Garmin 03190 Low Power Transmitter 2402-2480 MHz User Manual
Garmin International Inc Low Power Transmitter 2402-2480 MHz
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Contents
- 1. User Manual
- 2. User Manual 1
User Manual
VÍVOACTIVE® 3
Owner’s Manual
© 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its
products and to make changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Go to www.garmin.com for current updates
and supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Garmin®, the Garmin logo, ANT+®, Auto Lap®, Auto Pause®, Edge®, VIRB®, and vívoactive® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. Connect
IQ™, Garmin Connect™, Garmin Express™, Garmin Move IQ™, Garmin Pay™, Side Swipe™, tempe™, Varia™, and Varia Vision™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks
may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
American Heart Association® is a registered trademark of American Heart Association, Inc. Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc. Apple® and Mac® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the
U.S. and other countries. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license. Advanced heartbeat analytics by
Firstbeat. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
This product may contain a library (Kiss FFT) licensed by Mark Borgerding under the 3-Clause BSD License http://opensource.org/licenses/BSD-3-Clause.
This product is ANT+® certified. Visit www.thisisant.com/directory for a list of compatible products and apps.
M/N: A03765
Table of Contents
Introduction.....................................................................1
Device Overview......................................................................... 1
Touchscreen Tips.................................................................. 1
Locking and Unlocking the Touchscreen.......................... 1
Using the Controls Menu....................................................... 1
Side Swipe Control Tips.........................................................1
Icons........................................................................................... 1
Smart Features............................................................... 2
Pairing Your Smartphone........................................................... 2
Connected Features................................................................... 2
Phone Notifications................................................................ 2
Enabling Bluetooth Notifications....................................... 2
Viewing Notifications......................................................... 2
Managing Notifications...................................................... 2
Turning Off Bluetooth Technology.................................... 2
Using Do Not Disturb Mode................................................... 2
Locating a Lost Smartphone.................................................. 3
Connect IQ Features.................................................................. 3
Downloading Connect IQ Features........................................ 3
Downloading Connect IQ Features Using Your Computer.... 3
Garmin Pay™.................................................................. 3
Setting Up Your Garmin Pay Wallet........................................... 3
Paying for a Purchase Using Your Watch.................................. 3
Adding a Card to Your Garmin Pay Wallet................................. 3
Managing Your Garmin Pay Wallet........................................3
Changing Your Garmin Pay Passcode....................................... 4
Heart Rate Features....................................................... 4
Wrist-based Heart Rate.............................................................. 4
Wearing the Device and Heart Rate...................................... 4
Tips for Erratic Heart Rate Data.............................................4
Viewing the Heart Rate Widget.............................................. 4
Broadcasting Heart Rate to Garmin Devices......................... 4
Turning Off the Wrist Heart Rate Monitor.............................. 4
About Heart Rate Zones............................................................. 4
Setting Your Heart Rate Zones.............................................. 4
Heart Rate Zone Calculations................................................ 5
About VO2 Max. Estimates.........................................................5
Getting Your VO2 Max. Estimate........................................... 5
Activity Tracking............................................................ 5
Auto Goal.................................................................................... 5
Using the Move Alert.................................................................. 5
Sleep Tracking............................................................................ 5
Intensity Minutes......................................................................... 5
Earning Intensity Minutes.......................................................6
Garmin Move IQ™...................................................................... 6
Activity Tracking Settings............................................................6
Turning Off Activity Tracking.................................................. 6
Widgets........................................................................... 6
Viewing Widgets......................................................................... 6
Customizing the Widget Loop................................................ 6
About My Day............................................................................. 6
Viewing the Weather Widget...................................................... 6
Heart Rate Variability and Stress Level...................................... 6
Using the Stress Level Widget............................................... 7
VIRB Remote.............................................................................. 7
Controlling a VIRB Action Camera.........................................7
Music Controls............................................................................ 7
Controlling Music Playback.................................................... 7
Apps and Activities........................................................ 7
Starting an Activity...................................................................... 7
Tips for Recording Activities.................................................. 7
Stopping an Activity.................................................................... 7
Adding a Custom Activity............................................................ 8
Adding or Removing a Favorite Activity...................................... 8
Indoor Activities.......................................................................... 8
Recording a Strength Training Activity...................................8
Calibrating the Treadmill Distance......................................... 8
Outdoor Activities........................................................................8
Going for a Run......................................................................8
Going for a Ride..................................................................... 8
Viewing Your Ski Runs.......................................................... 9
Swimming................................................................................... 9
Going for a Pool Swim........................................................... 9
Setting the Pool Size..............................................................9
Swim Terminology................................................................. 9
Golfing........................................................................................ 9
Playing Golf............................................................................9
Hole Information.....................................................................9
Viewing Layup and Dogleg Distances................................... 9
Using the Odometer............................................................... 9
Keeping Score....................................................................... 9
Reviewing Scores................................................................ 10
Measuring a Shot................................................................. 10
Training......................................................................... 10
Setting Up Your User Profile.....................................................10
Fitness Goals....................................................................... 10
Workouts...................................................................................10
Following a Workout............................................................ 10
Using Garmin Connect Training Plans.................................10
Starting Today's Workout................................................ 10
Viewing Scheduled Workouts......................................... 10
Personal Records..................................................................... 10
Viewing Your Personal Records.......................................... 10
Restoring a Personal Record............................................... 11
Clearing a Personal Record................................................. 11
Clearing All Personal Records............................................. 11
Navigation..................................................................... 11
Marking Your Location.............................................................. 11
Deleting a Location.............................................................. 11
Navigating to a Saved Location................................................ 11
Navigating Back to Start........................................................... 11
Stopping Navigation................................................................. 11
Compass...................................................................................11
Calibrating the Compass Manually...................................... 11
History........................................................................... 11
Using History............................................................................ 12
Viewing Your Time in Each Heart Rate Zone...................... 12
Garmin Connect........................................................................12
Using Garmin Connect Mobile............................................. 12
Using Garmin Connect on Your Computer.......................... 12
Customizing Your Device............................................ 12
Changing the Watch Face........................................................ 12
Creating a Custom Watch Face........................................... 12
Customizing the Controls Menu................................................13
Activities and App Settings....................................................... 13
Customizing the Data Screens............................................ 13
Alerts.................................................................................... 13
Setting an Alert................................................................13
Auto Lap...............................................................................14
Marking Laps Using the Auto Lap Feature..................... 14
Using Auto Pause®............................................................. 14
Using Auto Scroll................................................................. 14
Phone and Bluetooth Settings.................................................. 14
System Settings........................................................................ 14
Time Settings....................................................................... 14
Time Zones..................................................................... 14
Setting the Time Manually...............................................14
Table of Contents i
Setting the Alarm.............................................................14
Deleting an Alarm............................................................14
Starting the Countdown Timer........................................ 15
Using the Stopwatch....................................................... 15
Backlight Settings................................................................ 15
Changing the Units of Measure........................................... 15
Garmin Connect Settings..........................................................15
Device Settings on Your Garmin Connect Account............. 15
User Settings on Your Garmin Connect Account................ 15
Wireless Sensors......................................................... 15
Pairing Your Wireless Sensors................................................. 16
Foot Pod................................................................................... 16
Improving Foot Pod Calibration........................................... 16
Calibrating Your Foot Pod....................................................16
Using an Optional Bike Speed or Cadence Sensor.................. 16
Calibrating Your Speed Sensor........................................... 16
Situational Awareness.............................................................. 16
tempe........................................................................................ 16
Device Information....................................................... 16
Charging the Device................................................................. 16
Product Updates....................................................................... 17
Updating the Software Using Garmin Connect Mobile........ 17
Updating the Software Using Garmin Express.................... 17
Viewing Device Information...................................................... 17
Specifications............................................................................17
Device Care.............................................................................. 17
Cleaning the Device............................................................. 17
Replacing the Bands................................................................ 17
Troubleshooting........................................................... 17
Maximizing Battery Life.............................................................17
Restarting the Device............................................................... 18
Restoring All Default Settings................................................... 18
My device does not display the correct time............................. 18
Acquiring Satellite Signals........................................................ 18
Improving GPS Satellite Reception......................................18
My daily step count does not appear........................................ 18
The floors climbed amount does not seem accurate................ 18
My intensity minutes are flashing..............................................18
Improving the Accuracy of Intensity Minutes and Calories....... 18
Is my smartphone compatible with my device?........................ 18
Getting More Information.......................................................... 18
Appendix....................................................................... 18
Data Fields................................................................................18
VO2 Max. Standard Ratings..................................................... 20
Wheel Size and Circumference................................................ 20
Software License Agreement................................................... 20
BSD 3-Clause License..............................................................21
Symbol Definitions.................................................................... 21
Index.............................................................................. 22
ii Table of Contents
Introduction
WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the
product box for product warnings and other important
information.
Always consult your physician before you begin or modify any
exercise program.
Device Overview
À Touchscreen: Swipe up or down to scroll through widgets,
features, and menus.
Tap to select.
Swipe right to go back to the previous screen.
During an activity, swipe right to view the watch face and
widgets.
Hold to view a menu of device settings and options for the
current screen.
Á Key: Hold to turn on the device.
Hold to view the controls menu, including device power.
Press to return to the watch face from any screen, except
during an activity.
During activities, press to pause the activity, mark a new lap,
start a new set of reps, or advance to the next stage of a
workout.
 Side Swipe™ Control: Slide up or down along the textured
area to scroll through widgets, data screens, and menus.
When a field with + and - buttons appears, slide up or down
to increase or decrease the value in the field.
Touchscreen Tips
• From the watch face or a widget, hold your finger on the
touchscreen to view an options menu.
• Drag up or down to scroll through lists and menus.
• Swipe up or down to scroll quickly.
• Tap to select a button, a list item, or a menu item.
• From the watch face, swipe up or down to scroll through the
widgets on the device.
• From a widget, tap view additional widget screens, if
available.
• During an activity, swipe up or down to view the next data
screen.
• During an activity, swipe right to view the watch face and
widgets, and swipe left to return to the activity data fields.
• Perform each menu selection as a separate action.
Locking and Unlocking the Touchscreen
You can lock the touchscreen to prevent inadvertent screen
touches.
1Hold the key.
2Select .
The touchscreen locks and does not respond to touches until
you unlock it.
3Hold Hold the key. to unlock the touchscreen.
Using the Controls Menu
The controls menu contains customizable shortcuts, such as
turning on do not disturb mode, locking the touchscreen, and
turning the device off.
NOTE: You can add, reorder, and remove the shortcuts in the
controls menu (Customizing the Controls Menu, page 13).
1From any screen, hold the key.
2Select an option.
Side Swipe Control Tips
The Side Swipe control is a touch-sensitive area on the side of
the watch body, which allows you to scroll through lists and
menus and adjust some field values without obscuring the
touchscreen. This feature can help you to quickly navigate
menus by using one finger to scroll and another to select items
on the touchscreen.
• Slide up or down on the Side Swipe control to scroll through
widgets, menus, and lists.
• When a field with + and - buttons appears, such as volume or
brightness, slide up or down to increase or decrease the
value in the field.
• Customize the scrolling direction of the Side Swipe control
and the watch orientation in the system settings (System
Settings, page 14).
To operate the Side Swipe control using your thumb, you
should wear the watch with the key facing toward your wrist.
To use your index finger, you should wear the watch with the
key facing away from your wrist.
Icons
A flashing icon means the device is searching for a signal. A
solid icon means the signal was found or the sensor is
connected.
GPS status
Bluetooth® technology status
Heart rate monitor status
Foot pod status
LiveTrack status
Speed and cadence sensor status
Varia™ bike light status
Varia bike radar status
Varia Vision™ status
tempe™ sensor status
VIRB VIRB® camera status
vívoactive 3 alarm status
Introduction 1
Smart Features
Pairing Your Smartphone
To use the connected features of the vívoactive 3 device, it must
be paired directly through the Garmin Connect™ Mobile app,
instead of from the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone.
1From the app store on your smartphone, install and open the
Garmin Connect Mobile app.
2Hold the key to turn on the device.
TIP: You can hold the touchscreen and select Settings >
Phone to manually enter pairing mode.
3Select an option to add your device to your Garmin Connect
account:
• If this is the first device you have paired with the Garmin
Connect Mobile app, follow the on-screen instructions.
• If you have already paired another device with the Garmin
Connect Mobile app, from the settings menu, select
Garmin Devices > Add Device, and follow the on-screen
instructions.
Connected Features
Connected features are available for your vívoactive 3 device
when you connect the device to a compatible smartphone using
Bluetooth wireless technology. Some features require you to
install the Garmin Connect Mobile app on the connected
smartphone. Go to www.garmin.com/apps for more information.
Phone notifications: Displays phone notifications and
messages on your vívoactive 3 device.
LiveTrack: Allows friends and family to follow your races and
training activities in real time. You can invite followers using
email or social media, allowing them to view your live data on
a Garmin Connect tracking page.
Activity uploads to Garmin Connect: Automatically sends
your activity to your Garmin Connect account as soon as you
finish recording the activity.
Connect IQ™: Allows you to extend your device features with
new watch faces, widgets, apps, and data fields.
Software Updates: Allows you to update your device software.
Weather: Allows you to view current weather conditions and
weather forecasts.
Find my phone: Locates your lost smartphone that is paired
with your vívoactive 3 device and currently within range.
Find my watch: Locates your lost vívoactive 3 device that is
paired with your smarphone and currently within range.
Phone Notifications
Phone notifications require a compatible smartphone to be
paired with the vívoactive 3 device. When your phone receives
messages, it sends notifications to your device.
Enabling Bluetooth Notifications
Before you can enable notifications, you must pair the vívoactive
3 device with a compatible mobile device (Pairing Your
Smartphone, page 2).
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Phone > Smart Notifications.
3Select During Activity to set preferences for notifications
that appear when recording an activity.
4Select a notification preference.
5Select Not During Activity to set preferences for
notifications that appear when in watch mode.
6Select a notification preference.
7Select Timeout.
8Select a timeout duration.
Viewing Notifications
1From the watch face, swipe up or down to view the
notifications widget.
2Select a notification.
3Scroll to read the full notification.
4Select an option:
• To act on the notification, select an action, such as
Dismiss or Reply.
The available actions depend on the type of notification
and your phone operating system.
• To return to the notification list, swipe right.
Replying to a Text Message
NOTE: This feature is available only for smartphones with
Android™.
When you receive a text message notification on your vívoactive
3 device, you can send a quick reply by selecting from a list of
messages.
NOTE: This feature sends text messages using your phone.
Regular text message limits and charges from your carrier and
phone plan may apply. You can contact your carrier for more
information about text message charges or limits.
1Swipe to view the notifications widget.
2Select a text message notification.
3Select Reply.
4Select a message from the list.
Your phone sends the selected message as an SMS text
message.
Receiving an Incoming Phone Call
When you receive a phone call on your connected smartphone,
the vívoactive 3 device displays the name or phone number of
the caller. You can accept or decline the call. If your device is
connected to a smartphone with Android, you can also reply with
a text message by selecting from a list of messages on your
vívoactive 3 device.
• To accept the call, select .
• To decline the call, select .
• To decline the call and immediately send a text message
reply, select , and select a message from the list.
Managing Notifications
You can use your compatible smartphone to manage
notifications that appear on your vívoactive 3 device.
Select an option:
• If you are using an Apple® device, use the notification
center settings on your smartphone to select the items to
show on the device.
• If you are using an Android device, use the app settings in
the Garmin Connect Mobile app to select the items to
show on the device.
Turning Off Bluetooth Technology
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Phone > Status > Off to turn off Bluetooth
wireless technology on your vívoactive 3 device.
Refer to the owner's manual for your mobile device to turn off
Bluetooth wireless technology on your mobile device.
Using Do Not Disturb Mode
You can use do not disturb mode to turn off vibrations and the
backlight for alerts and notifications. For example, you can use
this mode while sleeping or watching a movie.
• To manually turn do not disturb mode on or off, hold the key,
and select .
• To automatically turn on do not disturb mode during your
sleep hours, go to the device settings in the Garmin Connect
2 Smart Features
Mobile app, and select Notifications and Alerts > Do Not
Disturb > During Sleep.
Locating a Lost Smartphone
You can use this feature to help locate a lost smartphone that is
paired using Bluetooth wireless technology and currently within
range.
1Hold the key.
2Select .
Signal strength bars appear on the vívoactive 3 screen, and
an audible alert sounds on your smartphone. The bars
increase as you move closer to your smartphone.
3Press the key to stop searching.
Connect IQ Features
You can add Connect IQ features to your watch from Garmin®
and other providers using the Garmin Connect Mobile app. You
can customize your device with watch faces, data fields,
widgets, and apps.
Watch Faces: Allow you to customize the appearance of the
clock.
Data Fields: Allow you to download new data fields that present
sensor, activity, and history data in new ways. You can add
Connect IQ data fields to built-in features and pages.
Widgets: Provide information at a glance, including sensor data
and notifications.
Apps: Add interactive features to your watch, such as new
outdoor and fitness activity types.
Downloading Connect IQ Features
Before you can download Connect IQ features from the Garmin
Connect Mobile app, you must pair your vívoactive 3 device with
your smartphone.
1From the settings in the Garmin Connect Mobile app, select
Connect IQ Store.
2If necessary, select your device.
3Select a Connect IQ feature.
4Follow the on-screen instructions.
Downloading Connect IQ Features Using Your
Computer
1Connect the device to your computer using a USB cable.
2Go to garminconnect.com and sign in.
3From your devices widget, select Connect IQ Store.
4Select a Connect IQ feature, and download it.
5Follow the on-screen instructions.
Garmin Pay™
The Garmin Pay feature allows you to use your watch to pay for
purchases in participating stores using credit or debit cards from
a participating financial institution.
Setting Up Your Garmin Pay Wallet
You can add one or more participating credit or debit cards to
your Garmin Pay wallet. Go to garmin.com/garminpay to find
participating financial institutions.
1From the vívoactive 3 device page in the Garmin Connect
Mobile app, select Garmin Pay > Create Your Wallet.
2Follow the on-screen instructions.
Paying for a Purchase Using Your Watch
Before you can use your watch to pay for purchases, you must
set up at least one payment card.
You can use your watch to pay for purchases in a participating
store.
1Hold the key.
2Select .
3Enter your four-digit passcode.
NOTE: If you enter your passcode incorrectly three times,
your wallet locks, and you must reset your passcode in the
Garmin Connect Mobile app.
Your most recently used payment card appears.
4If you have added multiple cards to your Garmin Pay wallet,
swipe to change to another card (optional).
5Within 60 seconds, hold your watch near the payment reader,
with the watch facing the reader.
The watch vibrates and displays a check mark when it is
finished communicating with the reader.
6If necessary, follow the instructions on the card reader to
complete the transaction.
TIP: After you successfully enter your passcode, you can make
payments without a passcode for 24 hours while you continue to
wear your watch. If you remove the watch from your wrist or
disable heart rate monitoring, you must enter the passcode
again before making a payment.
Adding a Card to Your Garmin Pay Wallet
You can add up to ten participating credit or debit cards to your
Garmin Pay wallet.
1From the vívoactive 3 device page in the Garmin Connect
Mobile app, select Garmin Pay > .
2Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the card
information and verify the card.
After the card is added and verified, you can select the card on
your watch when you make a payment.
Managing Your Garmin Pay Wallet
You can view detailed information about each of your payment
cards, and you can suspend, activate, or delete a card. You can
also suspend or delete your whole Garmin Pay wallet.
1From the vívoactive 3 device page in the Garmin Connect
Mobile app, select Garmin Pay > Manage Your Wallet.
2Select an option:
• To suspend or reactivate a specific card, select the card,
and select the Active Card toggle switch.
The card must be active to make purchases using your
vívoactive 3 device.
• To temporarily suspend all cards in your wallet, select
Suspend Wallet.
You cannot pay using your vívoactive 3 device until you
unsuspend your wallet using the app.
• To unsuspend your suspended wallet, select Unsuspend
Wallet.
• To delete a specific card, select the card, and select
Delete.
The card is completely deleted from your wallet. If you
want to add this card to your wallet in the future, you must
enter the card information again.
Garmin Pay™3
• To delete all cards in your wallet, select Delete Wallet.
Your Garmin Pay wallet and all the card information
associated with it are deleted. You cannot pay using your
vívoactive 3 device until you create a new wallet.
Changing Your Garmin Pay Passcode
You must know your current passcode to change it. Your
passcode cannot be recovered. If you forget your passcode, you
must delete your wallet, create a new one, and reenter your card
information.
You can change the passcode required to access your
Garmin Pay wallet on your vívoactive 3 device.
1From the vívoactive 3 device page in the Garmin Connect
Mobile app, select Garmin Pay > Reset Passcode.
2Follow the on-screen instructions.
The next time you pay using your vívoactive 3 device, you must
enter the new passcode.
Heart Rate Features
The vívoactive 3 device has a wrist-based heart rate monitor
and is also compatible with chest heart rate monitors (sold
separately). You can view wrist-based heart rate data on the
heart rate widget. If both wrist-based heart rate and chest heart
rate data are available, your device uses the chest heart rate
data.
Wrist-based Heart Rate
Wearing the Device and Heart Rate
• Wear the vívoactive 3 device above your wrist bone.
NOTE: The device should be snug but comfortable, and it
should not move while running or exercising.
NOTE: The heart rate sensor is located on the back of the
device.
• See Tips for Erratic Heart Rate Data, page 4 for more
information about wrist-based heart rate.
• For more information about the accuracy of wrist-based heart
rate, go to garmin.com/ataccuracy.
Tips for Erratic Heart Rate Data
If the heart rate data is erratic or does not appear, you can try
these tips.
• Clean and dry your arm before putting on the device.
• Avoid wearing sunscreen, lotion, and insect repellent under
the device.
• Avoid scratching the heart rate sensor on the back of the
device.
• Wear the device above your wrist bone. The device should
be snug but comfortable.
• Wait until the icon is solid before starting your activity.
• Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes and get a heart rate reading
before starting your activity.
NOTE: In cold environments, warm up indoors.
• Rinse the device with fresh water after each workout.
Viewing the Heart Rate Widget
The heart rate widget displays your current heart rate in beats
per minute (bpm) and a graph of your heart rate. The graph
shows your recent heart rate activity, high and low heart rate,
and color-coded bars to indicate the time spent in each heart
rate zone (About Heart Rate Zones, page 4).
1From the watch face, swipe to view the heart rate widget.
2Tap the touchscreen to view your average resting heart rate
(RHR) values for the last 7 days.
Broadcasting Heart Rate to Garmin Devices
You can broadcast your heart rate data from your vívoactive 3
device and view it on paired Garmin devices. For example, you
can broadcast your heart rate data to an Edge® device while
cycling, or to a VIRB action camera during an activity.
NOTE: Broadcasting heart rate data decreases battery life.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Sensors & Accessories > Heart Rate.
3Select an option:
• Select Broadcast In Activity to broadcast heart rate data
during timed activities (Starting an Activity, page 7).
• Select Broadcast to start broadcasting heart rate data
now.
4Pair your vívoactive 3 device with your Garmin ANT+®
compatible device.
NOTE: The pairing instructions differ for each Garmin
compatible device. See your owner's manual.
Turning Off the Wrist Heart Rate Monitor
For the vívoactive 3, the default value for the Heart Rate setting
is Auto. The device automatically uses the wrist-based heart
rate monitor unless you pair a chest heart rate monitor to the
device.
NOTE: Disabling the wrist heart rate monitor also disables the
on-wrist detection feature for Garmin Pay payments, and you
must enter a passcode before making each payment
(Garmin Pay™, page 3).
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Sensors & Accessories > Heart Rate >
Off.
About Heart Rate Zones
Many athletes use heart rate zones to measure and increase
their cardiovascular strength and improve their level of fitness. A
heart rate zone is a set range of heartbeats per minute. The five
commonly accepted heart rate zones are numbered from 1 to 5
according to increasing intensity. Generally, heart rate zones are
calculated based on percentages of your maximum heart rate.
Setting Your Heart Rate Zones
The device uses your user profile information from the initial
setup to determine your default heart rate zones. The device
has separate heart rate zones for running and cycling. For the
most accurate calorie data during your activity, set your
maximum heart rate. You can also set each heart rate zone and
enter your resting heart rate manually. You can manually adjust
your zones on the device or using your Garmin Connect
account.
4 Heart Rate Features
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > User Profile > Heart Rate Zones.
3Select Default to view the default values (optional).
The default values can be applied to running and cycling.
4Select Running or Cycling.
5Select Preference > Set Custom.
6Select Based On.
7Select an option:
• Select BPM to view and edit the zones in beats per
minute.
• Select %Max. HR to view and edit the zones as a
percentage of your maximum heart rate.
• Select %HRR to view and edit the zones as a percentage
of your heart rate reserve (maximum heart rate minus
resting heart rate).
8Select Max. HR, and enter your maximum heart rate.
9Select a zone, and enter a value for each zone.
10Select Resting HR, and enter your resting heart rate.
Heart Rate Zone Calculations
Zone % of
Maximum
Heart Rate
Perceived Exertion Benefits
1 50–60% Relaxed, easy pace,
rhythmic breathing
Beginning-level
aerobic training,
reduces stress
2 60–70% Comfortable pace,
slightly deeper
breathing, conversation
possible
Basic cardiovascular
training, good
recovery pace
3 70–80% Moderate pace, more
difficult to hold
conversation
Improved aerobic
capacity, optimal
cardiovascular training
4 80–90% Fast pace and a bit
uncomfortable, breathing
forceful
Improved anaerobic
capacity and
threshold, improved
speed
5 90–100% Sprinting pace,
unsustainable for long
period of time, labored
breathing
Anaerobic and
muscular endurance,
increased power
About VO2 Max. Estimates
VO2 max. is the maximum volume of oxygen (in milliliters) you
can consume per minute per kilogram of body weight at your
maximum performance. In simple terms, VO2 max. is an
indication of athletic performance and should increase as your
level of fitness improves.
On the device, your VO2 max. estimate appears as a number,
description, and level on the gauge. On your Garmin Connect
account, you can view additional details about your VO2 max.
estimate, including your fitness age. Your fitness age gives you
an idea of how your fitness compares with a person of the same
gender and different age. As you exercise, your fitness age can
decrease over time.
VO2 max. data and analysis is provided with permission from
The Cooper Institute®. For more information, see the appendix
(VO2 Max. Standard Ratings, page 20), and go to
www.CooperInstitute.org.
Getting Your VO2 Max. Estimate
The device requires wrist-based heart rate data and a timed 15
minute brisk walk or run to display your VO2 max. estimate.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select My Stats > VO2 Max..
If you have already recorded a 15 minute brisk walk or run
outdoors, your VO2 max. estimate may appear. The device
displays the date your VO2 max. estimate was last updated.
The device updates your VO2 max. estimate each time you
complete an outdoor walk or run of 15 minutes or longer. You
can manually start a VO2 max. test to get an updated
estimate.
3To start a VO2 max. test, swipe up, and select Test.
4Follow the on-screen instructions to get your VO2 max.
estimate.
The VO2 max. test takes about 15 minutes. A message
appears when the test is complete.
Activity Tracking
The activity tracking feature records your daily step count,
distance traveled, intensity minutes, floors climbed, calories
burned, and sleep statistics for each recorded day. Your calories
burned includes your base metabolism plus activity calories.
The number of steps taken during the day appears on the steps
widget. The step count is updated periodically.
For more information about activity tracking and fitness metric
accuracy, go to garmin.com/ataccuracy.
Auto Goal
Your device creates a daily step goal automatically, based on
your previous activity levels. As you move during the day, the
device shows your progress toward your daily goal À.
If you choose not to use the auto goal feature, you can set a
personalized step goal on your Garmin Connect account.
Using the Move Alert
Sitting for prolonged periods of time can trigger undesirable
metabolic state changes. The move alert reminds you to keep
moving. After one hour of inactivity, Move! and the red bar
appear. Additional segments appear after every 15 minutes of
inactivity. The device also vibrates if vibration is turned on
(System Settings, page 14).
Go for a short walk (at least a couple of minutes) to reset the
move alert.
Sleep Tracking
While you are sleeping, the device automatically detects your
sleep and monitors your movement during your normal sleep
hours. You can set your normal sleep hours in the user settings
on your Garmin Connect account. Sleep statistics include total
hours of sleep, sleep levels, and sleep movement. You can view
your sleep statistics on your Garmin Connect account.
NOTE: Naps are not added to your sleep statistics. You can use
do not disturb mode to turn off notifications and alerts, with the
exception of alarms (Using Do Not Disturb Mode, page 2).
Intensity Minutes
To improve your health, organizations such as the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Heart
Association®, and the World Health Organization, recommend at
least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity, such
Activity Tracking 5
as brisk walking, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous intensity
activity, such as running.
The device monitors your activity intensity and tracks your time
spent participating in moderate to vigorous intensity activities
(heart rate data is required to quantify vigorous intensity). You
can work toward achieving your weekly intensity minutes goal by
participating in at least 10 consecutive minutes of moderate to
vigorous intensity activities. The device adds the amount of
moderate activity minutes with the amount of vigorous activity
minutes. Your total vigorous intensity minutes are doubled when
added.
Earning Intensity Minutes
Your vívoactive 3 device calculates intensity minutes by
comparing your heart rate data to your average resting heart
rate. If heart rate is turned off, the device calculates moderate
intensity minutes by analyzing your steps per minute.
• Start a timed activity for the most accurate calculation of
intensity minutes.
• Exercise for at least 10 consecutive minutes at a moderate or
vigorous intensity level.
• Wear your device all day and night for the most accurate
resting heart rate.
Garmin Move IQ™
The Move IQ feature automatically detects activity patterns,
such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, and elliptical
training, for at least 10 minutes. You can view the event type
and duration on your Garmin Connect timeline, but they do not
appear in your activities list, snapshots, or newsfeed. The Move
IQ feature can automatically start a timed activity for walking and
running, and it appears in your activities list. You can view the
full details of timed activities on your Garmin Connect account.
Activity Tracking Settings
Hold the touchscreen, and select Settings > Activity
Tracking.
Status: Turns off the activity tracking feature.
Move Alert: Displays a message and the move bar on the
digital watch face and steps screen. The device also vibrates
to alert you.
Goal Alerts: Allows you to turn on and off goal alerts, or turn
them off only during activities. Goal alerts appear for your
daily steps goal, daily floors climbed goal, and weekly
intensity minutes goal.
Move IQ: Allows you to turn on and off Move IQ events.
Turning Off Activity Tracking
When you turn off activity tracking, your steps, floors climbed,
intensity minutes, sleep tracking, and Move IQ events are not
recorded.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Activity Tracking > Status > Off.
Widgets
Your device comes preloaded with widgets that provide at-a-
glance information. Some widgets require a Bluetooth
connection to a compatible smartphone.
Some widgets are not visible by default. You can add them to
the widget loop manually.
Notifications: Alerts you to incoming calls, texts, social network
updates, and more, based on your smartphone notification
settings.
Calendar: Displays upcoming meetings from your smartphone
calendar.
Music controls: Provides music player controls for your
smartphone.
Weather: Displays the current temperature and weather
forecast.
My day: Displays a dynamic summary of your activity today. The
metrics include your last recorded activity, intensity minutes,
floors climbed, steps, calories burned, and more.
Steps: Tracks your daily step count, step goal, and distance
traveled.
Intensity minutes: Tracks your time spent participating in
moderate to vigorous activities, your weekly intensity minutes
goal, and progress toward your goal.
Heart rate: Displays your current heart rate in beats per minute
(bpm) and a graph of your heart rate.
Last sport: Displays a brief summary of your last recorded sport
and your total distance for the week.
VIRB controls: Provides camera controls when you have a
VIRB device paired with your vívoactive 3 device.
Calories: Displays your calorie information for the current day.
Golf: Displays golf information for your last round.
Floors climbed: Tracks your floors climbed and progress
toward your goal.
Stress: Displays your stress level and provides a breathing
activity to help you relax.
Viewing Widgets
From the watch face, swipe up or down.
Customizing the Widget Loop
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Widgets.
3Select an option:
• Select an item to show or hide it from the app list or
rearrange the app list.
• Select Add Widgets to add an item to the widget loop.
About My Day
The My Day widget is a daily snapshot of your activity. This is a
dynamic summary that updates throughout the day. As soon as
you climb a flight of stairs or record an activity, it appears in the
widget. The metrics include your last recorded sport, intensity
minutes for the week, floors climbed, steps, calories burned, and
more. You can tap the touchscreen for an option to improve
accuracy or to view additional metrics.
Viewing the Weather Widget
1From the watch face, swipe to view the weather widget.
2Tap the touchscreen to view hourly and daily weather data.
3Scroll down to view daily weather data.
Heart Rate Variability and Stress Level
Your device analyzes your heart rate variability while you are
inactive to determine your overall stress. Training, physical
activity, sleep, nutrition, and general life stress all impact your
stress level. The stress level range is from 0 to 100, where 0 to
25 is a resting state, 26 to 50 is low stress, 51 to 75 is medium
stress, and 76 to 100 is a high stress state. Knowing your stress
level can help you identify stressful moments throughout your
day. For best results, you should wear the device while sleeping.
You can sync your device with your Garmin Connect account to
view your all-day stress level, long-term trends, and additional
details.
6 Widgets
Using the Stress Level Widget
The stress level widget displays your current stress level and a
graph of your stress level for the last several hours. It can also
guide you through a breathing activity to help you relax.
1While you are sitting or inactive, swipe to view the stress
level widget.
TIP: If you are too active for the watch to determine your
stress level, a message appears instead of a stress level
number. You can check your stress level again after several
minutes of inactivity.
2Tap the touchscreen to view a graph of your stress level for
the last four hours.
Blue bars indicate periods of rest. Yellow bars indicate
periods of stress. Gray bars indicate times that you were too
active to determine your stress level.
3Swipe up, and select Yes to start a breathing activity
(optional).
The device guides you through a relaxation breathing activity.
VIRB Remote
The VIRB remote function allows you to control your VIRB
action camera using your device. Go to www.garmin.com/VIRB
to purchase a VIRB action camera.
Controlling a VIRB Action Camera
Before you can use the VIRB remote function, you must enable
the remote setting on your VIRB camera. See the VIRB Series
Owner's Manual for more information. You must also set the
VIRB widget to be shown in the widget loop (Customizing the
Widget Loop, page 6).
1Turn on your VIRB camera.
2On your vívoactive 3 device, swipe to view the VIRB widget.
3Wait while the device connects to your VIRB camera.
4Select an option:
• To record video, tap the touchscreen.
The video counter appears on the vívoactive 3 screen.
• To stop recording video, tap the touchscreen.
