Garmin Connect is down: will you lose your ride?

It has been reported that the outage is due to a ransomware attack - but this has not been confirmed

(Image credit: chris catchpole)

Garmin Connect - the app which syncs rides and acts as a bridge between Garmin cycling computers and platforms like Strava - is suffering an outage, which began on Thursday evening.

It is being reported by ZDNet that the outage follows a ransomware attack. As far as we can see, this has not been confirmed and we've contacted Garmin for further information. However, with Garmin unable to receive emails, or accept calls, we can appreciate it might not be easy for employees to come back to us.

ZDNet also reports that the outage is expected to last for several days.

Messages on the app initially stated that the service was down for "server maintenance".

However, a longer message now reads: "We are currently experiencing an outage that affects Garmin.com. This outage also affects our call centres, and we are currently unabler to receive any calls, emails, or online chats."

It added "we are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and apologise for this inconvenience."

The outage affects cyclists using the popular Garmin Edge units, as well as runners, and other athletes who wear the Garmin watches.

Garmin also manufactures Sat Nav devices, lifestyle tracking watches and more. It also produces navigational systems for pilots to use, meaning the effects of an outage could be more consequential than the loss of a few Strava KOM/QOMs.

Will I lose my ride?

If you (like me) recorded an activity last night, the activity will remain on your Garmin device.

If you'd like to upload it manually, simply plug the Garmin Edge into your computer, via the charging port. Locate the device, open the "Activities" file, and you'll be able to select the file in question and upload it directly to whichever app you use.

Some waterproof devices in the range (used for swimming) use a magnetic charging mechanism and cannot plug in, but that does not apply to any Edge computers.

We'll be bringing you updates on this situation as it unfolds.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan is a traditional journalist by trade, having begun her career working for a local newspaper, where highlights included interviewing a very irate Freddie Star (and an even more irate theatre owner), as well as 'the one about the stolen chickens'.


Previous to joining the Cycling Weekly team, Michelle was Editor at Total Women's Cycling. She joined CW as an 'SEO Analyst', but couldn't keep her nose out of journalism and in the spreadsheets, eventually taking on the role of Tech Editor before her latest appointment as Digital Editor. 


Michelle is a road racer who also enjoys track riding and the occasional time trial, though dabbles in off-road riding too (either on a mountain bike, or a 'gravel bike'). She is passionate about supporting grassroots women's racing and founded the women's road race team 1904rt.


Michelle is on maternity leave from July 8 2022, until April 2023.