How to Sync Health Connect to Garmin (Step-by-Step Guide)

Quick Answer

To sync Health Connect to Garmin Connect:

1. Install Health Connect.

2. Update Garmin Connect.

3. Open Garmin Connect → Settings → Health Connect.

4. Enable Read and Write permissions.

5. Sync your Garmin watch.

Data typically appears in Health Connect after your Garmin watch syncs to the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth. Timing varies depending on your device and Android background activity settings.

What's the Difference? Health Connect vs. Garmin Connect

By linking the two, your Garmin data flows into Health Connect, allowing permissioned apps to securely read your activity history, including up to 30 days of past data, and write new updates. Because this data is stored locally on your device, you maintain full control over which apps can access your specific health and fitness metrics.

What Garmin Data Syncs to Health Connect?

✅ Syncs to Health Connect

• Steps and daily activity

• Heart rate (resting and workout)

• Sleep duration and stages

• Calories burned

• Workouts and exercise sessions

• Weight and body composition

• Blood oxygen (SpO2)

❌ Stays in Garmin Connect only

• Body Battery

• Training Status and Training Load

• HRV Status

• Race predictor and advanced running metrics

How to Sync Health Connect to Garmin: 6 Steps

Step 1 — Confirm Health Connect is installed

On Android 14+, go to Settings > Health Connect. On Android 13 or earlier, download it from the Play Store.

Step 2 — Update Garmin Connect

Open the Play Store, find Garmin Connect, and make sure it's fully up to date. Older versions don't support the integration.

Step 3 — Navigate to Health Connect in Garmin Connect

Open Garmin Connect → More (☰) → Settings → Health Connect. (For the official walkthrough, see Garmin's support guide.)

Step 4 — Grant permissions

You'll see a list of data types with Read and Write toggles.

• Write: Garmin sends data to Health Connect.

• Read: Garmin pulls data from other connected apps.

Enable the permissions you want Garmin Connect to read and write, then tap Allow.

Step 5 — Verify the connection

Go to Settings > Health Connect > App permissions on your phone. Find Garmin Connect and confirm it shows the data types you authorized.

Step 6 — Trigger a manual sync

Open Garmin Connect and pull down to refresh. Make sure your watch is connected via Bluetooth. Allow a few minutes for data to populate.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues

💡 Pro tip: Go to your Android battery settings and add both Garmin Connect and Health Connect to your battery optimization exceptions list. This prevents the OS from killing background syncs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Garmin Connect officially support Health Connect?

Yes. Garmin Connect has native Health Connect support on Android. Find it under Settings > Health Connect in the Garmin Connect app. Both apps must be fully updated for the option to appear.

Why can't I find Health Connect in my Garmin Connect settings?

Almost always an outdated app. Update Garmin Connect from the Play Store, ensure Health Connect is installed, and restart both apps.

How long does it take for Garmin data to appear in Health Connect?

Usually a few minutes after your watch syncs to the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth. If your watch hasn't synced first, the data won't reach Health Connect.

Does this drain my battery?

No. Background sync generally has minimal battery impact for most users. If you see unusual drain, check for a permissions conflict causing a sync loop under Health Connect > App permissions.

Unify data from all of your apps and wearables

Syncing Garmin to Health Connect is half the battle; the other half is making sense of the data. For a streamlined view of your health metrics without jumping between multiple platforms, Sonar offers a clean Android dashboard that brings your sleep, activity and recovery trends under one roof.