• To take a photo, swipe right, and tap the touchscreen.
Music Controls
The music control widget allows you to control music on your
smartphone using your vívoactive 3 device. The widget controls
the currently active or most recently active media player app on
your smartphone. If no media player is active, the widget does
not display track information, and you must start playback from
your phone.
Controlling Music Playback
1Start playing a song or playlist on your smartphone.
2Swipe to view the music control widget.
The progress bar À indicates the progress through the
current track.
3Select an option:
• To skip to the next or previous track, select or .
• To pause or resume playback, select or .
• To increase or decrease the volume, select , and select
or .
TIP: You can slide up or down on the Side Swipe control
to adjust the volume slider.
• To shuffle the tracks in your playlist, select > .
• To change the repeat mode, select > .
Apps and Activities
Your device includes a variety of preloaded apps and activities,
and you can add more from the Connect IQ store .
Apps: Apps provide interactive features for your device, such as
recording activities or navigating.
Activities: Your device comes preloaded with indoor and
outdoor activity apps, including running, cycling, strength
training, golfing, and more. When you start an activity, the
device displays and records sensor data, which you can save
and share with the Garmin Connect community.
For more information about activity tracking and fitness metric
accuracy, go to garmin.com/ataccuracy.
Connect IQ Apps: You can add features to your watch by
installing apps from the Connect IQ store (Connect IQ
Features, page 3).
Starting an Activity
When you start an activity, GPS turns on automatically (if
required).
1Press the key.
If this is the first time you are starting an activity, the device
prompts you to select your favorite activities.
2If necessary, select the checkbox next to each activity to add
to your favorites.
3Select an option:
• Select an activity from your favorites.
• Select , and select an activity from the extended activity
list.
4If the activity requires GPS signals, go outside to an area with
a clear view of the sky.
TIP: If appears on a gray background, the activity does
not require GPS signals.
5Wait until Ready appears on the screen.
The device is ready after it establishes your heart rate,
acquires GPS signals (if required), and connects to your
wireless sensors (if required).
6Press the key to start the activity timer.
NOTE: The device does not record your activity data until
you start the activity timer.
Tips for Recording Activities
• Charge the device before starting an activity (Charging the
Device, page 16).
• Swipe up or down to view additional data pages.
Stopping an Activity
1Press the key.
2Select an option:
• For an interval activity, wait for the Rest screen to appear,
and select Stop > Done.
• For other activities, select Done.
3Select an option:
• To save the activity, select .
• To discard the activity, select .
Apps and Activities 7
Adding a Custom Activity
You can create a custom activity and add it to the activity list.
1Press the key.
2Select > .
3Select an option:
• To create a custom activity based on an existing activity,
select Copy Activity, select an activity, and select a
name.
• To create a new custom activity, select Custom, and
select an activity template.
4If necessary, edit the activity app settings (Activities and App
Settings, page 13).
5When you are finished editing, select Done.
6Select an option:
• To add the activity to your favorites list, select .
• To add the activity to the extended list, select .
Adding or Removing a Favorite Activity
The list of your favorite activities appears when you press the
key and provides quick access to the activities you use most.
The first time you press the key to start an activity, the device
prompts you to select your favorite activities. You can add or
remove favorite activities at any time.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Activities & Apps.
Your favorite activities appear at the top of the list with a
white background. Other activities appear with a black
background.
3Select an option:
• To add a favorite activity, select the activity, and select
Add Favorite.
• To remove a favorite activity, select the activity, and select
Remove Favorite.
Indoor Activities
The vívoactive 3 device can be used for training indoors, such
as running on an indoor track or using a stationary bike. GPS is
turned off for indoor activities.
When running or walking with GPS turned off, speed, distance,
and cadence are calculated using the accelerometer in the
device. The accelerometer is self-calibrating. The accuracy of
the speed, distance, and cadence data improves after a few
outdoor runs or walks using GPS.
TIP: Holding the handrails of the treadmill reduces accuracy.
You can use an optional foot pod to record pace, distance, and
cadence.
When cycling with GPS turned off, speed and distance are not
available unless you have an optional sensor that sends speed
and distance data to the device (such as a speed or cadence
sensor).
Recording a Strength Training Activity
You can record sets during a strength training activity. A set is
multiple repetitions (reps) of a single move.
1Press the key.
2Select Strength.
3Press the key to start the activity timer.
4Start your first set.
The device counts your reps. Your rep count appears when
you complete at least 6 reps.
TIP: The device can only count reps of a single move for
each set. When you want to change moves, you should finish
the set and start a new one.
5Press the key to finish the set.
The watch displays the total reps for the set. After several
seconds, the rest timer appears.
6If necessary, hold the touchscreen, select Edit Last Set, and
edit the number of reps.
7When you are done resting, press the key to start your next
set.
8Repeat for each strength training set until your activity is
complete.
9After your last set, from the rest timer, select Stop > to
finish and save the activity.
Calibrating the Treadmill Distance
To record more accurate distances for your indoor runs, you can
calibrate the treadmill distance after you run at least 1.5 km
(1 mi.) on a treadmill. If you use different treadmills, you can
manually calibrate the treadmill distance on each treadmill or
after each run.
1Start a indoor run activity (Starting an Activity, page 7), and
run at least 1.5 km (1 mi.) on the treadmill.
2After you complete your run, press the key, and select Done.
3Select an option:
• To calibrate the treadmill distance the first time, select .
The device prompts you to complete the treadmill
calibration.
• To manually calibrate the treadmill distance, select >
Calibrate.
4Check the treadmill display for the distance traveled, and
enter the distance on your device.
Outdoor Activities
The vívoactive 3 device comes preloaded with apps for outdoor
activities, such as running and biking. GPS is turned on for
outdoor activities. You can add apps using default activities,
such as cardio or rowing.
Going for a Run
Before you can use an wireless sensor for your run, you must
pair the sensor with your device (Pairing Your Wireless Sensors,
page 16).
1Put on your wireless sensors, such as a foot pod or heart rate
monitor (optional).
2Press the key.
3Select Run.
4When using optional wireless sensors, wait while the device
connects to the sensors.
5Go outside, and wait while the device locates satellites.
6Press the key to start the activity timer.
History is recorded only while the timer is running.
7Start your activity.
8Swipe up or down to scroll through data screens.
9After you complete your activity, press the key, and select
to save the activity.
Going for a Ride
Before you can use an wireless sensor for your ride, you must
pair the sensor with your device (Pairing Your Wireless Sensors,
page 16).
1Pair your wireless sensors, such as a heart rate monitor,
speed sensor, or cadence sensor (optional).
2Press the key.
3Select Bike.
4When using optional wireless sensors, wait while the device
connects to the sensors.
8 Apps and Activities
5Go outside, and wait while the device locates satellites.
6Press the key to start the activity timer.
History is recorded only while the timer is running.
7Start your activity.
8Swipe up or down to scroll through data screens.
9After you complete your activity, press the key, and select
to save the activity.
Viewing Your Ski Runs
Your device records the details of each skiing or snowboarding
run using the auto run feature. This feature is turned on by
default for downhill skiing and snowboarding. It automatically
records new ski runs based on your movement. The timer
pauses when you stop moving downhill and when you are on a
chairlift. The timer remains paused during the chairlift ride. You
can start moving downhill to restart the timer. You can view run
details from the paused screen or while the timer is running.
1Start a skiing or snowboarding activity.
2Hold the touchscreen.
3Select View Runs.
4Select and to view details of your last run, your current run,
and your total runs.
The run screens include time, distance traveled, maximum
speed, average speed, and total descent.
Swimming
NOTICE
The device is intended for surface swimming. Scuba diving with
the device may damage the product and will void the warranty.
NOTE: The device cannot record heart rate data while
swimming.
Going for a Pool Swim
NOTE: Heart rate is not available while swimming.
1Press the key.
2Select Pool Swim.
3Select your pool size, or enter a custom size.
4Press the key to start the activity timer.
History is recorded only while the timer is running.
5Start your activity.
The device automatically records swim intervals and lengths.
6When resting, select the key to pause the interval timer.
The display inverts color, and the rest screen appears.
7Select the key to restart the interval timer.
8After you complete your activity, select the key, and select .
Setting the Pool Size
1Press the key.
2Select Pool Swim.
3Hold the touchscreen.
4Select the activity name at the top of the screen.
5Select Pool Size.
6Select your pool size, or enter a custom size.
Swim Terminology
Length: One trip down the pool.
Interval: One or more consecutive lengths. A new interval starts
after a rest.
Stroke: A stroke is counted every time your arm wearing the
device completes a full cycle.
Swolf: Your swolf score is the sum of the time for one pool
length and the number of strokes for that length. For
example, 30 seconds plus 15 strokes equals a swolf score of
45. Swolf is a measurement of swimming efficiency and, like
golf, a lower score is better.
Golfing
Playing Golf
Before you play a course for the first time, you must download it
from the Garmin Connect Mobile app (Garmin Connect,
page 12). Courses downloaded from the Garmin Connect
Mobile app are updated automatically. Before you play golf, you
should charge the device (Charging the Device, page 16).
1Press the key.
2Select Golf.
3Go outside, and wait while the device locates satellites.
4Select a course from the list of available courses.
5Swipe up or down to scroll through the holes.
The device automatically transitions when you move to the
next hole.
6After you complete your round of golf, press the touchscreen,
and select End Round > Yes.
Hole Information
Because pin locations change, the device calculates the
distance to the front, middle, and back of the green, but not the
actual pin location.
ÀCurrent hole number
ÁDistance to the back of the green
ÂDistance to the middle of the green
ÃDistance to the front of the green
ÄPar for the hole
Next hole
Previous hole
Viewing Layup and Dogleg Distances
You can view a list of layup and dogleg distances for par 4 and 5
holes.
Swipe left or right until the layup and dogleg information
appears.
NOTE: Distances are removed from the list as you pass
them.
Using the Odometer
You can use the odometer to record the time, distance, and
steps traveled. The odometer automatically starts and stops
when you start or end a round.
1Swipe left or right until the odometer appears.
2If necessary, hold the touchscreen, and select Reset
Odometer to reset the odometer to zero.
Keeping Score
1From the hole information screen, hold the touchscreen.
2Select Start Scoring.
The scorecard appears when you are on the green.
3Select or to set the score.
Apps and Activities 9
4Select .
Your total score is updated.
Reviewing Scores
1From the hole information screen, hold the touchscreen.
2Select Scorecard, and select a hole.
3Select or to change the score for that hole.
4Select .
Your total score is updated.
Measuring a Shot
1Take a shot, and watch where your ball lands.
2Press the key.
3Walk or drive to your ball.
The distance automatically resets when you move to the next
hole.
4If necessary, hold the touchscreen, and select New Shot to
reset the distance at any time.
Training
Setting Up Your User Profile
You can update your gender, birth year, height, weight, wrist,
and heart rate zone (Setting Your Heart Rate Zones, page 4)
settings. The device uses this information to calculate accurate
training data.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > User Profile.
3Select an option.
Fitness Goals
Knowing your heart rate zones can help you measure and
improve your fitness by understanding and applying these
principles.
• Your heart rate is a good measure of exercise intensity.
• Training in certain heart rate zones can help you improve
cardiovascular capacity and strength.
• Knowing your heart rate zones can prevent you from
overtraining and can decrease your risk of injury.
If you know your maximum heart rate, you can use the table
(Heart Rate Zone Calculations, page 5) to determine the best
heart rate zone for your fitness objectives.
If you do not know your maximum heart rate, use one of the
calculators available on the Internet. Some gyms and health
centers can provide a test that measures maximum heart rate.
The default maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age.
