Connecting your Garmin device to Swim.com

February 12 2025 11:09pm • Est. Read Time: 2 MIN

Swim.com allows you to automatically sync your swim data from Garmin Connect or manually upload .FIT files. This guide will walk you through both methods.


Automatic Sync via Garmin Connect API

By linking your Garmin Connect account to Swim.com, all future swims recorded on your Garmin device will automatically sync to Swim.com within seconds to a few minutes after uploading to Garmin Connect.

Steps to Set Up Automatic Sync:

  1. Ensure you have an active Garmin Connect account and that your Garmin device is set up.
  2. Open the Swim.com app on your mobile device.
  3. Navigate to Settings (gear icon) in the top right corner.
  4. Select Integrations, then choose Garmin.
  5. Tap the "Connect to Garmin" button to be redirected to the Garmin Connect authorization portal.
  6. Enter your Garmin Connect login credentials and agree to the data-sharing terms.
  7. Confirm the connection.

What Data Will Sync?

  • New swims recorded on your Garmin device will automatically sync to Swim.com.
  • Sync timing: Typically, swims will appear within seconds to a few minutes after uploading to Garmin Connect.
  • Historical sync: Garmin will transfer only the last 30 days of swim data upon connection.
    • Older swim data (beyond 30 days) must be manually exported and uploaded (see below).
    • It may take up to 72 hours for the last 30 days of data to appear on Swim.com.

Troubleshooting Sync Issues:

  • Ensure your Garmin Connect account is correctly linked in Swim.com → Settings → Integrations.
  • Verify that your swim data has successfully uploaded to Garmin Connect before checking Swim.com.
  • If older swims are missing, you may need to manually upload .FIT files.

Manual Upload of .FIT Files

If you need to upload older swim data or experience sync issues, you can manually transfer your Garmin swims using .FIT files.

Steps to Manually Upload a .FIT File to Swim.com:

  1. Export the swim from Garmin Connect:
    • Open Garmin Connect in a web browser and locate your swim activity.
    • Select the swim and choose Export as .FIT file.
    • Save the file to your computer or phone.
  2. Upload to Swim.com:
    • Open a web browser and go to Swim.com.
    • Log in to your Swim.com account.
    • On the homepage, locate the file upload section (drag-and-drop area).
    • Either drag and drop the .FIT file into the upload box or click to browse for the file.
    • The upload will begin, and the swim will be processed and added to your Swim.com feed.

Important Notes on Manual Uploads:

✔ Only Garmin & Suunto .FIT files are supported.
Uploads must be done via the Swim.com website—mobile app uploads are not supported.
✔ If the file is corrupt or unsupported, the upload may fail. Try re-exporting from Garmin Connect.


Key Takeaways:

✔ Automatic Sync: New swims sync automatically after Garmin Connect upload.
✔ Last 30 Days of Swims: Only recent swim data (past 30 days) syncs automatically upon connection.
✔ Older Swims Require Manual Upload: Use .FIT file upload for older swim data.
Web Upload Only: Manual .FIT uploads must be done on Swim.com’s website, not the mobile app.

For further assistance, visit the Swim.com Help Center or reach out to Swim.com support via the app.