Top 5 Apps I Always Install on a New Garmin
Every time I get a new Garmin, these 5 apps go on first. Music streaming, rain alerts, hourly steps, hydration tracking, and the best all-in-one watchface.
Day 26: My Essential Garmin App List
Whether I'm setting up a fresh Garmin or testing a new model, these 5 apps go on immediately.
1. Music Streaming
Garmin supports Deezer, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music — store music on-device and leave your phone at home on runs. Install the one you already subscribe to.
2. Hourly Steps
A gentle wrist buzz every hour to remind you to move. Essential for desk workers. Small nudges like this compound into a significant difference in daily activity over time.
Download on Garmin →3. Hydration PRO
Track your daily water intake directly from your wrist. Set a goal, log each glass, get reminders. Simple — but most people are chronically underhydrated and don't realise it.
Download on Garmin →4. Rain App
Get a notification on your wrist minutes before rain starts at your exact location — based on live radar, not just a forecast. Saved countless runs and bike rides from an unexpected soaking.
Download on Garmin →5. Circles 2
A comprehensive watchface showing steps, heart rate, body battery, calories, floors, intensity minutes, weather, and more in a clean, glanceable ring-based layout.
Download on Garmin →What to read next
Day 1611Start Slow, Finish Fast: Set Up a Negative Split With Garmin PacePro
Most runners start their race far too fast. A negative split does the opposite, and it's how many records are run. Here's how to make your Garmin pace one for you, step by step.
Day 16025The Top 5 Christmas Watchfaces for Your Garmin
The Christmas season is officially open. Five festive Garmin watchfaces, from a snowman you finish by hitting your step goal to a tree that decorates itself the more you move.
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Watchfaces worth installing
Watchface
Cadence
A classic analog watchface with a wide choice of stats, fields and colours, long-press shortcuts into the app, and always-on modes for OLED screens.
Watchface
Cockpit
Everything you need to track your day on one clean, cleverly laid-out watchface, with colours you change right on the watch and a second time zone.
Watchface
Goals Pro
The most popular Garmin watchface, upgraded: the same goal rings with full control over colours, fonts, analog or digital time, and long-press shortcuts.