Workouts
Your device can guide you through multiple-step workouts that
include goals for each workout step, such as distance, time,
reps, or other metrics. Your device includes several preloaded
workouts for multiple activities, including strength, cardio,
running, and biking. You can create and find more workouts and
training plans using Garmin Connect and transfer them to your
device.
You can create a scheduled training plan using the calendar in
Garmin Connect and send the scheduled workouts to your
device.
Following a Workout
Your device can guide you through multiple steps in a workout.
1Press the key.
2Select an activity.
3Select Workouts.
NOTE: This option appears only when you have workouts
loaded on your device for the selected activity.
4Select a workout.
5Press the key to start the activity timer.
The device briefly displays the goals for the first step of your
workout.
6After you complete the workout step, press the key.
A summary of the workout step appears. After several
seconds, the rest timer and the goals for the next step
appear.
7While resting, swipe down to view notes and additional
details about the next workout step (optional).
8When you are ready to start the next workout step, press the
key.
9Repeat steps 5 through 8 until you complete all of the steps
in the workout.
TIP: If you want to stop the workout early, you can select
Stop from the rest timer.
Using Garmin Connect Training Plans
Before you can download and use a training plan from Garmin
Connect, you must have a Garmin Connect account (Garmin
Connect, page 12).
You can browse Garmin Connect to find a training plan,
schedule workouts and courses, and download the plan to your
device.
1Connect the device to your computer.
2Go to www.garminconnect.com.
3Select and schedule a training plan.
4Review the training plan in your calendar.
5Select , and follow the on-screen instructions.
Starting Today's Workout
After you send a training plan to your device, you can quickly
start today's scheduled workout for an activity.
1Press the key.
2Select an activity.
If a workout for this activity is scheduled for today, the device
shows the workout name and prompts you to start it.
3Select .
4Select View to view the workout steps, and swipe right when
you are finished viewing the steps (optional).
5Press the key to start the workout.
Viewing Scheduled Workouts
You can view workouts scheduled in your training calendar and
start a workout.
1Press the key.
2Select an activity.
3Select Workouts > Training Calendar.
Your scheduled workouts appear, sorted by date.
4Select a workout.
5Select an option:
• To view the steps for the workout, select View.
• To start the workout, select Do Workout.
Personal Records
When you complete an activity, the device displays any new
personal records you achieved during that activity. Personal
records include your fastest time over several typical race
distances and longest run or ride.
Viewing Your Personal Records
1Hold the touchscreen.
10 Training
2Select History > Records.
3Select a sport.
4Select a record.
5Select View Record.
Restoring a Personal Record
You can set each personal record back to the one previously
recorded.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select History > Records.
3Select a sport.
4Select a record to restore.
5Select Previous > Yes.
NOTE: This does not delete any saved activities.
Clearing a Personal Record
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select History > Records.
3Select a sport.
4Select a record to delete.
5Select Clear Record > Yes.
NOTE: This does not delete any saved activities.
Clearing All Personal Records
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select History > Records.
NOTE: This does not delete any saved activities.
3Select a sport.
4Select Clear All Records > Yes.
The records are deleted for that sport only.
Navigation
You can use the GPS navigation features on your device to
save locations, navigate to locations, and find your way home.
Marking Your Location
A location is a point that you record and store in the device. If
you want to remember landmarks or return to a certain spot, you
can mark a location.
1Go to the place where you want to mark a location.
2Press the key.
3Select Navigation > Save Location.
TIP: To quickly mark a location, you can select from the
controls menu (Using the Controls Menu, page 1).
After the device acquires GPS signals, the location
information appears.
4Select Save.
5Select an icon.
Deleting a Location
1Press the key.
2Select Navigation > Saved Locations.
3Select a location.
4Select Delete > Yes.
Navigating to a Saved Location
Before you can navigate to a saved location, your device must
locate satellites.
1Press the key.
2Select Navigation > Saved Locations.
3Select a location, and select Go To.
4Select an activity.
The compass appears.
5Move forward.
The compass arrow points toward the saved location.
TIP: For more accurate navigation, orient the top of the
screen toward the direction in which you are moving.
6Press the key to start the activity timer.
Navigating Back to Start
Before you can navigate back to start, you must locate satellites,
start the timer, and start your activity.
At any time during your activity, you can return to your starting
location. For example, if you are running in a new city, and you
are unsure how to get back to the trail head or hotel, you can
navigate back to your starting location. This feature is not
available for all activities.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Navigation > Back to Start.
The compass appears.
3Move forward.
The compass arrow points toward your starting point.
TIP: For more accurate navigation, orient your device toward
the direction in which you are navigating.
Stopping Navigation
• To stop navigation and continue your activity, hold the
touchscreen, and select Stop Navigation.
• To stop navigation and end your activity, press the key, and
select Done.
Compass
The device has a 3-axis compass with automatic calibration.
The compass features and appearance change depending on
your activity, whether GPS is enabled, and whether you are
navigating to a destination.
Calibrating the Compass Manually
NOTICE
Calibrate the electronic compass outdoors. To improve heading
accuracy, do not stand near objects that influence magnetic
fields, such as vehicles, buildings, and overhead power lines.
Your device was already calibrated at the factory, and the
device uses automatic calibration by default. If you experience
irregular compass behavior, for example, after moving long
distances or after extreme temperature changes, you can
manually calibrate the compass.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Sensors & Accessories > Compass >
Calibrate > Start.
3Follow the on-screen instructions.
TIP: Move your wrist in a small figure eight motion until a
message appears.
History
Your device stores up to 14 days of activity tracking and heart
rate monitoring data, and up to seven timed activities. You can
view your last seven timed activities on your device. You can
synchronize your data to view unlimited activities, activity
tracking data, and heart rate monitoring data on your Garmin
Connect account (Using Garmin Connect Mobile, page 12)
(Using Garmin Connect on Your Computer, page 12).
When the device memory is full, your oldest data is overwritten.
Navigation 11
Using History
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select History.
3Select an activity.
4Select an option:
• Select Details to view additional information about the
activity.
• Select Laps to select a lap and view additional information
about each lap.
• Select Delete to delete the selected activity.
Viewing Your Time in Each Heart Rate Zone
Before you can view heart rate zone data, you must complete an
activity with heart rate and save the activity.
Viewing your time in each heart rate zone can help you adjust
your training intensity.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select History.
3Select an activity.
4Select Time in Zone.
Garmin Connect
Your Garmin Connect account allows you to track your
performance and connect with your friends. It gives you the tools
to track, analyze, share, and encourage each other. You can
record the events of your active lifestyle, including runs, walks,
rides, swims, hikes, golf games, and more. It is also your online
statistics tracker, where you can analyze and share all your
rounds of golf.
You can create your free Garmin Connect account when you
pair your device with your phone using the Garmin Connect
Mobile app, or you can go to garminconnect.com.
Store your activities: After you complete and save a timed
activity with your device, you can upload that activity to your
Garmin Connect account and keep it as long as you want.
Analyze your data: You can view more detailed information
about your fitness and outdoor activities, including time,
distance, heart rate, calories burned, cadence, an overhead
map view, and pace and speed charts. You can view more
detailed information about your golf games, including
scorecards, statistics, and course information. You can also
view customizable reports.
NOTE: To view some data, you mus pair an optional wireless
sensor with your device (Pairing Your Wireless Sensors,
page 16).
Track your progress: You can track your daily steps, join a
friendly competition with your connections, and meet your
goals.
Share your activities: You can connect with friends to follow
each other's activities or post links to your activities on your
favorite social networking sites.
Manage your settings: You can customize your device and
user settings on your Garmin Connect account.
Access the Connect IQ store: You can download apps, watch
faces, data fields, and widgets.
Using Garmin Connect Mobile
You can upload all of your activity data to your Garmin Connect
account for comprehensive analysis. With your Garmin Connect
account, you can view a map of your activity, and share your
activities with friends. You can turn on auto upload in the Garmin
Connect Mobile app.
1From the Garmin Connect Mobile app settings menu, select
Garmin Devices.
2Select your vívoactive 3 device, and select Device Settings.
3Select the toggle switch to turn on auto upload.
Using Garmin Connect on Your Computer
The Garmin Express™ application connects your device to your
Garmin Connect account using a computer. You can use the
Garmin Express application to upload your activity data to your
Garmin Connect account and to send data, such as workouts or
training plans, from Garmin Connect website to your device. You
can also install device software updates and manage your
Connect IQ apps.
1Connect the device to your computer using the USB cable.
2Go to www.garmin.com/express.
3Download and install the Garmin Express application.
4Open the Garmin Express application, and select Add
Device.
5Follow the on-screen instructions.
Customizing Your Device
Changing the Watch Face
You can choose from several preloaded watch faces or use a
Connect IQ watch face that is downloaded to your device
(Connect IQ Features, page 3). You can also customize a
preloaded watch face or create a new one (Creating a Custom
Watch Face, page 12).
1From the watch face, hold the touchscreen.
2Select Watch Faces.
3Swipe up or down to scroll through the available watch faces.
4Tap the screen, and select Apply to activate the displayed
watch face.
Creating a Custom Watch Face
You can customize the style and data fields for the watch face.
1From the watch face, hold the touchscreen.
2Select Watch Faces.
3Select an option:
• To customize an existing watch face, select the watch
face, and select Customize.
• To create a new watch face, swipe to the bottom of the
watch face list, and select Create New.
4Select Dial.
5Swipe up or down to scroll through the analog and digital
dials, and tap the screen to select the displayed dial.
6Swipe left to the Data page.
A green border indicates the customizable data fields for this
dial.
7Select each data field you want to customize, and select the
data to display in it.
8Swipe left, and select Hands.
NOTE: This option is available only for analog dials.
12 Customizing Your Device
9Swipe up or down to scroll through the hand styles, and tap
the screen to select the displayed hands.
10Swipe left, and select Accent.
11Select an accent color, and select .
12Swipe left, and select Done.
The device sets the new watch face as your active watch
face.
Customizing the Controls Menu
You can add, remove, and change the order of the shortcut
menu options in the controls menu (Using the Controls Menu,
page 1).
1Hold the key.
The controls menu appears.
2Hold the touchscreen.
The controls menu switches to edit mode.
3Select the shortcut you want to customize.
4Select an option:
• To change the location of the shortcut in the controls
menu, select the location where you want it to appear, or
drag the shortcut to a new location.
• To remove the shortcut from the controls menu, select .
5If necessary, select to add a shortcut to the controls menu.
NOTE: This option is available only after you remove at least
one shortcut from the menu.
Activities and App Settings
These settings allow you to customize each preloaded activity
app based on your needs. For example, you can customize data
pages and enable alerts and training features. Not all settings
are available for all activity types.
Press the key, select an activity, and select Settings.
Data Screens: Enables you to customize data screens and add
new data screens for the activity (Customizing the Data
Screens, page 13).
Alerts: Sets the training or navigation alerts for the activity
(Alerts, page 13).
Laps: Sets the options for the Auto Lap® feature (Marking Laps
Using the Auto Lap Feature, page 14).
Auto Pause: Sets the device to stop recording data when you
stop moving or when you drop below a specified speed
(Using Auto Pause®, page 14).
Auto Scroll: Enables you to move through all of the activity data
screens automatically while the timer is running (Using Auto
Scroll, page 14).
GPS: Sets the mode for the GPS antenna. Using GLONASS
provides increased performance in challenging environments
and faster position acquisition. Using the GLONASS option
can reduce battery life more than using the GPS option only.
Pool Size: Sets the pool length for pool swimming.
Background Color: Sets the background color of each activity
to black or white.
Accent Color: Sets the accent color of each activity to help
identify which activity is active.
Rename: Sets the activity name.
Restore Defaults: Allows you to reset the activity settings.
Customizing the Data Screens
You can customize data screens based on your training goals or
optional accessories. For example, you can customize one of
the data screens to display your lap pace or heart rate zone.
