With reports of Garmin watches crashing whenever users open their watch’s sports menu, you have to wonder whether your own watch or Garmin Edge bike computer is affected.
But are the Garmin Edge bike computers affected? Not really, at least from our checks of our own Edge computers. Nonetheless, reports are trickling out by folks with Garmin Edge 1050, Edge 1040, and a select few other computers.
Here’s what to do if your Garmin Edge bike computer is in a boot loop, and how to potentially fix it.
What causes the Garmin bootloop issue?
The Garmin bootloop problem often occurs after a faulty update is downloaded and installed. A broken GPS subsystem file, called CPE.bin, has been identified as a likely culprit. That pre-cache file essentially allows the computer to access GPS satellites more quickly. This file gets updated periodically, and if the file goes bad, then the device can’t access satellites as quickly.
The issue with affected devices comes from a newly updated CPE file. Do anything that requires accessing GPS satellites–such as starting a bike ride–and it can trigger a crash and cause the device to enter a constant bootloop cycle.
That bootloop will result in the device stuck on the start-up screen or a blue triangle on the screen.
If you are affected by the boot loop issue, your device will reboot. Try something that requires GPS, and it will do it again and again.
Is my Garmin device affected?
There’s no official list from Garmin about which devices have this bootloop issue. Most of the millions of reports come from Garmin smartwatches, including models from the Descent series, the Forerunner, Epix, Fenix, Instinct, Vivoactive, and Venu series.
What about GPS bike computers? While there are some reports of bootloop issues for the Garmin Edge lineup, the number of reports appears much less frequent.
We’ve pushed updates to our own Garmin bike computers and devices to see if we could replicate the issue ourselves, but we couldn’t make it happen.
That said, the Garmin forums have select reports of Garmin Edge 1050 and Edge 1040 series computers stuck in a bootloop themselves.
How to fix a Garmin Edge computer stuck in a bootloop
Garmin offers three different fixes should you find yourself with a Garmin device stuck in a bootloop.
1. Sync to Garmin Connect to update
- So long as your device isn’t crashing over and over, you should be able to update the potentially offending file through the Garmin Connect app.
2. Delete affected files
- Connect the device to a Windows computer using the power/data cable.
- Once recognized, from the computer locate the GARMIN folder and open it.
- Locate the RemoteSW folder and open it.
- Locate and delete the CPE.bin
- Disconnect the device from the computer.
This first step seems to be the most reliable fix for the bootloop. If this doesn’t fix the bootloop issue, then Garmin recommends a hard reset.
3. Perform a hard reset
- Hold down the Power button for up to 30 seconds to ensure the device turns off.
- Press and hold both the Lap/Reset button and the Start/Stop button (or the equivalent buttons on your model) to enter reset mode.
- While holding the above buttons, briefly press the Power button to turn the device on. Release the Power button, but keep holding the other two buttons until the device beeps or enters the reset mode. Release the other two buttons once the Garmin logo is cleared
- Once reset, avoid connecting your Garmin Edge to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to prevent the faulty update from re-downloading.
What’s next for Garmin users?
Garmin has yet to issue a permanent fix for the Garmin bootloop issue, leaving many users waiting for a reliable update. Until then, backing up your data regularly and staying offline after a reset may be the best way to avoid further issues.
However, if your bike computer works currently, then you’re likely good to go without issue.
And if your computer or device is affected by then? Then it might be worth hopping on the indoor trainer, at least for the time being.