Pacer can sync data from Garmin watches and bands through the Garmin Connect mobile app.  If your step count, distance, or activities from Garmin appear late or only partially in Pacer, use this guide to get back on track.

1. Understand how Garmin sync works

• Data flow – your Garmin device sends data to the Garmin Connect app on your phone; Pacer then pulls data from Garmin Connect. 
• Only new data is transferred – Pacer can only import steps and activities from the day you first link your Garmin account.  Older data or manually logged activities in Garmin won’t appear in Pacer. 
• Some charts are disabled – Garmin does not provide certain detailed data (e.g., 24‑hour activity charts), so these sections in Pacer may be blank.

2. Confirm your Garmin is connected correctly

Before troubleshooting delays, verify that your Garmin device is set up as the primary data source in Pacer:

1. Open Garmin Connect on your phone and sync your watch/band. 
2. Ensure you have the latest version of Pacer. 
3. In Pacer, go to Settings → Apps & Devices. 
4. Tap Garmin, then enable Use Garmin as Primary Data Source. 
5. Log into your Garmin account when prompted and accept data‑sharing policies. 
6. Confirm the Garmin toggle is set to On.

3. Sync your data in the correct order

A common reason for delays is that the Garmin device hasn’t synced to Garmin Connect before Pacer tries to pull data.  Follow this routine:

1. After every activity or once per day, open the Garmin Connect app and wait until it fully syncs with your watch/band. 
2. Once Garmin Connect shows your latest steps/activities, open Pacer.  Pacer will then fetch the new data. 
3. Syncing usually happens within 10–15 seconds but may take a little longer.  Make sure you’re not moving around during sync, as that can prevent updates. 
4. On Pacer’s home screen, swipe up to access the data source area.  Check when the last sync occurred and tap the refresh button to force a sync if needed.

4. Why data might be delayed

Even with a correct setup, delays can occur:

• Garmin server congestion – Garmin’s systems sometimes queue data.  Steps can take several minutes (occasionally hours) to appear. 
• Internet connectivity – poor cellular or Wi‑Fi can slow transfers from Garmin Connect to Pacer. 
• Account mismatch or permissions – if you accidentally log in with a different Garmin account when authorizing Pacer, data won’t match.  Verify the same account is used in both apps. 
• Previous data cannot import – steps recorded before you connected Garmin (or before reconnecting) never sync retroactively.

If your data is only partially synced (e.g., morning steps appear but afternoon steps are missing), try manually syncing again in Garmin Connect and Pacer.  Sometimes Garmin sends incremental data later in the day.

5. Troubleshooting steps

If data still doesn’t appear after waiting and manually syncing:

1. Update both apps – check for updates to Pacer and Garmin Connect. 
2. Restart your phone – turning your device off and on clears temporary connection issues. 
3. Disconnect and reconnect Garmin – in Pacer Settings, deactivate the Garmin connection, then follow the setup steps above to reconnect. 
4. Check background restrictions (Android) – ensure Pacer isn’t being stopped by battery‑saver or background‑kill settings. 
5. Re‑authenticate your Garmin account – log out of Garmin Connect, then log back in using the same account you used in Pacer. 
6. Wait up to 24 hours – occasionally Garmin’s API can be backlogged, especially during maintenance periods.

If you still see missing data after following these steps, please contact Pacer Support via Settings → Help & Support so we can investigate further.

6. Tips for ongoing accuracy

Keep your phone near your watch during sync (within 3 m / 10 ft). Perform at least one manual sync in Garmin Connect daily. Avoid logging steps manually in Garmin, as they won’t transfer to Pacer. Reconnect Garmin after changing phones or resetting your watch.