1Press the key.
2Select an activity.
3Select Settings > Data Screens.
4Select one or more options:
• To adjust the style and number of data fields on each data
screen, select Layout.
• To customize the fields on a data screen, select the
screen, and select Edit Data Fields.
• To show or hide a data screen, select the toggle switch
next to the screen.
• To show or hide the heart rate zone gauge screen, select
HR Zone Gauge.
Alerts
You can set alerts for each activity, which can help you to train
toward specific goals. Some alerts are available only for specific
activities. Some alerts require optional accessories, such as a
heart rate monitor or cadence sensor. There are three types of
alerts: event alerts, range alerts, and recurring alerts.
Event alert: An event alert notifies you once. The event is a
specific value. For example, you can set the device to alert
you when you burn a specified number of calories.
Range alert: A range alert notifies you each time the device is
above or below a specified range of values. For example, you
can set the device to alert you when your heart rate is below
60 beats per minute (bpm) and over 210 bpm.
Recurring alert: A recurring alert notifies you each time the
device records a specified value or interval. For example, you
can set the device to alert you every 30 minutes.
Alert Name Alert Type Description
Cadence Range You can set minimum and maximum
cadence values.
Calories Event,
recurring
You can set the number of calories.
Custom Recurring You can select an existing message or
create a custom message and select an
alert type.
Distance Recurring You can set a distance interval.
Heart Rate Range You can set minimum and maximum
heart rate values or select zone changes.
Pace Range You can set minimum and maximum
pace values.
Run/Walk Recurring You can set timed walking breaks at
regular intervals.
Speed Range You can set minimum and maximum
speed values.
Stroke Rate Range You can set high or low strokes per
minute.
Time Event,
recurring
You can set a time interval.
Setting an Alert
1Press the key.
NOTE: This feature is not available for all activities.
2Select an activity.
3Select Settings > Alerts.
4Select an option:
• To add a new alert for the activity, select Add New.
• To edit an existing alert, select the alert name.
5If necessary, select the type of alert.
6Select a zone, enter the minimum and maximum values, or
enter a custom value for the alert.
7If necessary, turn on the alert.
For event and recurring alerts, a message appears each time
you reach the alert value (Alerts, page 13). For range alerts, a
message appears each time you exceed or drop below the
specified range (minimum and maximum values).
Customizing Your Device 13
Auto Lap
Marking Laps Using the Auto Lap Feature
You can set your device to use the Auto Lap feature to mark a
lap at a specific distance automatically. This feature is helpful for
comparing your performance over different parts of an activity
(for example, every 1 mile or 5 kilometers).
1Press the key.
2Select an activity.
NOTE: This feature is not available for all activities.
3Select Settings > Laps.
4Select an option:
• To turn the Auto Lap feature on or off, select the toggle
switch.
• To adjust the distance between laps, select Auto Lap.
Each time you complete a lap, a message appears that displays
the time for that lap. The device also vibrates if vibration is
turned on (System Settings, page 14).
Using Auto Pause®
You can use the Auto Pause feature to pause the timer
automatically when you stop moving or when your pace or
speed drops below a specified value. This feature is helpful if
your activity includes stop lights or other places where you need
to slow down or stop.
NOTE: History is not recorded while the timer is stopped or
paused.
1Press the key.
2Select an activity.
3Select Settings > Auto Pause.
NOTE: This feature is not available for all activities.
4Select an option:
NOTE: Not all options are available for all activities.
• To pause the timer automatically when you stop moving,
select When Stopped.
• To pause the timer automatically when your pace drops
below a specified value, select Pace.
• To pause the timer automatically when your speed drops
below a specified value, select Speed.
Using Auto Scroll
You can use the auto scroll feature to cycle through all of the
data screens automatically while the timer is running.
1Press the key.
2Select an activity.
3Select Settings > Auto Scroll.
NOTE: This feature is not available for all activities.
4Select a display speed.
Phone and Bluetooth Settings
Hold the touchscreen, and select Settings > Phone.
Status: Displays the current Bluetooth connection status and
allows you to turn Bluetooth wireless technology on or off.
Smart Notifications: The device turns smart notifications on
and off automatically based on your selections (Enabling
Bluetooth Notifications, page 2).
Pair Phone: Connects your device with a compatible mobile
device equipped with Bluetooth Smart wireless technology.
Connected Alerts: Alerts you when your paired smartphone
connects and disconnects.
Stop LiveTrack: Allows you to stop a LiveTrack session while
one is in progress.
System Settings
Hold the touchscreen, and select Settings > System.
Auto Lock: Automatically locks the touchscreen in watch mode
to prevent inadvertent screen touches. You can select a key
to unlock the touchscreen.
Language: Sets the language of the device interface.
Time: Sets the time format and source for local time (Time
Settings, page 14).
Orientation: Allows you to change the orientation of the screen.
This allows you to wear the watch with the key on either the
left or the right.
Side Swipe: Allows you to enable, disable, or change the
scrolling direction for the Side Swipe control.
Backlight: Sets the backlight mode, timeout, and brightness
(Backlight Settings, page 15).
Vibration: Turns vibration on or off and sets the vibration
intensity.
Do Not Disturb: Turns on or off do not disturb mode.
Units: Sets the measurement units used to display data
(Changing the Units of Measure, page 15).
Data Recording: Sets how the device records activity data. The
Smart recording option (default) allows for longer activity
recordings. The Every Second recording option provides
more detailed activity recordings, but may require you to
charge the battery more frequently.
USB Mode: Sets the device to use mass storage mode or
Garmin mode when connected to a computer.
Restore Defaults: Allows you to restore all of the device
settings to the factory default values (Restoring All Default
Settings, page 18).
NOTE: If you have set up a Garmin Pay wallet, restoring
default settings also deletes the wallet from your device.
Software Update: Allows you to check for software updates.
About: Displays the unit ID, software version, regulatory
information, and license agreement.
Time Settings
Hold the touchscreen, and select Settings > System > Time.
Time Format: Sets the device to show time in a 12-hour or a
24-hour format.
Time Source: Allows you to set the time manually or
automatically based on your paired mobile device.
Time Zones
Each time you turn on the device and acquire satellites or sync
with your smartphone, the device automatically detects your
time zone and the current time of day.
Setting the Time Manually
By default, the time is set automatically when the vívoactive 3
device is paired with a mobile device.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > System > Time > Time Source > Manual.
3Select Time, and enter the time of day.
Setting the Alarm
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Clocks > Alarms > Add New.
3Select Time, and enter a time.
4Select Days, and select an option.
Deleting an Alarm
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Clocks > Alarms.
3Select an alarm, and select Remove.
14 Customizing Your Device
Starting the Countdown Timer
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Clocks > Timer.
3Enter the time.
4Select Start.
5If necessary, select the touchscreen for more options.
Using the Stopwatch
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Clocks > Stopwatch.
3Press the key.
Backlight Settings
Hold the touchscreen, and select Settings > System >
Backlight.
Mode: Sets the backlight to turn on when you interact with the
device, which includes receiving a notification or using the
key, touchscreen, or Side Swipe control.
Gesture: Sets the backlight to turn on when you rotate your
wrist toward your body to view the device. You can use the
Only During Activity option to use this feature only during
timed activities.
Timeout: Sets the length of time before the backlight turns off.
Brightness: Sets the brightness level of the backlight. During an
activity, the backlight uses the brightest setting.
Changing the Units of Measure
You can customize units of measure for distance, pace and
speed, elevation, weight, height, and temperature.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > System > Units.
3Select a measurement type.
4Select a unit of measure.
Garmin Connect Settings
You can change your device settings from your Garmin Connect
account, using either the Garmin Connect Mobile app or the
Garmin Connect web site. Some settings are available only
using your Garmin Connect account and cannot be changed on
your device.
• In the Garmin Connect Mobile app, select the image of your
device, and select Device Settings.
• On the Garmin Connect web site, from the devices widget,
select Device Settings.
After customizing settings, sync your data to apply the changes
to your device (Using Garmin Connect Mobile, page 12, Using
Garmin Connect on Your Computer, page 12).
Device Settings on Your Garmin Connect Account
From your Garmin Connect account, select Device Settings.
NOTE: Some settings appear in a subcategory in the settings
menu. App or website updates may change these settings
menus.
Activity Tracking: Turns activity tracking features on and off.
Alarms: Sets alarm clock times and frequencies for your device.
You can set up to eight separate alarms.
Auto Activity Start: Allows your device to create and save
timed activities automatically when the Move IQ feature
detects you have been walking or running for a minimum time
threshold. You can set the minimum time threshold for
running and walking.
Automatic App Updates: Allows your device to receive
Connect IQ app updates automatically.
Data Recording: Sets how the device records activity data. The
Smart recording option (default) allows for longer activity
recordings. The Every Second recording option provides
more detailed activity recordings, but may require you to
charge the battery more frequently.
Date Format: Sets the device to display the month and day
format.
Display Options: Allows you to change the backlight
preferences and customize the shortcuts that appear in the
controls menu (Customizing the Controls Menu, page 13).
Do Not Disturb: Sets the device to turn on do not disturb mode
automatically during your sleep hours.
Goal Animations: Allows you to turn on and off goal
animations, or turn them off only during activities. Goal
animations appear for your daily steps goal, daily floors
climbed goal, and weekly intensity minutes goal.
Language: Sets the device language.
Move Alert: Displays a message and the move bar on the
digital watch face and steps screen. The device also vibrates
to alert you.
Move IQ: Allows you to turn on and off Move IQ events. The
Move IQ feature automatically detects activity patterns, such
as walking, running, cycling, swimming, and elliptical training.
Orientation: Allows you to change the orientation of the screen.
This allows you to wear the watch with the key on either the
left or the right.
Phone Notifications: Sets the device to turn smart notifications
on and off automatically based on your selections.
Preferred Activity Tracker: Sets this device to be your primary
activity tracking device when more than one device is
connected to the app.
Time Format: Sets the device to display time in a 12-hour or 24-
hour format.
Units: Sets the device to display the distance traveled in
kilometers or miles.
Wrist Worn On: Allows you to customize which wrist the device
is worn on.
NOTE: This setting is used for strength training and gestures.
User Settings on Your Garmin Connect Account
From your Garmin Connect account, select User Settings.
Custom Stride Length: Allows your device to more accurately
calculate the distance traveled using your custom step
length. You can enter a known distance and the number of
steps it takes to cover the distance, and Garmin Connect can
calculate your step length.
Daily Floors Climbed: Allows you to enter a daily goal for the
number of floors to climb.
Daily Steps: Allows you to enter your daily step goal. You can
use the Auto Goal setting to allow your device to determine
your step goal automatically.
Heart Rate Zones: Allows you to estimate your maximum heart
rate and determine custom heart rate zones.
Personal Information: Allows you to enter your personal
details, such as birth date, gender, height, and weight.
Sleep: Allows you to enter your normal sleep hours.
Weekly Intensity Minutes: Allows you to enter a weekly goal
for the number of minutes to participate in moderate to
vigorous intensity activities.
Wireless Sensors
Your device can be used with wireless ANT+ or Bluetooth
sensors. For more information about compatibility and
purchasing optional sensors, go to http://buy.garmin.com.
Wireless Sensors 15
Pairing Your Wireless Sensors
The first time you connect a wireless ANT+ or Bluetooth sensor
to your Garmin device, you must pair the device and sensor.
After they are paired, the device connects to the sensor
automatically when you start an activity and the sensor is active
and within range.
TIP: Some ANT+ sensors pair with your device automatically
when you start an activity with the sensor turned on and near
the device.
1Move at least 10 m (33 ft.) away from other wireless sensors.
2If you are pairing a heart rate monitor, put on the heart rate
monitor.
