Reset device, update firmware, and re-pair sensors to restore correct ride recording.
I’ve worked with Garmin devices and coached riders for years, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to fix Edge 840 not recording ride correctly. This guide explains common causes, step-by-step fixes, settings to verify, file recovery, and preventive tips based on real troubleshooting experience. Read on to quickly diagnose and solve the issue so your next ride is tracked reliably.
Common causes of Edge 840 not recording ride correctly
Many problems have simple roots. Hardware glitches, outdated firmware, corrupted activity files, bad GPS lock, or sensor pairing issues often cause an Edge 840 not recording ride correctly. Interference from phone apps and profile settings can also break recording.
Personal note: I once blamed a device for dropped rides only to find the GPS mode had been set to save battery. A few clear checks fixed it fast.
- Typical causes:
- Temporary software bug or firmware mismatch.
- Poor GPS fix or location settings.
- Corrupt activity files from interrupted saves.
- Incorrect sensor pairing or duplicate sensors.
- Power or SD card problems.
- Improper activity profile or auto-pause settings.
Fast fixes you can try right now
Start with easy steps. These often restore proper recording without deep troubleshooting. If one step doesn’t work, move to the next.
- Restart the Edge 840 by holding the power button until it turns off, then on again.
- Update device firmware through Garmin Express or the Garmin Connect app.
- Remove and reinsert any microSD card. Try recording without the card.
- Re-pair sensors (speed, cadence, power) and ensure only one device is connected.
- Reset the GPS by going to Settings > System > GPS and toggling GPS mode or performing a soft reset.
- Do a factory reset only after you backup settings and profiles.
These steps address most cases where the Edge 840 not recording ride correctly is caused by simple software or pairing issues.
Step-by-step troubleshooting guide
Follow this ordered approach to fix the problem with minimal risk to your data.
- Verify basics
- Ensure battery is charged above 30 percent.
- Confirm storage space is available in internal memory.
- Restart and check GPS
- Restart device and go outside for a GPS lock before starting a ride.
- Wait 1–2 minutes for satellites to lock.
- Check activity profile and settings
- Confirm you’ve selected the correct profile (Road, MTB, Indoor).
- Turn off auto-pause and auto-lap temporarily to test.
- Re-pair sensors
- Remove old sensors and pair them fresh.
- Avoid pairing the same sensor to multiple devices simultaneously.
- Update firmware and apps
- Update the Edge 840 firmware.
- Update Garmin Connect and phone OS to minimize phone-app interference.
- Test a short ride
- Record a 1–5 minute test ride to confirm proper logging.
- If recording still fails, backup and reset
- Backup ride history and settings via Garmin Express.
- Perform a factory reset and restore settings after re-updating firmware.
Following this sequence usually resolves instances where the Edge 840 not recording ride correctly is due to layering issues.
Settings to check that commonly break recording
A few settings can silently stop proper recording. Verify these quickly.
- Activity profile
- GPS mode: ensure it is set for high accuracy when you need precise tracking.
- Auto-pause and auto-lap: these can fragment or skip recorded segments.
- Data recording mode: set to "Every Second" for accurate distance and speed.
- Sensors and pairing list: remove duplicates or old entries.
- Power saving modes: disable them for rides to avoid CPU sleep.
I recommend a short checklist before each ride to prevent the Edge 840 not recording ride correctly issue.
Firmware, software, and app-related fixes
Outdated or corrupt firmware often causes odd behavior. Keep software updated and follow safe update steps.
- Check for firmware updates in Garmin Express or via Garmin Connect.
- Install updates with the device charging and connected to a stable internet source.
- After updates, re-pair sensors and test.
- If a firmware update fails, perform a soft reset and retry the update.
- Clear the Garmin Connect cache on your phone if uploads or live tracking act strange.
From experience, many users fix logging problems simply by updating firmware and re-pairing sensors after the update. This eliminates compatibility glitches that make the Edge 840 not recording ride correctly.
Sensors and external device interactions
External sensors or phone connections can interfere with ride recording. Check these areas carefully.
- Pair sensors one at a time and verify live data on the device.
- Disable dual connections: the same sensor should not be actively paired to phone app and Edge simultaneously.
- Remove old or duplicate sensor entries from the device.
- Test without phone Bluetooth to rule out phone-app interference.
When a sensor transmits conflicting signals, the device might skip or corrupt data and appear to not record. Re-pairing fixed this for me several times.
Corrupted activity files and recovery
If rides fail to save properly, files can get corrupted. Recovery steps can salvage data and stop future corruption.
- Immediately stop using the device after a failed save to avoid overwriting files.
- Connect to a computer and copy the FIT files from the Garmin\Activities folder.
- Use file repair tools or upload the FIT file to Garmin Connect to see what survives.
- If a file is missing, check the Recovered folder or temporary files on the device.
- Regularly back up your device to avoid data loss from corrupted rides.
Addressing file corruption helps when the Edge 840 not recording ride correctly results from interrupted saves or power loss.
Preventive maintenance and best practices
Prevention saves time. Adopt these habits to reduce future problems.
- Update firmware regularly and test after major updates.
- Check GPS lock before you start to ride.
- Keep sensor batteries fresh and carry spares.
- Back up device settings via Garmin Express.
- Clean contacts and keep the microSD slot free of dust.
- Avoid multi-device sensor connections during rides.
I always run a one-minute test ride after significant changes. That tiny habit prevented repeat issues where the Edge 840 not recording ride correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions about how to fix edge 840 not recording ride correctly
Why does my Edge 840 stop recording mid-ride?
Most mid-ride stops come from low battery, sudden software crashes, or corrupted files after interrupted saves. Check battery level, update firmware, and test by recording short rides.
Can a bad SD card cause the Edge 840 not recording ride correctly?
Yes. A failing or incompatible microSD card can corrupt activity files or prevent saves. Try removing the card and recording to internal memory to confirm.
Will a factory reset fix recording problems?
A factory reset can fix persistent software issues by restoring defaults. Backup your settings and files first because a reset erases device data.
How long should GPS lock take on the Edge 840?
Typically 30 seconds to a few minutes outdoors. If it takes longer, toggle GPS mode or move to an open area to improve satellite reception.
Why do my sensors show data but the ride file is empty?
Sensors can stream data without the device finalizing a saved activity. This often points to file corruption, an interrupted save, or storage issues on the Edge 840.
Conclusion
You can fix most cases of how to fix Edge 840 not recording ride correctly by following a clear checklist: restart, update firmware, verify GPS and activity settings, re-pair sensors, and recover files if needed. Start with quick fixes and move to deeper steps only when required. Take action today by updating your device, doing a quick test ride, and backing up settings to avoid future data loss. If this guide helped, leave a comment or subscribe for more device troubleshooting tips.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
