The Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) charges through four metal contacts on the back that mate with a proprietary cable's pins, and a watch that will not charge is nearly always a dirty contact, a poorly seated cable or a weak power source. Garmin's help advises that the charging contacts and the cable's pins can build up sweat, lotion, sunscreen and corrosion, and that a cleaning is the first step. With the watch off the cable, wipe the back's contacts and the cable's pins with a soft dry cloth,
The checks in more detail
and for stubborn film use a cotton swab with a little isopropyl alcohol, then dry both completely before connecting. Corrosion shows as green or white deposits; a soft brush cleans them. Connect the cable so that the watch sits flat and the cable clicks into place, and look for the charging symbol or the battery icon on the screen. The cable only fits one way, so a watch that seems to sit but does not charge may be on upside down. Check the power source.
A computer's USB port can supply too little current or sleep, so use a wall adapter that supplies at least five volts and a modest current, from a reputable maker. Try another cable if you have one, since the cable's pins wear and the cable can fail, and try another outlet. A watch that has been completely drained may need half an hour on the charger before it shows life. Charging in a hot or cold place can pause charging, so charge at room temperature.
If the watch charges but the percentage does not rise, restart it by holding the button as Garmin describes, and check for a software update through Garmin Connect. Avoid charging while the watch is wet; dry the back and the cable first. If the contacts are clean, the cable is good and the power source is right, and the watch still does not charge, the watch may need service, and Garmin support will ask for the serial number from the back. Replacement cables are inexpensive and sold by Garmin.
Differential
Likely causes of “Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) will not charge”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Dirty or corroded contacts
What separates it Charging starts and stops or never begins
How to confirm Wipe the contacts and pins; use isopropyl for film
- 2
A cable that is not seated
What separates it The watch sits but no symbol appears
How to confirm Reseat the cable until it clicks
- 3
A weak power source
What separates it Charging is slow or absent from a computer
How to confirm Use a wall adapter
- 4
A worn cable
What separates it It fails on a clean watch
How to confirm Try a new cable
- 5
A fault in the watch
What separates it No cable or adapter works
How to confirm Contact Garmin
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The state of the contacts
- Whether the charging symbol shows
- The power source used
- Whether another cable was tried
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWipe the contacts
ReversibleOn the watch and the cable.
Dry thoroughly
ReversibleBefore connecting.
Reseat the cable
ReversibleUntil it clicks.
Use a wall adapter
ReversibleAt room temperature.
Try another cable
ReversibleIf you have one.
Contact Garmin
ReversibleIf nothing works.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Four contacts
- They sit on the back and mate with the cable's pins.
- Corrosion
- Green or white deposits need cleaning.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If clean contacts, a good cable and an adapter do not help, contact Garmin with the serial number
- !Do not charge a wet watch
- !Replace a worn cable
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why will my Epix Pro not charge?+
Dirty contacts are the usual cause.
How do I clean the contacts?+
With a dry cloth, or isopropyl on a swab for film.
Can I charge from a computer?+
It may be too weak; use a wall adapter.
How long for a flat watch?+
About half an hour.