Strava subscribers can use Strava Beacon on their Garmin to share their real-time location with their family and friends.
Requirements
Strava mobile app
Strava subscription
Garmin Connect mobile app
Strava Beacon compatible Garmin device
Setting Up Beacon in the Strava App
Open the Strava app, go to the Record screen, and swipe the menu up.
Tap Share Live Location and toggle Beacon For Mobile on.
Toggle on Garmin under Beacon For Devices and follow the prompts to turn on the Autostart feature in the Garmin Connect app.
Setting Up Garmin Connect
If you have an Auto Start capable device, the option will appear, and you only need to enable it once.
Starting an Activity
Pair your Garmin device with the Connect app via Bluetooth.
If you have Auto Start enabled, start your recording on your device and a Beacon link will be automatically sent to your Safety Contacts.
If you have Auto Start disabled, go to "LiveTrack" in the side navigation menu, press the "Start LiveTrack" button at the bottom of the screen, and then start your recording on your device. You can start the recording first, then enable LiveTrack, but you will need to start both manually.
Once you've started your recording, you will see a Beacon notification in the notification dropdown (A). Tap the notification to return to the settings page to send additional Beacon links (B). |  |  |
FAQs
Do I Still Need to Carry My Phone?
Yes, even though your Garmin is the device that is recording the GPS of your activity, you still will need your phone to transmit your location data to your safety contact.
Does My Phone Need a Cellular Signal for Beacon to Work?
Yes, in order to send your location, your phone will need cellular service. If you lose service at any time during your activity, your location will be updated the next time you are back in service.
Are the Text Messages Being Sent From My Phone Number?
No, when using Beacon on Garmin, text messages sent to your safety contact from a third party will use a different phone number.
Why Aren't My Beacon Texts Being Sent?
First, check that your device and the Garmin Connect mobile app are up to date. Then check that you've entered the full phone number, including the country and area code, starting with the + symbol. This symbol is required for Beacon texts to be sent automatically from third-party devices.
There are a few settings that can cause problems with Beacon, and some of them are unique to the make and model of Android, so please check the following:
Find and disable your phone's battery saver settings. These are typically located in Settings > Battery > Hamburger (top right 3 dots) > Battery Saver (screenshot attached).
If your phone has a battery management mode, please set it to "off" rather than "medium" or "high."
For more information and use of Beacon's other features, please visit the Strava Beacon page.