Garmin is finally giving its smartwatches a feature that’s been missing for a while: proper WhatsApp support with replies.
The update is rolling out now via the Connect IQ Store, bringing messaging functionality to a wide range of newer Garmin models.
Up until now, most Garmin watches could only mirror notifications from your phone. Replying was limited, and if you were using an iPhone, it wasn’t really an option at all. This update changes that, letting users view and respond to WhatsApp messages directly from their wrist, regardless of platform.
The feature is landing on a fairly extensive list of devices, including the Fenix 8 series, Enduro 3, Tactix 8, Venu 4, Vivoactive 6 and several Forerunner models like the 570 and 970. In other words, most of Garmin’s recent and often more premium watches are covered.
Getting started is straightforward. You’ll need to install WhatsApp through the Garmin Connect IQ Store on your phone. Afterwards, link your account by scanning a QR code shown on the watch. Once that’s done, your recent chats sync over, and you’re good to go.
From there, you can read messages and reply using either a small on-screen keyboard with predictive text or Garmin’s usual quick replies like “Thanks” or “See you later.” Emoji support is included too, which helps round out the experience.
There are still a few limits worth knowing about. You can only view your 10 most recent conversations, and typing on the small display isn’t exactly seamless, though predictive suggestions help. More notably, you can’t start a new message from scratch, so your phone still needs to stay nearby for that.
Even with those compromises, this is a meaningful upgrade. WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging platforms globally. Bringing proper interaction to Garmin watches makes them feel a lot closer to full smartwatches rather than just fitness-first devices.
It’s not perfect yet, and support for more affordable models would be welcome, but as a step forward, it’s a big one.
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