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Build & install

Install on your watch

Transfer the build over USB and select your new watch face.

On this page

Install a completed build over USB, then select the face on your watch.

Desktop required.

You need Dial Studio desktop and a successful build for your exact watch. Check desktop availability.

Before you connect

Use a USB cable that supports data transfer. A charge-only cable can power the watch without letting Studio detect it. Close other apps using the watch’s USB connection.

Transfer with Dial Studio

  1. Open Projects → Builds and choose the completed build’s install action.
  2. Connect the watch directly to your computer. If asked, select the watch’s USB data-transfer mode.
  3. Wait for detection, then check the watch model, file name, and destination.
  4. Choose Install on watch. Keep the cable connected until Studio reports Installed.
  5. Eject the watch if your operating system offers that option, then disconnect it.

Studio transfers the built program to GARMIN/APPS on the watch. Editable projects and signing keys do not belong in that folder.

macOS notes

Some Garmin watches use MTP, a file-transfer protocol, and do not appear as Finder disks. Check detection in Studio. Close other transfer apps if the device connection is busy.

Allow access to the device or selected folder when macOS prompts. If the watch does mount as a disk, eject it before unplugging.

Windows notes

Wait for Windows to recognize the watch. It may appear as a portable device without a drive letter. Check detection in Studio before transferring.

If the watch only charges, use a data-capable cable or another USB port. See Device not detected for more checks.

Apply on the watch

  1. Open your watch’s Watch Face menu. On many button models, hold UP/MENU from the current face. On touch models, touch and hold the face. Controls vary by model.
  2. Find and select the new face.
  3. Choose Apply.

If the face is missing, confirm the transfer finished and the build targets this exact model. Use your watch’s manual to locate its watch-face menu.

Check the result

Check text, live data, and each supported display mode on the watch. If the face will not load, switch to another face and follow watch-face troubleshooting.

After editing the design, build and install it again to update the watch. Local installation does not publish to the Connect IQ Store.

Up nextTroubleshooting