Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct Solar Smartwatch 45mm Fiber-Reinforced Polymer - Flame Red
Average customer rating
4.1
(737 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 737 reviews
5 Stars
451
4 Stars
122
3 Stars
51
2 Stars
42
1 Star
71
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct Solar Smartwatch 45mm Fiber-Reinforced Polymer - Flame Red
Customer Rating
2
Great watch. Terrible integration with Garmin app
on June 10, 2025
Posted by: DFW-jta
This is my second Instinct watch. First one, and this one until about two months ago, never had problems staying connected to the Garmin Connect app. Now I've had to re-pair the watch with the app on the phone about five times in two weeks. Not sure what they changed in the firmware or the app, but Garmin broke something with their update. I love this watch, but if it can't stay connected to the app due to software "improvements" then this will be my last Garmin product.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Not a big deal
on June 18, 2025
Posted by: Pet74
After two years of use, the solar charging doesn't work, the watch randomly turns off, loses Bluetooth connection. I don't recommend it. It was expensive for two years of use...
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Not that good
on July 1, 2025
Posted by: Doptzap
I have it for 2 months (it wasn't new) and started to shutdown when I use it...
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Lost it's mind
on September 9, 2025
Posted by: CaseyD
Been using of for two years. Yesterday it kept connecting and disconnecting. Finally forgot I have been using it for years. Ok except altimeter doors not work
Response from GarminBy Care, September 11, 2025
We appreciate the review! Garmin watches have a setting that will alert you when your watch connects or disconnects from your phone. It's normal to experience many connections/disconnections throughout the day when smartphone connection alerts are enabled. After a temporary disconnection, the device should reconnect to the phone within a minute or two of the Bluetooth signal being detected. Additional information about this can be found here: http://ms.spr.ly/6188UrPHw
You can also turn off smartphone connection alerts by holding MENU and selecting Settings > Phone > Alerts.
With regard to the altimeter, please try the suggestions outlined here: http://ms.spr.ly/6423sciWH. If you're still having trouble, Garmin Support would be happy to help and can be reached at 1-800-800-1020 Monday - Friday, 7am - 7pm Central (Closed weekends and holidays).
You can also turn off smartphone connection alerts by holding MENU and selecting Settings > Phone > Alerts.
With regard to the altimeter, please try the suggestions outlined here: http://ms.spr.ly/6423sciWH. If you're still having trouble, Garmin Support would be happy to help and can be reached at 1-800-800-1020 Monday - Friday, 7am - 7pm Central (Closed weekends and holidays).
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Constantly shutting down
on October 30, 2025
Posted by: Macka
The watched worked very well for around 12 months. When it it working properly it is a great watch. Unfortunately it isnt working properly anymore. After a full charge it will indicate 26 days of battery life. After 9-10 days it starts to shut down without warning. It just goes blank. I am constantly having to restart it.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
epic fail
on November 2, 2025
Posted by: Simao
I have bought this pricey solar powered watch believing not to have to worry about power anymore. What a disappointment discovering that the Achille's heel was actually the defective battery and a horrible power management. Even keeping everything switched off (no more smart functions) the device was shutting down at any key pressure, or other attempt of operation. GPS was never connecting and, as consequence, the "smartwatch" become another e-waste in the drawer... Garmin? NEVER AGAIN!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Value and it's rugged
on November 4, 2025
Posted by: Qwertyu
It's very rugged, and it can do lots of things like mountain biking and swimming, but I like the durability because I'm a mountain biker.
With the occasional swim in the pool
With the occasional swim in the pool
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Turns Off on its own
on November 7, 2025
Posted by: Rod 30427
Had this watch for over two years now it started to turn off on its own after updating the software it's still not working properly
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Care, November 8, 2025
Our product support team would be happy to look into this for you. Please contact them Monday through Friday 7a-7p CST at 800-800-1020, option 4, option 2.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin