Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Smartwatch User Manual

2.1. Initial Device Setup

1. Charging the Device: Connect the Forerunner 955 to a power source using the provided charging/data cable. Ensure the device is fully charged before first use.
2. Powering On: Press and hold the LIGHT button (top left) to power on the device.
3. Initial Configuration: Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language, time format, and other basic settings.

2.2. Pairing with Your Smartphone

To unlock the full potential of your Forerunner 955, pair it with the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.

1. Download Garmin Connect: Download and install the Garmin Connect app from your smartphone's app store.
2. Enable Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone.
3. Open Garmin Connect: Open the app and follow the instructions to add a new device.
4. Initiate Pairing on Watch: On your Forerunner 955, navigate to the settings menu and select "Phone" > "Pair Phone".
5. Complete Pairing: Confirm the pairing code displayed on both your watch and phone.

Once paired, your watch will sync data with the app and receive smart notifications.

3.1. Display and Controls

The Forerunner 955 features an always-on, full-color display that is easy to read in various lighting conditions. It supports both traditional button controls and a responsive touchscreen for navigation.

• Touchscreen: Swipe through maps and stats, tap to select options.
• Buttons: Use the physical buttons on the sides for quick access to functions and navigation, especially useful during activities or when the screen is wet.

Figure 2: Side view of the Forerunner 955, highlighting the physical buttons.

4.1. Training and Performance Monitoring

• Training Readiness: Get a score based on your sleep quality, recovery, and training load to determine if it's a good day for an intense workout or a rest day.
  

  Figure 3: Training Status display on Forerunner 955.

• Daily Suggested Workouts: Receive personalized workout recommendations that adapt to your performance and recovery.
  

  Figure 4: Daily Suggested Workout display on Forerunner 955.

• Race Widget: Prepare for your next race with training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts, and completion time predictions based on course details, weather, and performance.
• Running Power: Obtain continuous wrist-based measurement of how much power you're applying to the road (requires Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor).
• Triathlon and Multisport Profiles: Easily switch between sports with built-in profiles for various activities, or create custom multisport profiles.
• HRV Status: Gain a deeper understanding of your overall health, recovery, and training performance through heart rate variability while you sleep.
• Real-time Stamina: Track and manage your exertion to help avoid overexerting at the start of your run or bike ride.
• Training Status: Using indicators like HRV status, recent exercise history, and performance, get insight into your overall effort and know if you're training productively, peaking, or strained.
• Recovery Time: Understand how long to recover before your next high-effort workout based on your latest training, overall stress, sleep, and daily activities.

4.2. Navigation and GPS

• Multi-band GPS and Full-color Mapping: Access multiple global navigation satellite systems and frequencies for improved accuracy. The watch provides full-color, built-in mapping to keep you on track, whether on city streets or trails.
  

  Figure 5: Full-color mapping on Forerunner 955.

• Turn-by-Turn Navigation: Follow a course with help from turn-by-turn directions, which notify you of upcoming turns.
• Round-Trip Routing: Easily find the best local paths. Enter a desired distance, and the Forerunner 955 will suggest courses that bring you back to your starting point.
• ClimbPro Feature: Use the ClimbPro ascent planner on downloaded courses to see real-time information on current and upcoming climbs, including gradient, distance, and elevation gain.

4.3. Health and Wellness

• Morning Report: Receive an overview of your sleep, recovery, and training outlook as soon as you wake up, alongside HRV status, training readiness, and weather. Customize your report to show preferred information.
• Body Battery Energy Monitoring: Track your body's energy levels and get recommendations for activity and rest.
• Improved Sleep Monitoring and Sleep Score: Understand how your body is recovering with detailed sleep stage breakdowns, Pulse Ox2, respiration, and insights for improved sleep quality.

4.4. Connectivity and Convenience

• Phone-Free Music: Store up to 2,000 songs directly on your watch, allowing you to listen to music without your phone (requires premium subscription for some services like Spotify).
• Smart Notifications: Receive alerts for calls, texts, and app notifications directly on your wrist when paired with a compatible smartphone.

5.1. Battery Life and Charging

The Forerunner 955 offers impressive battery life:

• Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode.
• Up to 42 hours in GPS mode.
• Up to 80 hours in UltraTrac mode.

To charge, connect the device using the included charging/data cable to a USB power source. Regular charging helps maintain battery health.

Figure 6: Rear view of the Forerunner 955, showing the charging contacts and optical heart rate sensor.

5.2. General Care

• Cleaning: Regularly clean your watch and strap with a soft, damp cloth to prevent buildup of sweat and debris.
• Water Resistance: The device is designed for water activities; however, avoid pressing buttons underwater to prevent water ingress. Rinse with fresh water after exposure to chlorinated or salt water.
• Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place when not in use.

6.1. Notifications Not Appearing on Watch

If you are not receiving notifications on your Forerunner 955, check the following:

1. Bluetooth Connection: Ensure your watch is actively connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Check the Bluetooth settings on both devices.
2. Garmin Connect App: Verify that the Garmin Connect app is running in the background on your phone.
3. Smartphone Notification Settings:
   • For iOS devices, go to Settings > Notifications. Ensure "Show Previews" is set to "Always" or "When Unlocked".
   • For individual apps, ensure "Allow Notifications" is enabled and "Notification Center" is checked under the app's notification settings.
4. Watch Notification Settings: On your Forerunner 955, go to Settings > Phone > Smart Notifications and ensure they are enabled.

6.2. Device Not Responding

If your device becomes unresponsive, try a soft reset:

• Press and hold the LIGHT button for 15 seconds until the screen turns off.
• Press the LIGHT button again to restart the device.

7.1. What's in the Box

• Garmin Forerunner 955 Smartwatch
• Charging/data Cable
• Documentation