If you’re still rocking a Fenix 6, Garmin’s latest firmware 28.00 (Release Candidate as of Feb 20, 2025) brings a fresh wave of refinements—with the usual mix of welcome fixes and lingering quirks. Let’s unpack it.
🛠️ Fixes That Actually Matter
The 28.00 update includes several practical bug fixes:
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Storm Alert legal disclaimer—a little compliance text now shows so you don’t misinterpret weather alerts.
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Elevation alert tone fixed—no more endless buzzing when you hit altitude checkpoints.
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Notification speed—alerts now appear quicker on screen.
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Route/course stability—loading certain courses no longer crashes the watch.
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CIQ and general bug squash—under-the-hood improvements for Connect IQ apps.
If those sound boring, well…the watch is more reliable now. And that’s kind of a big deal.
🐞 Not Just Another Boring Patch
This update matters because Garmin hadn’t touched the Fenix 6 software in over a year until version 27.00 dropped in March 2025, followed quickly by 28.02. That long hiatus made this release feel more significant—even if it didn’t add flashy features.
Still, it focuses purely on polish rather than new capabilities, so don’t expect a splash screen or multi-band GPS here. This is all about stability.
⚠️ Battery Drain Woes: Still a Thing
Some users say their Fenix 6’s battery dropped from two weeks down to just three days after an update like v27—despite resets. Garmin support sometimes offers a refurb for a fee (!), but many expect better than planned obsolescence.
So yes—you may want to monitor battery life closely post-update, and maybe restart or reset based on results.
🌍 GPS Accuracy Still Behind
A few users note that Fenix 6 trail or urban GPS routes often wander—showing you in a lake or drifting—isn't unusual. That Sony-based GPS chip isn't as stable as newer models like Fenix 7/8 .
But if you mainly train in clear areas, your mileage may vary. Still, don’t expect multiband precision here.
🧭 Beta Expansion: Sensor and Feature Boost
Before rolling out 28.00, Garmin tested beta v26.96 and v25.00, which included promising features:
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Auto-run during ski/snowboard—tracks data even on chairlifts.
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Connect IQ System 6 support and Physio TrueUp integration—sync Body Battery across devices.
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Backcountry ski/snowboard refinements—climb, descent, and transition detection got smarter.
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Device Settings backup/restore for easy resets.
These haven’t all fully hit stable yet, but they hint at Garmin’s commitment to keep the 6 relevant.
🔧 Should You Update?
Yes, if you want:
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A smoother, more stable watch.
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Faster notifications and fewer crashes during route loading.
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Connect IQ improvements and improved skiing function (depending on Beta features).
Maybe wait, or be cautious, if you experience:
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Severe battery drain—monitor levels closely after update.
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Need precise GPS—don’t expect multiband performance.
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You run marathons or races relying on consistent long battery life.
⚙️ Update Tips
Here’s a lay user-friendly flow:
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Charge to ≥50% before starting.
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Use Garmin Connect (phone) or Express (PC)—Express might be more reliable.
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Install 28.00 (Release Candidate) now or wait for official public release—they’re essentially the same.
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Restart your watch after install.
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Monitor over a few days: notifications, GPS behavior, battery drop.
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If battery tanks, try a factory reset, and report data to Garmin if it persists.
👀 Final Word
Garmin’s 28.00 update is basically a “spring cleaning” for your Fenix 6—no dazzling new features, but a more polished ride. Notifications load quicker, courses don’t crash, elevation alerts behave, and Connect IQ is smoother.
Still, some battery issues and GPS quirks linger—hardware limits and firmware growing pains. If you’re okay with those, definitely update. If you're relying on the Fenix 6 as a daily/training tool, just be sure to check battery health and reboots post-update.
It might not feel revolutionary, but it’s exactly what a 5-year-old watch needs to keep going strong.