Introduction
The Garmin Approach S40 is a stylish GPS golf smartwatch designed to enhance your golf game and provide everyday smartwatch functionalities. It features a sunlight-readable color touchscreen display and offers precise distances to greens, hazards, and doglegs on over 41,000 preloaded courses worldwide. This manual provides instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your device.

Image: The Garmin Approach S40 smartwatch displaying a golf course layout with the distance to the pin. This image illustrates the primary golf-centric display of the device.
What's in the Box
- Approach S40 GPS Golf Smartwatch
- Charging/Data Cable
- Documentation (this manual)
Setup
Charging the Device
Before first use, fully charge your Approach S40 using the provided charging/data cable. Connect the cable to the charging port on the back of the watch and to a USB power source.
Pairing with Your Smartphone
To access all smartwatch features and synchronize data, pair your Approach S40 with the Garmin Golf app on your compatible smartphone.
- Download the Garmin Golf app from your smartphone's app store.
- Enable Bluetooth technology on your smartphone.
- On your Approach S40, hold the button and select Pair Phone.
- Follow the on-screen instructions in the Garmin Golf app to complete the pairing process.

Image: The Garmin Approach S40 smartwatch displaying the current time and date, showcasing its everyday watch functionality.
Operating Instructions
Using the Touchscreen Display
The Approach S40 features a sunlight-readable color touchscreen. Swipe left or right to navigate through widgets and features. Tap to select options.
Golf Features
- Preloaded Courses: The device comes preloaded with over 41,000 golf courses worldwide. It automatically detects your location and displays nearby courses.
- Distances: View distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as to hazards and doglegs.
- Green View: Manually adjust the pin position on the green for more accurate approach shots.

Image: The Garmin Approach S40 displaying the Green View feature, allowing users to manually position the pin for improved accuracy.
- AutoShot Detection: The watch automatically records detected shot distances. Note: Putts are not tracked, and some other shots, such as chips around the green, may not be tracked. Lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking accuracy.

Image: The Garmin Approach S40 displaying a detected shot distance, illustrating its automatic shot tracking capability.
- Approach CT10 Compatibility: For even more precise automatic game tracking, pair your device with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately).
- Garmin Golf App Integration: Use the Garmin Golf app for live scoring, automatic scorecard uploads, and to review all your stats in real-time during play and after your round on your compatible smartphone.
Smartwatch Features
Beyond golf, the Approach S40 functions as an everyday smartwatch:
- Activity Tracking: Tracks daily activities such as steps and sleep.
- Multisport Profiles: Includes built-in profiles for various activities.
- Smart Notifications: Receive notifications from your smartphone directly on your watch.

Image: The Garmin Approach S40 displaying distances to various hazards on a golf course, aiding in strategic play.
Maintenance
Maximizing Battery Life
To extend the battery life of your Approach S40:
- Reduce the backlight timeout setting.
- Reduce the backlight brightness.
- Turn off Bluetooth technology when not using connected features.
- Limit the number of smartphone notifications displayed on the device.
Battery life is up to 15 hours in GPS mode and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode.
Troubleshooting
Phone Connection Issues
If your smartphone will not connect to the device:
- Turn off your smartphone and your device, then turn them back on again.
- Ensure Bluetooth technology is enabled on your smartphone.
- Update the Garmin Golf app to the latest version.
- Remove your device from the Garmin Golf app and your smartphone's Bluetooth settings, then retry the pairing process.
- If you are using a new smartphone, remove your device from the Garmin Golf app on the old smartphone.
- Bring your smartphone within 10 meters (33 feet) of the device.
- On the device, hold the button and select Pair Phone.
Incorrect Language
If your device is displaying the wrong language:
- Hold the button.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down to the sixth item in the list and select it to change the language.
Official Product Video
Video: An official product video showcasing the features and benefits of the Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Smartwatch. This video demonstrates its stylish design, golf functionalities like precise distances and shot tracking, and smartwatch capabilities.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Garmin |
| Model Name | 010-02140-00 |
| Screen Size | 1.2 Inches |
| Special Feature | Bluetooth |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, USB |
| Map Type | Golf Courses |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | 15 Hours |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | 10 Days |
| Mounting Type | Wrist Mount |
| Resolution | 240 x 240 |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 64 MB |
| Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| Human-Interface Input | Touchscreen |
| Supported Satellite Navigation System | GPS |
| Sport Type | Golf |
| Item Weight | 1.5 ounces |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 1.7"L x 1.7"W x 0.5"H |
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
The Garmin Approach S40 comes with a 1-year limited warranty. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official Garmin website or the documentation included with your product.
Customer Support
For further assistance, technical support, or to purchase accessories, please visit the official Garmin support website or contact their customer service.







