GoKawiilGarmin CIRQA firmware update breaks Bluetooth heart rate broadcasting
Garmin's CIRQA fitness tracker is experiencing Bluetooth heart rate broadcasting failures following the August 20 firmware 2.50 update, according to user reports on a Gadgets and Wearables forum thread. Affected users say Bluetooth connections cycle between connected and disconnected on Garmin Edge devices, while broadcasting fails outright on apps like Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy and Strava, plus Bluetooth-enabled gym equipment. ANT+ connections remain unaffected, and a Garmin representative confirmed the issue has been escalated internally with no fix timeline given yet.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Heart rate broadcasting is a core feature for fitness enthusiasts who rely on their wearable as an external sensor for smart trainers and workout apps, so a broken Bluetooth link undermines the CIRQA's usefulness during actual workouts. This follows an earlier misstep where Garmin initially paywalled a basic tracking feature before reversing course, adding to a pattern of rough post-launch execution for the device.
- Firmware 2.50, released August 20, appears to have broken Bluetooth heart rate broadcasting on Garmin CIRQA devices.
- ANT+ connections still work fine, but Bluetooth links to apps like Zwift, TrainerRoad and Strava are failing or dropping.
- Garmin has acknowledged the bug and is investigating, but has not given a timeline for a fix.
Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor — If your CIRQA's Bluetooth broadcasting is flaking out, a dedicated chest strap is the reliable fallback. The Garmin HRM-Dual sends heart rate over both ANT+ and Bluetooth, so it pairs with bike computers, gym equipment, and training apps without relying on your watch to relay data.
See Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-08-28
Published there as: “Garmin’s Fitbit Air rival is having major issues with one of its most popular features”
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