Five Useful Tips Every Garmin Fenix 9 Pro User Should Know

The new Garmin Fenix ​​9 Pro is a damn good watch . Maps display quickly and clearly, the titanium case feels durable yet lightweight, and the built-in flashlight is a must-have, though it all comes at a hefty price of $1,099.99 . Whether you were first in line to order this new Fenix ​​or are still wondering if it’s right for you, here are five tips to help you get even more out of one of the best adventure watches money can buy.

Display real-time statistics on the map.

The Fenix ​​9 Pro is Garmin’s most advanced mapping watch to date, so it’s no surprise there’s a lot to cover. One of my favorite small but incredibly useful improvements is the addition of a route map as a separate data screen, overlaid with real-time stats like pace, heart rate, and distance. This lets you see at a glance where you are on the route and how hard you’re working, without having to switch screens mid-climb or at a junction.

First, make sure the map is displayed on a separate data screen.

1. Press the START/STOP button (top right) on the watch face and select your preferred GPS activity (such as running or trail running).

2. Scroll down and select Action Settings .

3. Select data screens .

4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Add New” .

5. Select a map .

Next, here’s how to overlay real-time statistics on your screen.

1. Staying in the Data Screens menu, scroll to the added Map screen and select it (press START/STOP).

2. Select “Layout” to change the number of data fields displayed on the map. Scroll the list or use the “UP” and “DOWN” buttons to switch between options (usually this allows you to display one or two data fields at the top or bottom).

3. Select the desired layout.

4. Select Edit Data Fields .

5. Click on a flashing field, browse the data categories (such as Pace , Heart Rate , or Distance ), and assign the desired metric to that field.

When working with maps, there are a few more useful techniques worth mentioning:

• Use the “Record Only” mode as a guide. On an unfamiliar route, the watch will seamlessly navigate your way without relying on a preloaded route. If you get lost, you can use this route to find your way back to the start.

• Try a round-trip route. Tell your watch how far you want to go, and it will create a loop route starting and ending where you are. This is perfect for travel or for those days when you want to run or bike without planning anything in advance.

• Enable maps with an oblique perspective. The 3D view makes it easier to quickly read terrain and provides a smoother experience when navigating trails.

For the best GPS accuracy, select Multi-Band GPS mode for all systems in the activity settings. Then, stand outside for a few seconds to allow the watch to lock onto satellites before pressing the “Start” button. Also, keep your sync data and software updates current, as fresh satellite data speeds up positioning. The tradeoff is battery life, so use the most accurate mode only during competitions, on difficult terrain, and in urban areas where signals are reflected.

If you’re hiking, add Climb Pro to your data screen. As you follow a route, it shows upcoming climbs, including remaining distance and incline. You can add it in the activity data screen settings. Knowing there’s a steep climb 120 meters ahead will be very helpful when setting your climbing pace.

Customize keyboard shortcuts to avoid awkward button presses.

Go to Menu > Watch settings > System > Shortcuts and assign quick actions, such as saving your current location or starting the stopwatch, to button combinations, such as holding down the Start + Up buttons.

It’s always worth experimenting with the default settings. For example, I love running in the rain, so I’ve assigned the “Hold Start + Up” key combination to toggle the touchscreen, allowing me to quickly lock the screen in inclement weather. Another favorite feature of mine is toggling Do Not Disturb mode using the Down key. By default, I have to hold the Light button to open the control menu and then select the Do Not Disturb icon, which is too many steps when I’m set to Do Not Disturb mode.

If you regularly do interval training, I recommend setting the lap button to auto-pause. It may seem like a small thing, but it’s a great way to avoid the hassle of manually stopping and restarting the stopwatch between laps.

When in doubt, remember that you can easily access your watch’s full user manual: simply open Garmin Connect, tap your watch icon in the top right corner, and select Help to quickly find the features you need.

Simplify the display of data on screens.

Your Fenix ​​9 can display a wealth of information, but sometimes less really is more. In the middle of an interval workout, at an intense pace, your brain can’t handle processing eight fields of numbers. Pace, heart rate, and cadence are sufficient for most workouts. Everything else, like elevation, calories, and laps, can be displayed on a secondary screen, which you only glance at during recovery runs rather than during intense workouts.

You can adjust settings in the Garmin Connect app or directly on your watch:

1. Press the START/STOP button and select the activity profile you want to edit.

2. Press and hold the UP button (or swipe) to open Activity settings.

3. Select data screens .

4. Select the screen you want to edit.

5. Select Layout to specify the number of fields from 1 to 8.

6. Select Data Fields to change the contents of each field.

Broadcast your heart rate to enhance your workout.

When simplifying data display on screens, consider updating your workout settings so that suggested workouts use heart rate zones instead of pace. As a long-distance runner, I know that pace targets fall apart on hills, in the heat, or when legs are tired. Heart rate, on the other hand, tracks how hard your body is working.

To start, follow the instructions above to remove data from the screen and focus on heart rate data. Then, you can go even further and start broadcasting your heart rate.

You can configure your workout settings so that your heart rate data is automatically transferred at the start of your workout. You can also do this manually:

1. Press and hold the middle left button and select Watch settings .

2. Select Health & Wellness > Wrist Heart Rate > Broadcast Heart Rate .

3. Click the START button in the upper right corner.

4. Open the pairing menu on the receiving device (such as a bike computer or treadmill) and connect to your watch.

When you enable the heart rate broadcast feature for gym workouts, compatible steppers, rowers, and exercise bikes can read your heart rate directly from your wrist—no need for a chest strap.

Merge duplicate activity profiles

If you have a Fenix, I bet you’re a multisport athlete. Instead of constantly editing your main running or strength training profile, copy it to Garmin Connect and create specialized versions, like “Track Running” and “Easy Trail Running.” Each can have its own data format and alert settings, so when switching between workouts, you just need to select a profile instead of rearranging screens on the fly.

I’m also assuming you enjoy spending time outdoors, so here are two important things to know:

Green Night Vision Flashlight . The built-in LED flashlight switches between white, red, and green modes to help maintain night vision.

Water Ejection. After swimming or rain, hold the button in the upper left corner (or any other button assigned to open the Controls menu), scroll to “Water Ejection,” and select it. The watch will play a series of beeps to expel water from the speaker. Afterward, dry the watch. If you don’t see this option, add it in the watch settings. This feature also starts automatically after saving or canceling a swimming or water sports workout, and you can run a simulated swim workout to activate it.

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