in-store discount for bringing in your old technology.
The charging cable is worth holding on to though. All Garmin watches released in recent years use the exact same type of charger, and you never know when a replacement might come in handy.