Garmin CIRQA getting started: setup, pairing, and first use

Garmin CIRQA getting started checklist

Getting started with a Garmin CIRQA smart band begins with powering it on, pairing it to the Garmin Connect app, charging it, and checking for software updates. Once paired, the band can sync health and activity data to your Garmin Connect account.

Follow this order for a smooth first setup:

1. Plug the CIRQA module into its charging cable and connect the cable to a USB power source.
2. Install and open the Garmin Connect app on your phone.
3. Keep the phone near the band and follow the app’s pairing instructions.
4. Charge the device completely.
5. Sync with Garmin Connect to check for software updates.
6. Set a favorite activity or start recording from the app.

When the device enters active pairing mode, its LED flashes purple. If the band has never been paired, it remains in pairing mode for longer than 15 minutes.

For the full reference, see the official Garmin CIRQA Owner’s Manual.

Activate, charge, and wear the CIRQA band

To activate CIRQA, connect the charging cable to the module’s charging port and plug the other end into a USB charging port. The device is ready for pairing when the LED flashes purple.

Before regular use, fully charge the band. The LED flashes green while charging and stays solid green when charging is complete. Garmin states that charging can take up to 90 minutes.

Keep the charging contacts and surrounding area clean and dry before charging. The device will not charge outside its approved charging-temperature range.

CIRQA can be worn on the wrist or upper arm:

1. Unfold the band and thread it through the retaining bar to make a loop.
2. Put your wrist or arm through the loop.
3. For wrist wear, fasten the end onto the hook-and-loop section.
4. For upper-arm wear, slide the band above the elbow, bend your arm, and fasten the strap.
5. Position the module so it does not interfere with your activity or rest directly beneath you during sleep.

The band should feel lightly snug but comfortable. Avoid overtightening it, and keep the band clean and dry. Garmin also advises removing the band if skin irritation occurs and allowing the skin time to heal.

Pair Garmin CIRQA with Garmin Connect

Pairing is required to use connected features and view health and activity data. Keep your phone within 33 feet (10 m) of the CIRQA device.

1. Install and open the Garmin Connect app from your phone’s app store.
2. Connect the CIRQA module to a power source with the USB cable.
3. Follow the on-screen setup instructions in Garmin Connect.

If you previously paired the band, remove it from your phone’s Bluetooth settings before pairing again.

After pairing, CIRQA can automatically sync when it is awake, connected, and near the Garmin Connect app. You can also sync manually:

1. Bring the band close to the paired phone.
2. Open Garmin Connect; it may be open or running in the background.
3. Select Garmin Devices.
4. Choose your CIRQA device.
5. Select the sync option and wait for the data transfer to finish.

The app is where you can review activity information, including time, distance, heart rate, and calories burned, as well as device and user settings.

Set up the basics in the app

After pairing, take a few minutes to review the settings that affect how you use the band.

Under Garmin Devices, select CIRQA to find device-specific options. In User Profile, you can set details such as height, weight, heart-rate zones, and wearing location. Choose the arm or wrist where you wear the band so the app reflects your setup.

Under Health & Wellness, you can manage the heart-rate monitor, daily step goal, weekly intensity-minutes goal, automatic activity detection, pulse oximeter settings, and heart-rate broadcasting. Turning on all-day pulse oximeter measurements decreases battery life.

In Power Manager, Battery Saver reduces LED brightness and disables heart rate, starting activities, auto activity detection, and pulse oximeter settings to extend battery life. You can also enable a battery-status gesture: tap the top of the device twice to view battery status.

To see the battery level in the app, select the device icon in the upper-right corner of Garmin Connect. The battery status appears next to the device name.

Start activities and use everyday features

You can start and stop an activity from Garmin Connect. From the app, select Record Activity, choose an activity, and select Start Recording. The band vibrates and its LED flashes green when recording begins.

When you finish, select Stop in the app. You can then discard, resume, or save the activity. Once the device syncs, the saved activity appears in Garmin Connect.

You can also select a favorite activity that can be started and stopped from the CIRQA band:

1. In Garmin Connect, select Garmin Devices.
2. Select CIRQA.
3. Select Activity Options > Edit.
4. Choose an activity.

CIRQA can also automatically identify activities using recorded motion and exertion data along with historical account data. This may include GPS location data from the connected phone, and you must consent to the use of location data for this feature. Manage it under Garmin Devices > CIRQA > Health & Wellness > Auto-Detected Activities.

For sleep tracking, wear the band while sleeping. CIRQA automatically detects sleep and monitors movement during your normal sleep hours, which you can set in Garmin Connect.

Keep CIRQA updated and cared for

Garmin recommends keeping the device software current for changes and improvements to privacy, security, and features. When CIRQA is paired with a Bluetooth-enabled phone, it automatically checks for updates. You can also look in the device’s system settings in Garmin Connect.

If you need to reset the device, sync first so your activity data uploads. Then go to Garmin Devices > CIRQA > System > Reset. Review the reset choices carefully: one option restores default settings while retaining activity history and downloaded files, while another deletes user-entered information and activity history.

To find a misplaced band within range of its paired phone, open Garmin Devices, select CIRQA, and choose Find My Band. If it is not within range, Garmin Connect can show when it was last connected and its last known GPS location.

For cleaning, do not put the module in a washing machine or dryer. Remove the module before washing the band. Fasten the hook-and-loop closures, place the band in a washing bag or mesh laundry bag, use a small amount of mild detergent, and wash on a gentle cycle with warm water no hotter than 104°F (40°C). Air-dry the band afterward.

FAQ

How do I turn on Garmin CIRQA?

Connect the module to its charging cable and plug the cable into a USB charging port. The LED flashes purple when it enters active pairing mode.

Why won’t my CIRQA pair?

Keep the phone within 33 feet (10 m), ensure Garmin Connect is installed and open, and connect the module to power during pairing. If pairing fails, the LED flashes red; pair the device again.

How do I check CIRQA battery level?

In Garmin Connect, select the device icon in the upper-right corner to see battery status next to the CIRQA device name. If Battery Status is enabled in Power Manager, you can also tap the top of the device twice.

Can I wear CIRQA while sleeping?

Yes. Wear the band while sleeping to allow it to automatically detect sleep and monitor movement during your normal sleep hours.