If you’re using any of the new Garmin Instinct 3 models—whether it’s the sleek AMOLED, the rugged Solar, or the more budget-friendly Instinct E—there’s a new beta update you’ll want to know about: Version 10.16.
Now, I get it. Beta updates aren’t always flashy, but this one brings some meaningful improvements.
And if you rely on your watch for outdoor adventures, workouts, or even tracking your pup in the wild, it’s worth paying attention to.
What’s New in Beta 10.16? Key Fixes and Improvements
Instinct 3 and Instinct E Owners
Interval Alerts for Timers (Non-Tactical Models)
Finally! If you’ve ever done interval training or needed timed alerts (say, for productivity sprints), this addition helps keep you on track, without constantly checking your wrist.
Power Modes Bug Squashed
Garmin fixed an issue with the Power Modes menu in the Garmin Connect app. Now it should behave as expected.
Area Calculation Accuracy Improved
Ever used your watch to calculate the size of a plot or space? This feature just got a lot more reliable. Handy for landowners, farmers, or anyone who loves accurate measurements.
Solar + Instinct E Only:
DogTrack Distance Fix
If you’re out in the field using Garmin’s dog tracking feature, this one’s big: it now properly shows distances over one mile. Kind of important if your four-legged friend loves to wander.
Nautical Distance Data Issue Resolved
A smaller fix, but useful if you’re tracking distance on water.
Solar + AMOLED Only:
Jump Rope Rep Alerts Added
If jump rope is part of your fitness routine (props to you!), your watch will now track reps and send alerts, making your sessions more structured and less guesswork.
Fixes in Golf Activity Settings (Both Device & App)
Whether you’re a weekend golfer or just learning the ropes, Garmin made sure the Golf activity settings behave better both on your watch and inside the app.
Pack Weight Setting Fixed in GCM
Backpackers: no more fighting with the app to get your pack weight right. That glitch is gone.
Solar Only:
Solar Intensity & Accumulation Fields Added
You can now see how much solar energy your watch is soaking up during the day. Super useful if you’re off the grid for a while and need to know how your battery’s doing.
AMOLED Only:
Flashlight Delay Removed (CIQ Watch Faces)
Custom watch face users, rejoice. The lag when using the flashlight is gone.
Weather Display Fixed for Large Fonts
If you’ve bumped up your font size (easier on the eyes, right?), you’ll now see weather info correctly.
Music Data Screen Glitch Fixed
Your music screen won’t misbehave anymore. Smooth sailing from here.
How to Get the Garmin Instinct 3 Beta 10.16 Update
If you haven’t gotten it yet, here’s how to manually check:
Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check for Updates
It only takes a minute, and you’ll be running 10.16 before you know it.
Considering the Garmin Beta Program? What You Need to Know
Love testing the latest features before anyone else? Garmin’s beta program is free, and here’s how to enroll:
- Sign in to your Garmin Connect account on your computer (not the app).
- Click the watch icon in the top right corner.
- Select your Instinct 3 or E device.
- Choose “Join Beta Software Program.”
- Agree to the terms, and boom—you’re in.
Beta software can be a little buggy now and then. But if you enjoy exploring features early and don’t mind occasional quirks, it’s a fun way to stay ahead of the curve.
My Take: Why This Instinct 3 Update Matters
I appreciate how Garmin keeps refining things post-launch. Even the small fixes—like better timer alerts and accurate dog tracking—can make a big difference when you’re out in the real world using your watch to train, hike, or stay organized.
Have you updated to 10.16 yet? I’d love to hear if anything feels smoother or more useful in your day-to-day. Drop a comment.
Stay safe and keep adventuring. 👣
