Garmin Forerunner 55 Owner's Manual

Introduction

CAUTION: Refer to the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for warnings and other important information. Always consult your doctor before beginning or modifying any exercise program.

Device Overview

A line drawing of the Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch, featuring a round display and a silicone strap.

Button Functions:

• LIGHT: Press to turn on the device. Press to turn the backlight on or off. Hold to view the control menu.
• START/STOP: Press to start and stop the activity timer.
• BACK: Press to return to the previous screen. Press to mark a lap, pause during swimming, or advance to the next step of a workout.
• DOWN: Press to scroll through widgets, data screens, options, and settings. Hold to open music controls.
• UP: Press to scroll through widgets, data screens, options, and settings. Hold to view the menu.

Status Icons

Status icons appear when you start an activity. For outdoor activities, the status bar turns green when GPS is ready. A blinking icon means the device is searching for a signal. A solid icon means the signal has been found or a sensor is connected.

• [smartphone icon] Phone Connection Status
• [heart icon] Heart Rate Status
• [alarm clock icon] Alarm Status
• [footsteps icon] Step Counter Status
• [speedometer icon] Speed and Cadence Sensor Status

Control Menu

The control menu contains options such as enabling Do Not Disturb mode, locking the keys, and powering off the device.

1. From any screen, hold LIGHT.

2. Press UP or DOWN to scroll through options.

A circular menu graphic showing a 'Power Off' option.

Setting Up Your Watch

To get the most out of your Forerunner, complete these tasks:

• Pair your device with your smartphone using the Garmin Connect™ app.
• Set up safety features.

Activities and Apps

Your device can be used for indoor, outdoor, athletic, and fitness activities. When you start an activity, the device displays and records data from sensors. You can save activities and share them with the Garmin Connect community. You can also add Connect IQ™ activities and apps to your device using the Connect IQ app.

For more information about activity tracking and the accuracy of heart rate data, go to garmin.com/ataccuracy.

Running

The first fitness activity you record on your device can be running, cycling, or any outdoor activity. You may need to charge the device before you begin the activity.

1. From the watch face, select START.

2. Select an activity.

3. Go outside and wait for the device to acquire satellite signals.

4. Select START to start the activity timer.

5. Go for a run.

Display shows DISTANCE 3.10, TIMER 26:08, PACE 8:25.

6. When you have finished your run, select STOP to stop the timer.

7. Select an option:

• Select Resume to restart the timer.
• Select Save to save your run and reset the timer. You can view a summary or select DOWN to view more data.
• Select Discard > Yes to delete your run.

Starting an Activity

When you start an activity, GPS turns on automatically (if needed). If you have a wireless sensor, you can pair it with the device.

1. From the watch face, select START.

2. Select an activity. NOTE: Activities set as favorites appear first in the list.

3. Select an option:

• Select a favorite activity.
• Select Other to select an activity from the extended list.

4. If the activity requires a GPS signal, go outside to an area with a clear view of the sky.

5. Wait until the status bar turns green. The device is ready when it has acquired your heart rate, acquired GPS signals (if needed), and connected to your wireless sensors (if needed).

6. Select START to start the activity timer. The device records activity data only while the timer is running.

TIP: You can hold DOWN while in an activity to open music controls.

Tips for Recording Activities

• Charge your device before starting an activity.
• Press BACK to record a lap, pause during swimming, or advance to the next data screen.
• Press UP or DOWN to view additional data screens.

Stopping an Activity

1. Select STOP.

2. Select an option:

• To resume your activity, select Resume.
• To save the activity, select Save. NOTE: If the self-assessment feature is enabled, you can enter your perceived exertion for the activity.
• To mark a lap, select Lap.
• To discard the activity, select Discard > Yes.

Rating an Activity

Before you can rate an activity, you must enable the self-assessment setting on your device. You can record how you felt during a run, bike ride, or swim.

1. After finishing an activity, select Save.

2. Select a number that corresponds to your perceived exertion. You can select [skip icon] to skip self-assessment.

3. Select how you felt during the activity. You can view ratings in the Garmin Connect app.

Heart Rate Monitor Features

The device has a built-in heart rate monitor and is also compatible with ANT+ heart rate monitors. You can view heart rate data in the heart rate widget. When both built-in and ANT+ heart rate data are available, your device uses the ANT+ heart rate monitor data.

Wearing the Device

Wear the device above the wrist bone.

