Troubleshooting missing Garmin activity data

Why isn't my Garmin activity syncing to Paceline?

If your Garmin activity isn't appearing in Paceline, don't worry. It's usually a simple timing, permissions, or connection issue. This guide walks through what's normal, a few quick fixes, and deeper troubleshooting if you need it.

What to expect

Small differences between the Garmin Connect app and Paceline are normal and don't need any action.

• Paceline uses Garmin Connect's data as-is. Steps, elevated heart rate (eHR) minutes, sleep, and workouts come straight from Garmin Connect. We don't recalculate or adjust them, so a gap of a few steps or a minute usually comes from rounding or timing on Garmin Connect's side.
• Your data may update after Paceline syncs. The Garmin Connect app can keep adjusting totals after Paceline has already received them. The next sync usually brings them in line.
• Workouts can take time to arrive. Workouts typically sync to Paceline within the same day, but timing depends on when Garmin Connect sends the data to us, so a workout may not appear right away.
• Weeks may be counted differently. Paceline weeks run Monday 00:00 → Sunday 23:59 (your local time). Some devices default to Sunday–Saturday, so weekly totals won't match unless you update your week start in your device's app settings.
• Not every workout is detected automatically. Check which workouts your device can auto-sense and which need to be manually started.
• Coming back after a break? If you haven't opened Paceline in a while, your first sync will take longer than usual since there's more data to bring over.

Keep your data syncing smoothly

• Keep the Paceline app updated to the latest version
• Keep the Garmin Connect app installed and up to date
• Keep your Garmin and phone paired, connected, and in close proximity with Bluetooth ON
• Open the Garmin Connect app regularly so your latest activity syncs before Paceline pulls it
• Open Paceline at least once a week. The more often you open it, the more reliably we can sync your data and maintain syncing permissions

If a full day of activity or a workout is missing, start with the quick fixes below.

Quick fixes

1. Update your Garmin Connect app, Garmin firmware, and phone software to the latest versions

2. Confirm the following settings are enabled:

   iPhone:

   • Settings → Bluetooth → ON

     Why: Garmin syncs to Garmin Connect via Bluetooth before syncing data to Paceline.

   • Settings → Privacy & Security → Bluetooth → Garmin Connect → ON

     Why: This allows Garmin Connect to communicate with your device.

   • Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Garmin Connect → While Using the App

     Why: Enabling location allows Garmin to sync complete workout data more reliably.

   • Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Garmin Connect → ON

     Why: Ensures Garmin can update your activity data smoothly, even when the app isn't open.

   • Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Paceline → ON

     Why: Ensures Paceline can update and import your activity data smoothly, even when the app isn't open.

   Android:

   • Settings → Bluetooth → ON

     Why: Garmin syncs to the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth before syncing data to Paceline.

   • Settings → Apps → Garmin Connect → Permissions → enable each required permission (Location, Nearby Devices, Notifications)

     Why: These permissions allow Garmin Connect to receive activity data from your device and upload it to Garmin's servers.

   • Settings → Apps → Garmin Connect → Battery → Unrestricted (or Allow background usage)

     Why: This ensures Garmin can update your activity data smoothly, even when the app isn't open.

   • Settings → Apps → Paceline → Battery → Allow background activity

     Why: Ensures Paceline can update your activity data, even when the app isn't open.

3. Open the Garmin Connect app and confirm your Garmin has synced recent activity

4. Open Paceline and keep it open in the foreground for 3–5 minutes on a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection (this is important)

5. On the Activity tab, tap and pull down to refresh the data. If your activity appears, you're good to go. If not, continue below

Advanced troubleshooting

1. Delete and reinstall the Paceline app on your phone
2. Re-enable all settings from Quick fixes
3. Make sure your phone and Garmin are charged to at least 50% battery
4. Reconnect Garmin to Paceline: Profile → Linked Fitness Devices → Garmin → tap to Unlink → Re-link → sign in → allow all permissions
5. Open Paceline and let it sit in the foreground for several minutes to complete a sync
6. On the Activity tab, tap and pull down to refresh the data

Still missing data after 24 hours?

A difference of a few steps or minutes doesn't need any action. Contact Paceline Support if:

• A full day of activity is missing
• A workout still isn't showing 24 hours after it should have synced
• Your data hasn't synced within 24 hours of opening Paceline after a long break

Contact us and include:

• The dates where you see the difference
• A screenshot from the Garmin Connect app for those same dates showing your Intensity Minutes or Workouts

Since we don't have your device in hand, this helps us find where the sync is getting stuck so we can get you back on track.