Garmin & Apple Watch ↔ Strava Sync Checklist — Auto-sync without missing workouts
To keep every workout measured on your watch safely in one place, keep the connections simple and stable.
The key is preserving your history even when you switch platforms.
Connection flow at a glance
Watch → manufacturer app (Garmin Connect / Apple Health) → Strava (auto-sync).
Your watch handles recording; Strava handles aggregation and history.
Garmin ↔ Strava
In Garmin Connect, link your Strava account via the connections menu.
Confirm activity access permissions (read/write) and set units to kilometers.
After the first link, bulk backfill of past activities may take time.
Apple Watch ↔ Strava
In the iPhone Health app, allow Strava access (Workouts/Heart Rate).
In the Strava iOS app, enable “Health & Data Sharing.”
You can record with Apple’s default Workout app and have it auto-upload to Strava.
✅ Keep watch firmware and apps up to date.
✅ Exempt Strava/Connect from Background App Refresh & battery optimizations (iOS/Android).
✅ Confirm local time zone and GPS permissions are enabled.
Privacy & Security
Set Strava Privacy Zones to mask start/end points near home or work.
Adjust profile visibility, and switch segments to private if leaderboards feel stressful.