The heart rate monitor does not send or receive data until
you put it on.
3Hold the touchscreen.
4Select Settings > Sensors & Accessories > Add New.
5Bring the device within 3 m (10 ft.) of the sensor, and wait
while the device pairs with the sensor.
After the device connects to the sensor, an icon appears at
the top of the screen.
Foot Pod
Your device is compatible with the foot pod. You can use the
foot pod to record pace and distance instead of using GPS when
you are training indoors or when your GPS signal is weak. The
foot pod is on standby and ready to send data (like the heart
rate monitor).
After 30 minutes of inactivity, the foot pod powers off to
conserve the battery. When the battery is low, a message
appears on your device. Approximately five hours of battery life
remain.
Improving Foot Pod Calibration
Before you can calibrate your device, you must acquire GPS
signals and pair your device with the foot pod (Pairing Your
Wireless Sensors, page 16).
The foot pod is self-calibrating, but you can improve the
accuracy of the speed and distance data with a few outdoor runs
using GPS.
1Stand outside for 5 minutes with a clear view of the sky.
2Start a running activity.
3Run on a track without stopping for 10 minutes.
4Stop your activity, and save it.
Based on the recorded data, the foot pod calibration value
changes, if necessary. You should not need to calibrate the
foot pod again unless your running style changes.
Calibrating Your Foot Pod
Before you can calibrate your foot pod, you must pair your
device with the foot pod (Pairing Your Wireless Sensors,
page 16).
Manual calibration is recommended if you know your calibration
factor. If you have calibrated a foot pod with another Garmin
product, you may know your calibration factor.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Sensors & Accessories > Foot Pod >
Calib. Factor.
3Adjust the calibration factor:
• Increase the calibration factor if your distance is too low.
• Decrease the calibration factor if your distance is too high.
Using an Optional Bike Speed or Cadence
Sensor
You can use a compatible bike speed or cadence sensor to
send data to your device.
• Pair the sensor with your device (Pairing Your Wireless
Sensors, page 16).
• Update your fitness user profile information (Setting Up Your
User Profile, page 10).
• Set your wheel size (Calibrating Your Speed Sensor,
page 16).
• Go for a ride (Going for a Ride, page 8).
Calibrating Your Speed Sensor
Before you can calibrate your speed sensor, you must pair your
device with a compatible speed sensor (Pairing Your Wireless
Sensors, page 16).
Manual calibration is optional and can improve accuracy.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > Sensors & Accessories > Speed/
Cadence > Wheel Size.
3Select an option:
• Select Auto to automatically calculate your wheel size and
calibrate your speed sensor.
• Select Manual, and enter your wheel size to manually
calibrate your speed sensor (Wheel Size and
Circumference, page 20).
Situational Awareness
Your vívoactive 3 device can be used with the Varia Vision
device, Varia smart bike lights, and rearview radar to improve
situational awareness. See the owner's manual for your Varia
device for more information.
NOTE: You may need to update the vívoactive 3 software
before pairing Varia devices (Updating the Software Using
Garmin Connect Mobile, page 17).
tempe
The tempe is an ANT+ wireless temperature sensor. You can
attach the sensor to a secure strap or loop where it is exposed
to ambient air, and therefore, provides a consistent source of
accurate temperature data. You must pair the tempe with your
device to display temperature data from the tempe.
Device Information
Charging the Device
WARNING
This device contains a lithium-ion battery. See the Important
Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for
product warnings and other important information.
NOTICE
To prevent corrosion, thoroughly clean and dry the contacts and
the surrounding area before charging or connecting to a
computer. Refer to the cleaning instructions in the appendix.
1Plug the small end of the USB cable into the charging port on
your device.
16 Device Information
2Plug the large end of the USB cable into a USB port on your
computer.
3Charge the device completely.
Product Updates
On your computer, install Garmin Express (www.garmin.com
/express). On your smartphone, install the Garmin Connect
Mobile app.
This provides easy access to these services for Garmin devices:
• Software updates
• Data uploads to Garmin Connect
• Product registration
Updating the Software Using Garmin Connect Mobile
Before you can update your device software using the Garmin
Connect Mobile app, you must have a Garmin Connect account,
and you must pair the device with a compatible smartphone
(Pairing Your Smartphone, page 2).
1Synchronize your device with the Garmin Connect Mobile
app (Using Garmin Connect Mobile, page 12).
When new software is available, the Garmin Connect Mobile
app automatically sends the update to your device.
2Follow the on-screen instructions.
Updating the Software Using Garmin Express
Before you can update your device software, you must have a
Garmin Connect account, and you must download and install
the Garmin Express application.
1Connect the device to your computer using the USB cable.
When new software is available, Garmin Express sends it to
your device.
2Disconnect the device from your computer.
Your device alerts you to update the software.
3Select an option.
Viewing Device Information
You can view the unit ID, software version, regulatory
information, and license agreement.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > System > About.
Specifications
Battery type Rechargeable, built-in lithium-polymer battery
Battery life Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode (with heart
rate)
Up to 13 hr. in GPS mode
Operating
temperature range
From -20º to 50ºC (from -4º to 122ºF)
Charging
temperature range
From 0º to 45ºC (from 32º to 113ºF)
Wireless frequencies/
protocols
2.4 GHz @ 0dB nominal
ANT+ wireless communications protocol
Bluetooth Smart wireless technology
Water rating Swim, 5 ATM*
*The device withstands pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 m.
For more information, go to www.garmin.com/waterrating.
Device Care
NOTICE
Avoid extreme shock and harsh treatment, because it can
degrade the life of the product.
Avoid pressing the keys under water.
Do not use a sharp object to clean the device.
Never use a hard or sharp object to operate the touchscreen, or
damage may result.
Avoid chemical cleaners, solvents, and insect repellents that can
damage plastic components and finishes.
Thoroughly rinse the device with fresh water after exposure to
chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, cosmetics, alcohol, or other
harsh chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these substances can
damage the case.
Do not store the device where prolonged exposure to extreme
temperatures can occur, because it can cause permanent
damage.
Cleaning the Device
NOTICE
Even small amounts of sweat or moisture can cause corrosion
of the electrical contacts when connected to a charger.
Corrosion can prevent charging and data transfer.
1Wipe the device using a cloth dampened with a mild
detergent solution.
2Wipe it dry.
After cleaning, allow the device to dry completely.
TIP: For more information, go to www.garmin.com/fitandcare.
Replacing the Bands
The device is compatible with 20 mm wide bands. Go to
buy.garmin.com, or contact your Garmin dealer for information
about optional accessories.
1Slide the quick-release pin À on the spring bar to remove the
band.
2Insert one side of the spring bar for the new band into the
device.
3Slide the quick-release pin, and align the spring bar with the
opposite side of the device.
4Repeat steps 1 through 3 to replace the other band.
Troubleshooting
Maximizing Battery Life
You can do several things to extend the life of the battery.
• Reduce the backlight timeout (Backlight Settings, page 15).
Troubleshooting 17
• Reduce the backlight brightness (Backlight Settings,
page 15).
• Turn off Bluetooth wireless technology when you are not
using connected features (Turning Off Bluetooth Technology,
page 2).
• Turn off activity tracking (Activity Tracking, page 5).
• Limit the smartphone notifications the device displays
(Managing Notifications, page 2).
• Stop broadcasting heart rate data to paired Garmin devices
(Broadcasting Heart Rate to Garmin Devices, page 4).
• Turn off wrist-based heart rate monitoring (Turning Off the
Wrist Heart Rate Monitor, page 4).
Restarting the Device
If the device stops responding, you may need to restart it.
NOTE: Restarting the device may erase your data or settings.
1Hold the key for 15 seconds.
The device turns off.
2Hold the key for one second to turn on the device.
Restoring All Default Settings
NOTE: This deletes all user-entered information and activity
history. If you have set up a Garmin Pay wallet, restoring default
settings also deletes the wallet from your device.
You can reset all settings back to the factory default values.
1Hold the touchscreen.
2Select Settings > System > Restore Defaults > Yes.
My device does not display the correct time
The device updates the time and date when you sync your
device to a computer or smartphone. You should sync your
device to receive the correct time when you change time zones,
and to update for daylight saving time.
1Select the Auto option in the time settings (Time Settings,
page 14).
2Confirm that your computer or smartphone displays the
correct local time.
3Select an option:
• Sync your device to a computer (Using Garmin Connect
on Your Computer, page 12).
• Sync your device to a smartphone (Using Garmin Connect
Mobile, page 12).
The time and date are updated automatically.
Acquiring Satellite Signals
The device may need a clear view of the sky to acquire satellite
signals.
1Go outdoors to an open area.
The front of the device should be oriented toward the sky.
2Wait while the device locates satellites.
It may take 30–60 seconds to locate satellite signals.
Improving GPS Satellite Reception
• Frequently sync the device to your Garmin Connect account:
◦ Connect your device to a computer using the USB cable
and the Garmin Express application.
◦ Sync your device to the Garmin Connect Mobile app using
your Bluetooth enabled smartphone.
While connected to your Garmin Connect account, the device
downloads several days of satellite data, allowing it to quickly
locate satellite signals.
• Take your device outside to an open area away from tall
buildings and trees.
• Remain stationary for a few minutes.
My daily step count does not appear
The daily step count is reset every night at midnight.
If dashes appear instead of your step count, allow the device
to acquire satellite signals and set the time automatically.
The floors climbed amount does not seem
accurate
Your device uses an internal barometer to measure elevation
changes as you climb floors. A floor climbed is equal to 3 m
(10 ft.).
• Avoid holding handrails or skipping steps while climbing
stairs.
My intensity minutes are flashing
When you exercise at an intensity level that qualifies toward
your intensity minutes goal, the intensity minutes flash.
Exercise for at least 10 consecutive minutes at a moderate or
vigorous intensity level.
Improving the Accuracy of Intensity Minutes
and Calories
You can improve the accuracy of these estimates by walking or
running outside for 20 minutes.
1From the watch face, swipe to view the My Day widget.
2Select .
3Follow the on-screen instructions.
Is my smartphone compatible with my
device?
The vívoactive 3 device is compatible with smartphones using
Bluetooth Smart wireless technology.
Go to www.garmin.com/ble for compatibility information.
Getting More Information
• Go to support.garmin.com for additional manuals, articles,
and software updates.
• Go to www.garmin.com/intosports.
• Go to www.garmin.com/learningcenter.
• Go to buy.garmin.com, or contact your Garmin dealer for
information about optional accessories and replacement
parts.
Appendix
Data Fields
Some data fields require ANT+ accessories to display data.
%HRR: The percentage of heart rate reserve (maximum heart
rate minus resting heart rate).
24-Hour Max.: The maximum temperature recorded in the last
24 hours.
24-Hour Min.: The minimum temperature recorded in the last
24 hours.
30s Avg. Vertical Speed: The 30-second moving average of
vertical speed.
Average %HRR: The average percentage of heart rate reserve
(maximum heart rate minus resting heart rate) for the current
activity.
18 Appendix
Average Cadence: Cycling. The average cadence for the
current activity.
Average Cadence: Running. The average cadence for the
current activity.
Average Distance Per Stroke: The average distance traveled
per stroke during the current activity.
Average HR: The average heart rate for the current activity.
Average HR %Max.: The average percentage of maximum
heart rate for the current activity.
Average Lap Time: The average lap time for the current
activity.
Average Pace: The average pace for the current activity.
Average Speed: The average speed for the current activity.
Average Stroke Rate: The average number of strokes per
minute (spm) during the current activity.
Average Strokes/Length: The average number of strokes per
length during the current activity.
Average SWOLF: The average swolf score for the current
activity. Your swolf score is the sum of the time for one length
plus the number of strokes for that length (Swim
Terminology, page 9).