NOTE: The device should be snug but not too tight. For more accurate heart rate readings, the device should not move while you run or exercise.

NOTE: The optical sensor is on the back of the device.

For more information about accuracy, go to garmin.com/ataccuracy.

For more information about device wear and care, go to www.garmin.com/fitandcare.

Tips for Inconsistent Heart Rate Data

• Clean and dry your wrist before putting on the device.
• Avoid wearing sunscreen, lotion, and insect repellent under the device.
• Avoid scratching the sensor on the back of the device.
• Wear the device above your wrist bone. The device should be snug but not too tight.
• Wait until the heart rate icon is solid before starting your activity.
• Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes and get your heart rate reading before starting your activity. NOTE: In cold weather, warm up indoors.
• Rinse the device with fresh water after each workout.

Smart Features

Pairing Your Smartphone

To use the connected features on your device, it must be paired directly through the Garmin Connect app, not through your smartphone's Bluetooth settings.

1. Install and open the Garmin Connect app from your smartphone's app store.

2. Keep your smartphone within 10 m (33 ft.) of your device.

3. Press LIGHT to turn on the device. The first time you turn on the device, it is in pairing mode.

You can hold UP and select > Phone > Pair Phone to manually enter pairing mode.

4. Select an option to add your device to your Garmin Connect account:

• If you are pairing a device for the first time with the Garmin Connect app, follow the on-screen instructions.
• If you have already paired another device with the Garmin Connect app, from the menu, select Garmin Devices > Add Device, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Safety and Tracking Features

CAUTION: Safety and tracking features are supplementary features and should not be relied upon as a primary method of obtaining emergency assistance. The Garmin Connect app does not contact emergency services on your behalf. The device has safety and tracking features that must be set up with the Garmin Connect app. To use these features, your device must be connected to the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth technology. You can enter emergency contacts in your Garmin Connect account.

For more information about safety and tracking features, go to garmin.com/safety.

• Assistance: Allows you to send a message with your name, LiveTrack link, and GPS location (if available) to your emergency contacts.
• Incident detection: When the device detects an incident during an outdoor walk, run, or bike ride, the device sends an automatic message, LiveTrack link, and GPS location (if available) to your emergency contacts.
• LiveTrack: Allows friends and family to track your races and training activities in real time. You can invite followers by email or social media.
• Live Event Sharing: Allows you to send messages to friends and family during an event, providing real-time updates. NOTE: This feature is available only if your device is connected to an Android smartphone.

Device Information

About the Device

You can view information about the device, such as the unit ID, software version, regulatory information, and license agreement.

1. From the watch face, hold UP.

2. Select > System > About.

E-label Regulatory and Compliance Information

The electronic label for this device provides electronic information. The electronic label may provide regulatory information, such as identification numbers provided by the FCC or regional conformity markings, as well as applicable product and licensing information.

1. From the watch face, hold UP.

2. Select > System > About.

Charging the Device

CAUTION: This device contains a lithium-ion battery. Refer to the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other important information.

NOTE: To prevent corrosion, clean and thoroughly dry the contacts and the surrounding area before charging or connecting to a computer.

1. Connect the small end of the USB cable to the charging port on your device.

2. Connect the large end of the USB cable to a USB charging port.

3. Charge the device fully.

Device Care

NOTE: Avoid extreme shock and rough treatment, as this can degrade product life. Avoid pressing buttons underwater. Do not use a sharp object to clean the device. Avoid cleaning agents, solvents, and insect repellents that can damage coatings. Rinse the device thoroughly with fresh water after exposure to chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, cosmetics, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these substances may damage the casing. Do not store the device where it may be exposed to extreme temperatures, as this can cause permanent damage.

Cleaning the Device

NOTE: Even small amounts of sweat or moisture can cause corrosion on the electrical contacts when connected to a charger. Corrosion can prevent charging and data transfer.

1. Wipe the device with a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution.

2. Dry thoroughly. After cleaning, allow the device to air dry completely.

TIP: For more information, go to www.garmin.com/fitandcare.

Specifications

Deleting Files

NOTE: If you do not know the purpose of a file, do not delete it. Your device memory contains important system files that should not be deleted.

1. Open your Garmin device.

2. If necessary, open a folder.

3. Select a file.

4. Press the Delete key on your keyboard.

NOTE: If you are using an Apple computer, you must empty the Trash to permanently delete files.