Garmin fans, especially those rocking the Fenix 8 lineup, there’s something new on your wrist radar. Garmin has just dropped Beta Version 17.13 for the Fenix 8 series, and it’s bringing a wave of small but meaningful improvements.
Whether you’re using the Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3, Fenix E, or Tactix 8, this update is for you.
While it’s not a flashy overhaul, it’s the kind of behind-the-scenes polish that keeps your experience smooth and reliable, which matters just as much as new features.
What’s New in Beta 17.13?
Here’s a breakdown of what Garmin fixed or improved in this release — and why it matters for you as a user:
1. New Tap-In for Evening Report Workouts
Now you can quickly check in on your evening report workouts with a simple tap. If you’re training after dark or using Garmin to track your nightly recovery, this is a thoughtful touch.
2. Backlight Bug Squashed
The backlight not turning on when a timer ends? Fixed. No more fumbling in the dark, wondering if your session’s done.
3. Notification Center Clean-Up
Duplicate messages and occasional crashes in the notification center are gone. This one’s especially helpful if you rely on your Garmin for messages and alerts during runs or workouts.
4. Watch Face Fixes
- Wrong date showing? Corrected.
- Editing colors not reflecting? Now they do.
- MIP watch face changes not updating? Smooth as butter now.
5. Smart Notification Time Stamps
Time stamps are now accurate, which means no more guessing when a message or call came through.
6. Improved Touch Lock
If you’ve had issues with the touch lock not fully disabling screen touches, this fix is for you. Especially handy during rain, sweat-heavy workouts, or water activities.
7. Faster Personal Records Display
Screens showing your records now time out quicker, so you’re not stuck staring at your past glory when you’re already chasing the next one.
🔄 How to Get Garmin Fenix 8 Beta 17.13 Update
If you’re enrolled in Garmin’s Beta Program, updating is easy:
Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check for Updates
Just a heads-up: this Beta version disables ECG and Dive features, so if you rely on either, you might want to wait for the stable version.
Why These Small Fixes Matter
It’s easy to overlook these kinds of updates because there’s no bold new feature or redesign. But these tweaks are exactly what keep the Fenix 8 lineup one of the most reliable multisport smartwatches out there.
It’s Garmin quietly fine-tuning the edges to make sure nothing interrupts your training, trekking, or daily tracking.
And if you’re the kind of user who prefers stability over surprise, these fixes — though small — make a big difference over time.
👉 Want to keep track of every Fenix 8 update? Check out our full Garmin software updates page.
Let me know in the comments — which fix in 17.13 made your day? Or are you holding out for something bigger in the next stable release?
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