If you dive with a Garmin Descent G2, there’s a fresh update making waves — and it’s more than just a quiet background fix.
Garmin has started rolling out Software Version 23.09, currently reaching about 20% of users, with more coming over the next few days. If your watch hasn’t pinged you yet, don’t worry. It’s on the way.
I’ve gone through the update notes (and thought about how they affect real-world use), and here’s what stands out.
What’s New in Garmin Descent G2 Update 23.09
A New Layer of Security: Passcode Support
We’ve all had that moment — you leave your watch on the boat, in a dive bag, or sitting at the gym, and suddenly realize anyone could start scrolling through your data.
Now, with passcode support, you can lock your G2 and keep it all to yourself. Simple? Yes. Useful? Absolutely.
Smarter Pairing with Sensors
If you use ANT sensors for your dives or training, pairing just got a lot friendlier.
Now you’ll see notifications when pairing and connection type details for each sensor. That means no more wondering if your watch is talking to the right device — you’ll know.
Cold Water Just Got Easier on Your Buttons
This one’s for the cold-water divers. Garmin improved inductive button temperature compensation, which basically means fewer accidental presses when your watch gets chilly.
If you’ve ever had your watch open a menu in the middle of a dive because it “thought” you pressed something, you’ll appreciate this.
Fixes That Matter
This isn’t just fluff. A few real annoyances have been squashed:
- Dive Shortcuts now stay put — no more resetting to defaults.
- Update Decline Message now clearly tells you the update won’t auto-install.
- Pool Apnea STA Distance Display now shows correct distances.
- Heart Rate Broadcast over BLE is more reliable.
- Translation issues got cleaned up for smoother navigation in multiple languages.
Bonus: Features from the Epix Gen 2 Series
Garmin rolled in updates from the Epix Gen 2, including:
- Breathing Variations During Sleep – for more detailed sleep tracking.
- Connect IQ System 8 – so you can access newer watch faces and apps.
- A bunch of smaller tweaks to make everything run more smoothly.
My Take
What I love about this update is that it’s practical. It’s not about flashy features you’ll try once and forget.
It’s about trusting your gear — knowing it’ll respond the way you want, even in tricky conditions, and keeping your data safe.
For divers, cold-weather swimmers, and multi-sport athletes, these small changes add up to a smoother, more reliable experience. And if you’re waiting for it, just keep your watch synced — it’ll land soon.
Also See:- Garmin Descent G2 Review: The Best Dive Computer of 2025?
