Frequently Asked Questions

This page covers the most common questions users have when setting up or troubleshooting FTMS Datafields on Garmin devices. If you're new to Connect IQ datafields or using smart trainers with Garmin, start here!

Why don’t the datafields record native Distance, Speed, or Power on my Garmin?

Garmin Connect IQ apps—including all datafields from every developer—cannot write to Garmin’s native Speed, Distance, or Power fields. Only Garmin’s own built-in apps have permission to do that. This is a platform-wide limitation rather than a problem with your device or the datafield.

The FTMS datafields record all smart trainer metrics into custom Connect IQ fields.
These values appear in your activity details (charts, laps, graphs) after syncing to Garmin Connect.
Other platforms (Strava, Intervals.icu, etc.) may choose—at their discretion—to read custom fields. Some do; others ignore them.

Can I make Garmin calculate averages or pace with this data?

Yes—manually. If you want Garmin to compute average pace or speed, simply edit the activity in Garmin Connect after saving:

Open the activity in Garmin Connect
Edit the Distance field
Enter the total distance shown by the FTMS datafield

Garmin will then update average speed and pace automatically.

Note: Manually entered values do not influence VO₂ Max, Endurance, or other Garmin training metrics.

Why can’t I find the datafield on my watch?

FTMS Datafields are not standalone apps. They appear as a data screen inside a sport activity (such as Bike Indoor, Elliptical, Row, Treadmill, etc.).

To add it:

Open a compatible activity on your watch
Go to Activity Settings → Data Screens
Add a new screen
Select the FTMS Datafield
Move the new Screen to the top of the list (best practive)

If you’re unsure how to do this, the Setup Guide has step-by-step instructions with screenshots:

Setup & Installation Guide

Why does the datafield stop after 10 minutes?

That is the free trial limitation. The free version gives you a full feature test—including Dynamic Training Profiles—during the first 10 minutes of each activity. To remove the limit, you can unlock the app via an annual subscription.

Purchase & Unlock Instructions

My Bike / Elliptical / Rower / Stepper / Treadmill is not detected

Some Garmin models have more limited Bluetooth scanning capability than phones or tablets, and not all exercise machines use the standard FTMS protocol. If your datafield says “Scanning…” indefinitely, it usually means one of the following:

Your machine does not actually support Bluetooth FTMS
Your Garmin model cannot detect the machine’s Bluetooth advertisement
The machine uses a proprietary protocol (Peloton, NordicTrack, etc.)

Step 1 — Test using BleScan

Install the free Garmin app BleScan. It shows every Bluetooth device your watch is physically able to detect.

If BleScan does not see your trainer:
Your Garmin device cannot detect it over Bluetooth, so the FTMS Datafields cannot connect.
If it does see your trainer, but does not show service 00001826-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb:
The device is not advertising the FTMS standard.

Machines known to work well

Merach (most models)
Yesoul / generic FTMS bikes
Many budget rowers, steppers, and ellipticals that explicitly list “FTMS support”

Machines that typically do not work

Peloton (uses proprietary protocols)
NordicTrack / ProForm (iFit protocol, not FTMS)
LifeFitness, Precor, Matrix (commercial protocols or ANT+ only)
Older Concept2 rowers (use CSAFE / PM5 protocol that don't support FTMS)

Not all Bluetooth-enabled machines support FTMS. Marketing terms can be confusing— “Bluetooth compatible” does not always mean “FTMS compatible.”

Why doesn’t Garmin connect automatically like Zwift or Kinomap?

Garmin watches do not treat FTMS trainers as sensors, and Connect IQ apps cannot pair devices in the background. The datafield can only scan and connect after the activity is started.

This behavior is entirely controlled by Garmin’s system design.

I think I found a bug!

No problem — and thank you! The easiest way to report a bug is through the Connect IQ Store → Contact Developer option.

Reports submitted through the store automatically include your watch model and firmware version, which makes troubleshooting far faster.

If possible, include:

Your smart trainer model
What you expected to happen
What actually happened
A screenshot (if relevant)

I do my best to respond quickly and improve compatibility wherever Garmin’s platform allows.

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