Cadence: Cycling. The number of revolutions of the crank arm.
Your device must be connected to a cadence accessory for
this data to appear.
Cadence: Running. The steps per minute (right and left).
Calories: The amount of total calories burned.
Distance: The distance traveled for the current track or activity.
Distance Per Stroke: The distance traveled per stroke.
Elapsed Time: The total time recorded. For example, if you start
the timer and run for 10 minutes, then stop the timer for 5
minutes, then start the timer and run for 20 minutes, your
elapsed time is 35 minutes.
Elevation: The altitude of your current location above or below
sea level.
Heading: The direction you are moving.
Heart Rate: Your heart rate in beats per minute (bpm). Your
device must be connected to a compatible heart rate monitor.
HR %Max.: The percentage of maximum heart rate.
HR Zone: The current range of your heart rate (1 to 5). The
default zones are based on your user profile and maximum
heart rate (220 minus your age).
Interval Distance: The distance traveled for the current interval.
Interval Distance Per Stroke: The average distance traveled
per stroke during the current interval.
Interval Lengths: The number of pool lengths completed during
the current interval.
Interval Pace: The average pace for the current interval.
Interval Stroke Rate: The average number of strokes per
minute (spm) during the current interval.
Interval Strokes: The total number of strokes for the current
interval.
Interval Strokes/Length: The average number of strokes per
length during the current interval.
Interval SWOLF: The average swolf score for the current
interval.
Interval Time: The stopwatch time for the current interval.
Lap %HRR: The average percentage of heart rate reserve
(maximum heart rate minus resting heart rate) for the current
lap.
Lap Cadence: Cycling. The average cadence for the current
lap.
Lap Cadence: Running. The average cadence for the current
lap.
Lap Distance: The distance traveled for the current lap.
Lap HR: The average heart rate for the current lap.
Lap HR %Max.: The average percentage of maximum heart
rate for the current lap.
Lap Pace: The average pace for the current lap.
Laps: The number of laps completed for the current activity.
Lap Speed: The average speed for the current lap.
Lap Steps: The number of steps during the current lap.
Lap Time: The stopwatch time for the current lap.
Last Interval Distance Per Stroke: The average distance
traveled per stroke during the last completed interval.
Last Interval Stroke Rate: The average number of strokes per
minute (spm) during the last completed interval.
Last Interval Strokes: The total number of strokes for the last
completed interval.
Last Lap Cadence: Cycling. The average cadence for the last
completed lap.
Last Lap Cadence: Running. The average cadence for the last
completed lap.
Last Lap Distance: The distance traveled for the last completed
lap.
Last Lap Pace: The average pace for the last completed lap.
Last Lap Speed: The average speed for the last completed lap.
Last Lap Time: The stopwatch time for the last completed lap.
Last Length Pace: The average pace for your last completed
pool length.
Last Length Stroke Rate: The average number strokes per
minute (spm) during the last completed pool length.
Last Length Strokes: The total number of strokes for the last
completed pool length.
Last Length SWOLF: The swolf score for the last completed
pool length.
Lengths: The number of pool lengths completed during the
current activity.
Maximum Speed: The top speed for the current activity.
Nautical Distance: The distance traveled in nautical meters or
nautical feet.
Nautical Speed: The current speed in knots.
Pace: The current pace.
Speed: The current rate of travel.
Steps: The number of steps during the current activity.
Stroke Rate: The number of strokes per minute (spm).
Strokes: The total number of strokes for the current activity.
Sunrise: The time of sunrise based on your GPS position.
Sunset: The time of sunset based on your GPS position.
Temperature: The temperature of the air. Your body
temperature affects the temperature sensor.
Time in Zone: The time elapsed in each heart rate or power
zone.
Time of Day: The time of day based on your current location
and time settings (format, time zone, daylight saving time).
Timer: The stopwatch time for the current activity.
Total Ascent: The total elevation distance ascended during the
activity or since the last reset.
Total Descent: The total elevation distance descended during
the activity or since the last reset.
Vertical Speed: The rate of ascent or descent over time.
Appendix 19
VO2 Max. Standard Ratings
These tables include standardized classifications for VO2 max. estimates by age and gender.
Males Percentile 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69 70–79
Superior 95 55.4 54 52.5 48.9 45.7 42.1
Excellent 80 51.1 48.3 46.4 43.4 39.5 36.7
Good 60 45.4 44 42.4 39.2 35.5 32.3
Fair 40 41.7 40.5 38.5 35.6 32.3 29.4
Poor 0–40 <41.7 <40.5 <38.5 <35.6 <32.3 <29.4
Females Percentile 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69 70–79
Superior 95 49.6 47.4 45.3 41.1 37.8 36.7
Excellent 80 43.9 42.4 39.7 36.7 33 30.9
Good 60 39.5 37.8 36.3 33 30 28.1
Fair 40 36.1 34.4 33 30.1 27.5 25.9
Poor 0–40 <36.1 <34.4 <33 <30.1 <27.5 <25.9
Data reprinted with permission from The Cooper Institute. For more information, go to www.CooperInstitute.org.
Wheel Size and Circumference
The wheel size is marked on both sides of the tire. This is not a
comprehensive list. You can also use one of the calculators
available on the Internet.
Wheel Size L (mm)
12 × 1.75 935
14 × 1.5 1020
14 × 1.75 1055
16 × 1.5 1185
16 × 1.75 1195
18 × 1.5 1340
18 × 1.75 1350
20 × 1.75 1515
20 × 1-3/8 1615
22 × 1-3/8 1770
22 × 1-1/2 1785
24 × 1 1753
24 × 3/4 Tubular 1785
24 × 1-1/8 1795
24 × 1-1/4 1905
24 × 1.75 1890
24 × 2.00 1925
24 × 2.125 1965
26 × 7/8 1920
26 × 1(59) 1913
26 × 1(65) 1952
26 × 1.25 1953
26 × 1-1/8 1970
26 × 1-3/8 2068
26 × 1-1/2 2100
26 × 1.40 2005
26 × 1.50 2010
26 × 1.75 2023
26 × 1.95 2050
26 × 2.00 2055
26 × 2.10 2068
26 × 2.125 2070
26 × 2.35 2083
26 × 3.00 2170
27 × 1 2145
27 × 1-1/8 2155
Wheel Size L (mm)
27 × 1-1/4 2161
27 × 1-3/8 2169
650 × 35A 2090
650 × 38A 2125
650 × 38B 2105
700 × 18C 2070
700 × 19C 2080
700 × 20C 2086
700 × 23C 2096
700 × 25C 2105
700 × 28C 2136
700 × 30C 2170
700 × 32C 2155
700C Tubular 2130
700 × 35C 2168
700 × 38C 2180
700 × 40C 2200
Software License Agreement
BY USING THE DEVICE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE
LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT
CAREFULLY.
Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries (“Garmin”) grant you a limited
license to use the software embedded in this device (the
“Software”) in binary executable form in the normal operation of
the product. Title, ownership rights, and intellectual property
rights in and to the Software remain in Garmin and/or its third-
party providers.
You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin
and/or its third-party providers and is protected under the United
States of America copyright laws and international copyright
treaties. You further acknowledge that the structure,
organization, and code of the Software, for which source code is
not provided, are valuable trade secrets of Garmin and/or its
third-party providers and that the Software in source code form
remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin and/or its third-party
providers. You agree not to decompile, disassemble, modify,
reverse assemble, reverse engineer, or reduce to human
readable form the Software or any part thereof or create any
derivative works based on the Software. You agree not to export
or re-export the Software to any country in violation of the export
control laws of the United States of America or the export control
laws of any other applicable country.
20 Appendix
BSD 3-Clause License
Copyright © 2003-2010, Mark Borgerding
All rights reserved.
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or
without modification, are permitted provided that the following
conditions are met:
• Redistributions of source code must retain the above
copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following
disclaimer.
• Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above
copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following
disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials
provided with the distribution.
• Neither the author nor the names of any contributors may be
used to endorse or promote products derived from this
software without specific prior written permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT
HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,
EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF
SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA,
OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER
CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN
CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT
OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
Symbol Definitions
These symbols may appear on the device or accessory labels.
WEEE disposal and recycling symbol. The WEEE symbol is
attached to the product in compliance with the EU directive
2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE). It is intended to deter the improper disposal of this
product and to promote reuse and recycling.
Appendix 21
Index
A
accessories 15, 16, 18
activities 7, 8, 13
adding 8
custom 8
favorites 8
saving 7
starting 7
activity tracking 5, 6
alarms 13, 14
alerts 13
ANT+ sensors 15, 16
applications 2, 3
smartphone 2, 7
Auto Lap 14
Auto Pause 14
auto scroll 14
B
backlight 1, 15
bands 17
battery
charging 16
maximizing 2, 15, 17
bike sensors 16
Bluetooth sensors 15, 16
Bluetooth technology 2, 14, 18
Bluetooth Technology 3
C
cadence
alerts 13
sensors 16
calendar 10
calibrating, compass 11
calorie, alerts 13
calories 18
charging 16
cleaning the device 17
clock 14
compass 11
calibrating 11
Connect IQ 2, 3
controls menu 13
countdown timer 15
courses
playing 9
selecting 9
customizing the device 13
cycling 8
D
data
storing 12
transferring 12
uploading 12
data fields 1, 3, 8, 13, 18
deleting
history 12
personal records 11
distance, alerts 13
dogleg 9
F
foot pod 1, 16
G
Garmin Connect 2, 3, 10, 12, 15, 17
storing data 12
Garmin Express, updating software 17
Garmin Pay 3, 4
goals 15
GPS 1
signal 18
H
heart rate 1, 4
alerts 13
monitor 4
pairing sensors 4
zones 4, 5, 10, 12
history 8, 11, 12
sending to computer 12
I
icons 1
indoor training 8
intensity minutes 6, 18
intervals 9
K
keys 1, 17
L
laps 12
layup 9
lengths 9
license 17
locations 11
deleting 11
locking, screen 1, 14
M
main menu, customizing 6
maps 11
measuring a shot 10
menu 1
music controls 7
N
navigation 11
stopping 11
NFC 3
notifications 2
phone calls 2
text messages 2
O
odometer 9
P
pairing
ANT+ sensors 4
sensors 16
smartphone 2
payments 3, 4
personal records 10, 11
deleting 11
phone calls 2
pool size
custom 9
setting 9
power (force), alerts 13
profiles, user 10
R
replacement parts 17
resetting the device 18
S
satellite signals 1, 18
saving activities 8, 9
scorecard 9, 10
screen 15
settings 6, 13–15, 18
device 15
shortcuts 1, 13
Side Swipe control 1
skiing
alpine 9
snowboarding 9
sleep mode 2, 5
smartphone 3, 6, 18
applications 2, 7
pairing 2
snowboarding 9
software
updating 17
version 17
software license agreement 20
specifications 17
speed and cadence sensors 1, 16
stopwatch 15
storing data 12
stress level 6, 7
strokes 9
swimming 9
swolf score 9
system settings 14
T
tempe 16
temperature 16
text messages 2
time 14
alerts 13
settings 14
time of day 14, 18
time zones 14
timer 8, 9
countdown 15
touchscreen 1
training 2
calendar 10
pages 8
plans 10
treadmill 8
troubleshooting 4, 18
U
unit ID 17
units of measure 15
updates, software 17
uploading data 12
USB 17
user profile 10
V
VIRB remote 7
VO2 max. 5, 20
W
wallet 3
watch face 1
watch faces 3, 12
weather 6
wheel sizes 16, 20
widgets 1, 3, 4, 6
workouts 10
Z
zones
heart rate 4
time 14
22 Index
support.garmin.com
September 2017
190-02270-00_0A