Garmin Forerunner 55 memory capacity query

[Stephen_UK]

Hi all. A quick question about my new Garmin Forerunner 55.

My previous, ancient Garmin could only store seven runs before that data needed to be copied off and deleted.

Does the 55 have a limit on how many runs can be saved? If so, what is it? The manual and the internet are very vague on this.

Also, can I delete runs off the watch without deleting them from my Garmin account (which I want to save every run I ever do)?

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I don't have a Garmin 55 model Stephen so can’t advise on your question.

But I have contacted Garmin directly on a few occasions with queries and they have been very helpful so you might want to do that.

You have me now thinking I need to check if there is a limit on my Garmin too as I’ve had it for years and I don’t want it to just stop one day!

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks, IP. That was my concern too. Didn’t want to be out on a glorious long run, only to get a “memory full” alert!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

I wonder if, when it reaches maximum storage, it automatically bumps the oldest run in order to add the latest one…? Mine is probably not that clever.

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

That would make sense. I hope so.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Me too! My watch is over 10 years old and I’m sure the newer models have more capacity.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Hi Stephen, this may sound daft, but I never considered the fact that my watch could run out of memory! I always assumed all the stats were uploaded to Garmin Connect. Shows what I know!

Anyway, sorry I’m no help at all, other than the fact that I’m using an old Vivoactive 3 for all sorts, and so far memory hasn’t been an issue. 🤞

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks, CC. Yes, the data does sync to Garmin Connect but it’s also held on the watch itself, as you can click back through each run and view each record. I’m hoping that the run files are small and that the watch can store hundreds or thousands of them.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Crikey, well judging by how long I’ve had this watch and how much I use it, the memory is doing pretty well. Great to know though! (Just watch, it’ll say it’s full tomorrow!) 😅

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks, CC. I am very reassured to hear this.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Haha I know how you feel Munks. Sods law… 🤞

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I've never had a F55, but have never had to delete anything from any of my Garmin watches (I don't know whether any have been deleted from the watch automatically because I never check them there). I either use strava or garmin connect on my laptop or phone if I want to look at activity detail, and use strava as my historical 'running diary'.

I've just had a poke about online, but can't find a straightforward reliable answer to your question. As IP suggests, I really think a call to Garmin support would be the best way to get an accurate answer for your watch model and version. Even if they can't answer on the phone, they will record the question for further checking and come back to you via email.

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you, Linda. Really appreciate you taking the time to consider this, and yes I will get in touch with Garmin. Hope all’s well with you.

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

I’ve got the 35 Stephen_UK and I have never had any problem with the memory. The history shows 7 previous runs, but if you are syncing each run to Garmin Connect the history should always be on there. UpTheStanley has only just got the 55, so he won’t be able to help either. I would be more worried about the battery running down than the memory.

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks, Dexy. This is appreciated.

[John_W Marathon]

I have a 55.

Very simply, this is not a concern. I can do 10-12 activities a week and never get prompted by memory.

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to John_W]

Thanks, John. Do you know how many runs in total are now saved on your watch?

[John_W Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

I have no idea because it's never been an issue. I've run 7 times in a week before now, with it, including a 2 hour long run, and not had to think about it.

[John_W Marathon in reply to John_W]

and I've had it for over a year now and I'm doing 1800-2000 miles per year.

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to John_W]

Thanks, John. This is all very reassuring.

[Jools2020 Half Marathon]

The only thing I’ve ever had to be concerned about is when writing workouts and sending them to your watch. There is a limit to those on the Vivoactive 3. I found that out when I tried to send a workout to the watch from the app and it didn’t work. Certainly if you delete activities from the watch itself they will still be stored on the Garmin app.

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to Jools2020]

Good to know. Thanks.