On this page, you can find information about the latest firmware on Garmin Tactix 8 series smartwatch.
The firmware information is based on information publicly made available by Garmin.
What is the latest firmware version for Garmin Tactix 8?
The latest firmware for Garmin Tactix 8 is version 17.30. The firmware update was released on 11 September 2025.
The firmware update has been rolled out to all Tactix 8 smartwatches.
Firmware version 17.30 replaces firmware version 17.28. In more ways than one, the latest firmware fixes issues that arose after firmware 17.28 was released by Garmin in August.
What are the changes included in firmware version 17.30?
Garmin added the following improvements, bug fixes and other changes in firmware 17.30:
- Fixed inReach remote issues after connection is lost and regained.
- Fixed issue with varying altitude at higher altitudes.
- Fixed potential issue where smart notifications would not pop up after an update.
- Fixed potential shutdown when editing dive activity data fields.
Updated Translations.
What are some issues resolved in 17.30 for Tactix 8?
Firmware 17.30 caused multiple issues. Some of these are mentioned below:
- Boot loops with the Tactix booting repeatedly and showing the blue triangle screen on the watch.
- Watch crashes
- Missing notifications on the Tactix 8.
This is a minor update over the major release 17.28. But, it does resolve the issue with missing notifications after firmware update 17.28 was released last month in August.
How do I update firmware on Tactix 8?
It is best advised to let the firmware update automatically on Tactix 8. Garmin sends a firmware update through Garmin Connect app to your smartwatch.
When the firmware update is made available for your device, the files get pushed out to the Garmin Connect app.
Garmin Connect uses the paired connection with the smartwatch to complete the firmware update.
Once the firmware update has completed on Tactix 8, you must restart the watch so that the watch could boot fully using the latest firmware.
You can also update the firmware on Tactix 8 manually. For manual update, you need to follow the sequence of steps below:
Settings > System > Software Update > Check for Updates
What issues have been reported for firmware 17.30 for Tactix 8?
Garmin users have shared the following issues that have arisen after firmware update 17.30 was rolled out for Tactix 8:
- Boot loops or repeated reboot of the watch
It is advised that Garmin users must perform a soft reset of the Tactix 8 watch to complete the firmware update process and resolve boot loops issues on the watch.