YouTube Music is now on compatible Garmin smartwatches

Garmin Forerunner 265 watch face
(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • Garmin has added YouTube Music to its range of music apps.
  • You can download the YouTube Music app from the Connect IQ store on your phone or Garmin device and then follow the login steps and enter an eight-digit code on your watch.
  • Currently, the app works with newer Garmin models like the Forerunner, Fenix, Epix, Venu, and Enduro lines.

Garmin just made workouts more fun by adding YouTube Music to its wide selection of music apps.

YouTube Music is now available in the Connect IQ store, according to the company's announcement. To get started, just head to the Connect IQ store on your phone or Garmin device and download the music streaming app.

After that, open the app on your phone and follow the login steps. You'll get an eight-digit code to enter on your Garmin device, and once that's done, you're all set to explore the platform's more than 100 million songs. 

Once you're paired up, your YouTube Music playlists and podcasts will sync to your Garmin watch. This lets you use your watch's full storage and enjoy your tunes without needing your phone nearby. Just tap to stream your music or podcasts straight to your headphones, making it perfect for workouts or long commutes.

Previously, Garmin users had a limited selection of music apps, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer.

Downloading the app is free, and it works on both iOS and Android phones. However, it's currently compatible only with some of Garmin's newer models like the Forerunner, Fenix, Epix, Venu, and Enduro lines.

Here's the full list:

Swipe to scroll horizontally
D2 Mach 1 ProEnduro 2Forerunner 255 Music
Forerunner 255S MusicForerunner 265Forerunner 265S
Forerunner 955Forerunner 955 SolarForerunner 965
Mercedes-Benz Venu 2Mercedes-Benz Venu 2SVenu 2
Venu 2 PlusVenu 2SVenu 3
Venu 3Sepix (Gen 2)quatix 7 – Sapphire Edition
epix Pro (42mm)epix Pro (47mm)quatix 7 Pro
epix Pro (51mm)fēnix 7quatix 7
fēnix 7 Profēnix 7 Pro – Solar Editionfēnix 7 Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition
fēnix 7Sfēnix 7S– Solar Editionfēnix 7S– Sapphire Solar Edition
fēnix 7S Profēnix 7S Pro– Sapphire Solar Editionfēnix 7X
fēnix 7X - Solar Editionfēnix 7X– Sapphire Solar Editionquatix 7X – Solar Edition
fēnix 7X Profēnix 7X Pro– Sapphire Solar Editiontactix 7
tactix 7 – Pro Ballistics Editiontactix 7 – Pro Editiontactix 7 – AMOLED Edition

While only certain Garmin devices can use YouTube Music currently, Garmin states in the app's listing that more models will be supported soon.

The YouTube Music app might not have a flashy look, but it gets the job done, offering a smooth and essential experience similar to other music apps on Garmin watches. Just like those, you'll need a YouTube Music subscription to use it on your watch.

Jay Bonggolto
News Writer & Reviewer

Jay Bonggolto always keeps a nose for news. He has been writing about consumer tech and apps for as long as he can remember, and he has used a variety of Android phones since falling in love with Jelly Bean. Send him a direct message via Twitter or LinkedIn.