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How to Update GPS on Your Garmin Forerunner 955: A Complete Guide

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is a premium running and triathlon watch that delivers top-tier GPS accuracy, advanced training insights, and performance analytics for serious athletes. With features like multi-band GPS, heart rate tracking, and training readiness, the Forerunner 955 is designed to perform flawlessly in all environments. However, to maintain its exceptional accuracy and reliability, it’s essential to keep the watch’s GPS firmware up to date.

Garmin regularly releases GPS and software updates to improve signal accuracy, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility with satellite systems. These updates help your watch perform better, track more precisely, and optimize battery life. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about updating your Garmin Forerunner 955’s GPS—why it matters, how to do it, and how to troubleshoot any potential issues.

Why Updating the GPS Is Important

Your Garmin Forerunner 955 uses advanced multi-band GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology to track your location, pace, and route with exceptional accuracy. Over time, Garmin refines this technology and releases updates that enhance performance.

Here’s why keeping your Forerunner 955’s GPS up to date is essential:

  • Improved Tracking Accuracy: Updates fine-tune satellite algorithms for more precise location and distance readings.

  • Faster GPS Lock: Updated firmware can help your watch connect to satellites more quickly before an activity.

  • Enhanced Battery Efficiency: Optimized GPS operations help conserve battery power during extended workouts.

  • Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements: Updates resolve known tracking issues and minor software glitches.

  • Better Multi-Band Performance: New firmware often enhances the Forerunner 955’s ability to switch between GPS bands for maximum accuracy in challenging environments.

Regular GPS updates ensure that your data stays consistent, accurate, and dependable—no matter where your training takes you.

Preparation Before Updating

Before starting the update process, make sure your watch and setup are ready. This helps prevent errors and ensures a smooth update experience.

  1. Charge Your Watch:
    Ensure your Forerunner 955 is at least 50% charged, or preferably fully charged, to avoid interruptions during the update.

  2. Stable Internet Connection:
    You’ll need a reliable internet connection to download update files through your phone or computer.

  3. Install Garmin Software:
    You can update your Forerunner 955 using Garmin Express (on your computer) or Garmin Connect Mobile (on your smartphone).

  4. Sync and Backup Data:
    Before updating, sync your latest activities to Garmin Connect to back up your data.

Method 1: Updating GPS via Garmin Express

Garmin Express is the desktop software Garmin provides for device management and updates. It’s a fast and reliable method for installing system and GPS updates.

  1. Install Garmin Express:
    Download and install Garmin Express on your Windows or Mac computer.

  2. Connect Your Forerunner 955:
    Plug your watch into your computer using the provided charging/data cable. Garmin Express will automatically detect it.

  3. Add the Device:
    If this is your first time connecting, follow the on-screen prompts to add and register your watch.

  4. Check for Updates:
    Garmin Express will automatically scan for available updates, including GPS firmware and system software.

  5. Install the Update:
    Click Install All or select the GPS update specifically. The process may take several minutes depending on the update size.

  6. Restart Your Watch:
    Once the update is complete, safely disconnect your Forerunner 955 and restart it to finalize installation.

Method 2: Updating GPS via Garmin Connect Mobile

If you prefer a wireless update, you can update your Forerunner 955 using the Garmin Connect Mobile app on your smartphone.

  1. Open Garmin Connect Mobile:
    Make sure your Forerunner 955 is paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth.

  2. Sync Your Watch:
    Pull down on the app’s main screen to manually sync your device. This triggers the app to check for available updates.

  3. Check for Updates:
    If a new firmware or GPS update is available, Garmin Connect Mobile will automatically notify you.

  4. Install the Update:
    Follow the prompts on your phone. The update will transfer wirelessly to your watch via Bluetooth.

  5. Wait for Completion:
    Keep your phone and watch close together during the process. The update may take 10–20 minutes to finish.

  6. Restart Your Watch:
    Once installation is complete, your Forerunner 955 will automatically restart and apply the update.

How to Verify the GPS Update

After the update finishes, you can check to confirm that the GPS firmware has been successfully installed.

  1. Press and hold the Up/Menu button.

  2. Scroll to System → About.

  3. Look for the GPS Version information on the screen.

Compare the GPS version displayed with Garmin’s latest release notes to confirm your device is running the most current version.

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

If you experience any problems while updating your Forerunner 955, try these quick solutions:

  • Update Doesn’t Start:
    Restart your watch and your computer or phone. Then try again. If using Garmin Connect Mobile doesn’t work, use Garmin Express instead.

  • Update Stalls or Fails:
    Disconnect your device, restart it, and reconnect to Garmin Express. This usually resolves incomplete updates.

  • No GPS Signal After Update:
    Restart your watch, go outside in an open area, and wait a few minutes for the watch to reacquire satellite signals.

  • Bluetooth Update Takes Too Long:
    Bluetooth transfers can be slow. If the update seems stuck, connect to a computer and use Garmin Express for a faster installation.

Tips for Optimal GPS Accuracy

Even after updating, how you use your Forerunner 955 can affect GPS accuracy. Follow these tips for the best performance:

  • Start your run or ride outdoors, away from tall buildings or trees.

  • Wait for the watch to achieve full satellite lock before starting your activity.

  • Use Multi-Band GNSS Mode for better accuracy in challenging environments.

  • Regularly sync your watch to keep satellite data current.

  • Keep your firmware and GPS updates installed as soon as they’re available.

Final Thoughts

Updating the GPS on your Garmin Forerunner 955 is a quick and important step that ensures your watch maintains its world-class tracking performance. Whether you use Garmin Express on your computer or Garmin Connect Mobile on your smartphone, the update process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.

Each GPS update enhances satellite tracking, reduces errors, and ensures more accurate pace and distance data—helping you train smarter and more efficiently. By keeping your Forerunner 955’s firmware and GPS up to date, you’ll ensure that every run, ride, and race is recorded with Garmin’s renowned precision and reliability.

Last modified: 2025-11-05Powered by