By connecting Garmin Connect to Apple Health and correctly prioritizing your data sources, you can utilize your Garmin as your primary tracker while allowing your iPhone to serve as a backup for those times your watch is uncharged or left behind.
Here are the detailed steps to add and prioritize Garmin data in Apple Health:
1. Enable Sharing in Garmin Connect
- Open the Garmin Connect app on your iPhone.
- Tap More (bottom right) > Settings > Connected Apps > Apple Health.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect and choose "All Categories" (Steps, Heart Rate, Walking + Running Distance, etc.).
- Select Allow to give permission.
2. Verify Data Source in Apple Health
- Open the Apple Health app.
- Tap the Summary tab, then tap your Profile Picture (top right).
- Under Privacy, select Apps (or Apps and Services), then choose Connect.
- Ensure all necessary data categories are enabled. 'Steps' must be enabled.
3. Prioritize Garmin Data (If Steps/Data Differ)
- If your Garmin and Apple Health data do not match, Garmin needs to be prioritized.
- In the Health app, tap Browse and select Steps.
- Scroll down and tap Data Sources & Access.
- Tap Edit (top right).
- Touch and hold the Change Order button (three lines) next to Garmin Connect, then drag it to the top of the list.
- Move your iPhone to the #2 position. This ensures your steps will continue to be counted if your Garmin is charging or broken. (Apple de-duplicates steps so they are never double-counted).
- Remove or deactivate all other Data Sources on the list.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Sync Issues: If data is not updating, open Garmin Connect and pull down on the main screen to force a sync.
- Permissions: If data is missing, go to Settings > Health > Apps in the Apple Health app and ensure all permissions for Connect are still active.
- Re-linking: If issues persist, disconnect Apple Health within the Garmin Connect app and reconnect it.