Top 20 des Paramètres à Modifier sur Chaque Nouveau Garmin

Day 35: My Garmin Setup Checklist — Top 20

Every time I get a new Garmin — or reset an existing one — I go through this exact list. These aren't tweaks. They're the difference between a watch that works and a watch that works for you.

1. Update the software first

New Garmins often get important fixes and features through updates. This should be your very first step. Open Garmin Connect → your device → Software Update.

2. Set your favourite activities

Remove sports you never use. Pin the ones you use most so starting a workout is two taps instead of scrolling through 30 activities. Settings → Activities & Apps.

3. Customise the data screens for each sport

Running, cycling, walking, gym, hiking — every activity has its own data screens. Change them to show only the stats you actually care about. Default screens are generic; yours should be specific.

4. Reorder your glances

Glances (swipe-up cards on the watchface) default to a random-feeling order. Move the ones you check daily to the top: Body Battery, HRV Status, weather, steps, sleep, training readiness.

5. Pick a better watch face

The default watchface is fine. But you'll engage more with your health data if you have a face you actually enjoy. Try Titan: comment TITAN on my Instagram @vawbe for free access.

6. Set up shortcuts / hot keys

Map long-press or button combos to timer, alarms, flashlight, music controls, wallet, or a favourite app. Settings → Shortcuts. Once configured, you'll use them constantly.

7. Tune your smart notifications

Default: your watch buzzes for every email, WhatsApp message, Instagram like, and calendar event. Keep calls and truly important apps. Turn off everything else. Settings → Notifications.

8. Turn on notification privacy

If you don't want full message previews popping up in public, change the privacy setting. Show notification count or title only — not the full content.

9. Set alarms, timers, and DND / sleep mode

Set your sleep window so the watch doesn't buzz at night. Configure Do Not Disturb schedules. These settings get more use than half the fancy features.

10. Configure health tracking preferences

Check wrist-worn HR settings, resting HR detection, stress monitoring, and all-day tracking. Getting these right from day one means your baseline data is clean from the start.

11. Decide what to do with Pulse Ox

Continuous Pulse Ox hammers battery life. Unless you need it for altitude or sleep apnea monitoring, set it to sleep-only or off.

12. Set up emergency features

Turn on Incident Detection and Assistance if your model supports it. Make sure your emergency contacts are correct. Safety & Tracking in the Garmin Connect app.

13. Choose better GPS defaults for your activities

GPS Only, All Systems, or SatIQ — set the right default per activity. For urban workouts, GPS + GLONASS is enough. Reserve multi-band for trail and race days.

14. Adjust display settings

Brightness, gesture wake sensitivity, screen timeout, always-on behaviour. Turn brightness down one notch in normal conditions — you won't notice visually, but battery will.

15. Set battery saver / power modes

Create a normal daily power profile and a more aggressive one for long hikes or travel. Do this once properly rather than scrambling at 15% battery on day three of a trip.

16. Set up Garmin Pay

If your bank supports it and your watch has NFC, this is one of the best everyday Garmin features. Set up once in Garmin Connect → Wallet.

17. Set up music / audio

If your watch supports it, connect Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, or sync local tracks so you can run without your phone. Set this up before your first workout with music.

18. Connect your apps and accounts

At minimum: Strava, Komoot, TrainingPeaks, MyFitnessPal — whichever you actually use. Garmin Connect → Connected Apps. Your data syncs automatically from that point on.

19. Choose the watch as your primary wearable

If you use more than one Garmin device, set device priority in Garmin Connect so the right watch is your main source for daily stats — Garmin support specifically calls this out as a step most users miss.

20. Install only the Connect IQ content you'll actually use

Apps, watchfaces, and data fields are great — but don't overload a new watch on day one. Add only what clearly improves your daily use. Quality over quantity.

That's the full list. Do all 20 in the first week and you'll have a Garmin that's genuinely set up for your life — not a stranger's factory defaults.