Garmin just released its Q1 2025 beta update for those enrolled in its public beta testing program. While many of the updates early adopters are becoming familiar with include improvements to Garmin Coach, Body Battery, and other features common to the best Garmin watches, one surprising new feature stood out: a security code for your Fenix, Enduro, Forerunner, Venu, and Vivoactive Lines.
The feature, simply called Passcode, is designed to “help protect sensitive data if your watch is ever lost or stolen,” according to a Garmin press release. The press release states that the feature will come with an automatic wrist detection option, which will require users to enter a PIN to regain access to the watch every time they take it off their wrist.
The feature is not ready yet and is said to be “coming soon” as part of the Q1 beta feature release.
Previously, the only time Garmin users required a passcode was to access Garmin Pay, the digital wallet you can set up in the Garmin Connect app. Extending it to the watch as a whole makes sense, as high-end Garmin watches contain information related to your contacts and sensitive health data, and could act as a deterrent to prevent thieves from resetting and selling the device.
What watches will be updated?
The Passcode feature is coming to the following Garmin models:
The feature is not being tested on older Fenix, Venu, Vivoactive and Enduro watches, Garmin Instinct 3 or Garmin Lily 2. However, as this is only the beta testing stage, it is likely that the feature will come to more Garmin watches. if the implementation is successful.
