The fastest way to change your Garmin watch face

On most Garmin watches, you change the watch face by holding down the top-left button (labeled "Light" or "Menu") for two to three seconds until a menu appears, then scrolling to "Watch Face" and selecting it. From there, scroll through the available faces and press the center button to confirm your choice. The whole process takes about 30 seconds once you know where to look.

The exact button names and menu structure vary slightly depending on your Garmin model — a Fenix works differently from a Venu, which works differently from a basic Forerunner. But the principle is the same on every Garmin: hold a button to open the menu, find the watch face setting, and select a new one from the list that came preloaded on your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the top-left button for two to three seconds to open the main menu on your Garmin watch.
  • Navigate to "Watch Face" or "Faces" using the up and down buttons, then press the center button to enter that menu.
  • Scroll through the preloaded watch faces and press the center button to select the one you want.
  • If you want faces beyond what came on your watch, you can download new ones through Garmin Connect on your phone or computer.

Finding the watch face menu on your specific model

The button you press depends on your watch model. On Fenix and Epix watches, hold the "Menu" button (top-left). On Venu and Venu 2 models, hold the "Light" button (also top-left). On Forerunner watches, it's usually the top-left button as well, though some older models use a different approach. If you're not sure which button is which, check the physical label on your watch or look at the quick-start guide that came in the box.

Once you hold the button and the menu appears, you'll see a list of options. Look for "Watch Face," "Faces," or sometimes "Display." Use the up and down buttons (usually the top-right and bottom-right buttons) to scroll to that option, then press the center button (middle-right) to open it.

Selecting and confirming your new watch face

After you enter the watch face menu, you'll see a list or carousel of faces available on your device. These are the faces that came preloaded when you bought the watch. Scroll through them using the up and down buttons. As you scroll, you'll usually see a preview of each face on your screen so you can see what it looks like before you commit to it.

When you find the face you want, press the center button to select it. The watch will confirm the change — usually with a brief message or animation — and you'll return to the main menu. Press the back button or wait a few seconds and the watch will show you your new face in action.

Downloading additional watch faces through Garmin Connect

Garmin comes with several preloaded faces, but if you want more options, you can download them through the Garmin Connect app on your phone or through Garmin's website on a computer. Open Garmin Connect, go to your device settings, and look for "Watch Faces" or "App Store." You'll see a catalog of free and paid faces designed for your specific model.

Select a face you want, download it, and it will sync to your watch the next time your watch connects to your phone via Bluetooth. Once it syncs, the new face will appear in your watch face menu alongside the preloaded ones, and you can select it using the same steps described above.

What to do if your watch face menu looks different

Some older Garmin models and sports watches use a touchscreen instead of buttons, which changes the process entirely. On a touchscreen Garmin, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the menu, tap "Settings," then tap "Watch Face" or "Display." Scroll through the available faces and tap the one you want to select it.

If you have a very old Garmin or a specialized model like a golf watch or marine device, the menu structure may be different. Your best resource is the user manual that came with your watch or the PDF version on Garmin's support website. Search for your model number and "user manual" to find the exact steps for your device.

Troubleshooting when the watch face won't change

If you select a new watch face and it doesn't appear, the most common cause is that your watch needs to finish applying the change. Wait 10 to 15 seconds after selecting a face — sometimes the watch takes a moment to load and display it. If it still hasn't changed, try holding the back button to return to the home screen, then check your watch face menu again.

If a downloaded face won't appear in your menu, make sure the sync between your watch and phone completed successfully. Open Garmin Connect on your phone, check that your watch shows as connected, and manually trigger a sync if your app allows it. If the face still doesn't show up, try downloading it again or restarting your watch by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create my own custom watch face for my Garmin?

Garmin does not offer a built-in tool for creating custom faces directly on the watch. However, third-party developers have created custom face builders online where you can design a face and download it to your watch through Garmin Connect. Search "Garmin custom watch face builder" to find these tools. The faces you create will sync to your watch like any other downloaded face.

Why do some watch faces use more battery than others?

Faces with animated elements, bright colors, or constant updates (like weather or heart rate displays) drain battery faster than simple, static faces. If you're concerned about battery life, choose a face with a dark background and minimal animations. You can always switch back to a fancier face when you're near a charger.

Do I lose my watch face if I reset my Garmin?

A factory reset will return your watch to its original state, which means downloaded faces will be removed and only the preloaded faces will remain. The preloaded faces themselves will still be there. If you reset your watch, you'll need to re-download any custom faces through Garmin Connect afterward.

What if my watch face is stuck or frozen?

Try restarting your watch by holding the power button (usually top-left) for 10 seconds until the screen goes black. Release the button and wait for the watch to turn back on. This often clears temporary glitches. If the face is still frozen or unresponsive, try changing to a different face using the menu, which may force the watch to refresh.