topic Re: Garmin blanks screen in Tech Help - Software/Hardware etc

Garmin blanks screen

penneck — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:37:55 GMT

I've been using a Garmin watch when running for nearly 6 years. I had a problem 2 or 3 years ago, when an upgrade stopped me because Garmin stopped supporting Win 7. However, someone at Garmin kindly supplied me with the version of their software that was the last one which would work with Win 7, and, as long as I don't try updating it, I have had no problems since.

However a couple of weeks ago, when I try to see the view where the details and the map is supposed to be visible, it starts the process (I can see the details such as distance, time, etc, and the frame that the map should go in) but before the map appears, the part of the screen where the details are go blank.

Garmin haven't come up with an answer. I had two long chats with the help people, but after a time I got cut off. The third attempt I got cut off quickly.

I have tried re-installing the Garmin software, but no change. I have tried accessing my Garmin account on a pc with Win 11, and that works fine. The financial effect of getting a pc with Win 11 is quite significant - new pc plus software plus printer, etc.

Can anyone suggest a possible solution while staying with my present pc, software, etc?

My thanks

Re: Garmin blanks screen

ExForce9 — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:14:21 GMT

Have you tried using the updater in the "Garmin Connect" app on the smartphone that the watch is paired with ?

This would avoid any issues with Windows, or out of date "Garmin Express" programs.

YouTube : How To Update Software On ANY Garmin Watch ?

Re: Garmin blanks screen

ExForce9 — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:46:33 GMT

Suggestions from Google -

Specific Garmin models like the Vivoactive 5 and Forerunner 165 have experienced widespread reports of recurring black screen bugs where the display goes completely blank or unresponsive while background functions keep running. Localized blank patches or missing pixels/spots are instead commonly tied to hardware failures or screen delamination.

Software and Firmware Glitches

Whole-screen blackouts: Models like the Vivoactive and Forerunner series suffer from firmware crashes that turn the display black while heart rate and activity tracking continue.

Partial rendering bugs: Certain activity tracking widgets or metric updates (like distance alerts or split notifications) have occasionally triggered localized visual dropouts or freezing on specific data fields.

Hardware and Physical Display Issues

Dead pixels and splotches: Specific lines like the fēnix series can develop dead pixel clusters or blank spots that remain visible even when the watch is powered off.

Edge delamination: Users note that blank or unresponsive strips around the outer perimeter of the display can indicate screen separation or hardware failure.

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps

Force a restart: Press and hold the power/light button (upper-left) for a full 15 to 30 seconds until the screen shuts off completely, then turn it back on.

Update firmware: Connect your device to a computer and run Garmin Express to reinstall or update the system software.

Contact support: If a hard reset or firmware update does not restore missing areas, reach out directly to Garmin Support to check for a hardware replacement.