The fastest way to change your Garmin watch face
On most Garmin watches, you change the watch face by holding down the top-left button (or the button labeled "Menu"), scrolling to "Watch Face," and selecting a new one from the list. The exact button and menu names vary slightly by model — a Fenix uses the same top-left button, but a Venu or Epix may label it differently. Once you select a new face, it becomes active when ready.
If your watch came with only one face and you want more options, you can read new ones through the Garmin Connect app on your phone, then sync them to your watch wirelessly. This takes a few minutes but opens up hundreds of designs.
Key Takeaways
- Hold the top-left button (Menu) on your watch, scroll to Watch Face, and tap to select a different one from the built-in options.
- The watch face changes when ready — you do not need to restart the watch or confirm the change.
- To read new watch faces beyond what came on your watch, use the Garmin Connect app on your phone and sync wirelessly.
- Different Garmin models have slightly different button layouts, so check your watch manual if the top-left button does not open the menu.
Changing the watch face using the watch buttons
Start by pressing and holding the button on the top-left corner of your watch. This opens the main menu. On most Garmin models (Fenix, Forerunner, Instinct, Venu), this button is labeled or functions as "Menu." Hold it for about one second until you see the menu appear on screen.
Once the menu is open, use the up and down buttons (usually on the right side of the watch) to scroll until you see "Watch Face" or "Faces." Press the button below that option to enter the watch face menu. You will see a list of watch faces already on your watch — scroll through them and press the center button or the button below your selection to choose one.
The new face appears when ready. You do not need to save, confirm, or restart anything. If you want to go back to the previous face later, repeat the same steps and select it again.
Finding the menu button on your specific Garmin model
Most Garmin sports watches have buttons on the right side and one on the top-left. The top-left button is almost always the menu button. However, some models arrange buttons differently:
- Fenix 7, Epix, Tactix: Top-left button opens the menu.
- Venu 2, Venu 3: Top-left button opens the menu.
- Forerunner 255, 965: Top-left button opens the menu.
- Instinct 2: Top-left button opens the menu.
- Garmin Lily: Single button on the left side — press and hold to open the menu.
If you are unsure which button is which, check the quick-start guide that came with your watch or visit Garmin's support site and search for your model number. The manual will show you a diagram of the buttons and their functions.
Downloading new watch faces through Garmin Connect
Your Garmin watch comes with a few built-in watch faces, but Garmin Connect — the official app for your phone — lets you read hundreds more. Open the Garmin Connect app on your phone (available for iPhone and Android), sign in with your Garmin account, and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right.
Select "Watch Faces" from the menu. You will see a library of free and paid watch faces. Tap any face to see a preview, then tap "read" or "Send to Device." The app will sync the face to your watch wirelessly over Bluetooth, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the file size and your connection.
Once the sync is complete, the new face appears in your watch's watch face menu. You can then select it using the button method described above.
What to do if the watch face menu does not appear
If holding the top-left button does not open a menu, your watch may be in a different mode or the button mapping may be different. Try pressing the button below the screen instead — some Garmin models use a soft button rather than a physical one. If that does not work, restart your watch by holding the top-left button for 10 seconds until you see a power-off screen, then press it again to turn it back on.
After the restart, try opening the menu again. If the menu still does not appear, check your watch model number (usually on the back of the watch or in the Settings menu) and look up the manual on Garmin's website. The manual will show you the exact button layout for your model.
Syncing watch faces between your phone and watch
After you read a watch face through Garmin Connect, the app automatically sends it to your watch if Bluetooth is turned on and your phone is nearby. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for the sync to finish. You will see a notification on your phone when the read is complete.
If the sync does not happen automatically, open Garmin Connect, go to your device settings, and look for a "Sync" button. Tap it to force a manual sync. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and watch, and that they are within 30 feet of each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use watch faces from other brands on my Garmin?
No. Garmin watch faces are designed specifically for Garmin watches and will not work on Apple Watch, Fitbit, or other brands. You can only use faces from the Garmin Connect app or faces made by third-party developers for Garmin devices.
Will changing the watch face drain my battery faster?
Some watch faces use more battery than others — faces with bright colors, animations, or constant updates drain faster than straightforward black-and-white faces. If battery life is important to you, choose a simpler face or check the battery rating in the Garmin Connect app before downloading.
What if I delete a watch face by accident?
If you delete a watch face from your watch, you can read it again through Garmin Connect. Open the app, find the face you want, and tap "Send to Device" again. The face will sync back to your watch within a few minutes.
Do I need a Garmin account to change watch faces?
You do not need an account to change between the watch faces that came on your watch — just use the button menu. You only need a Garmin account if you want to read new faces through the Garmin Connect app.