ARTILLIS
Garmin Help

ARTILLIS

How to sideload a Garmin .PRG file

A straightforward guide for installing a beta or test Connect IQ app directly onto a compatible Garmin watch or Edge device.

Before you start

You need the .PRG file supplied for your exact Garmin device, a USB data cable, and either a Windows PC or Mac.

If you were sent a ZIP file, unzip it on the computer first. Do not copy the ZIP itself to the Garmin.

Copy the file toGARMIN / APPS / your-app.PRG

Windows

Windows

Install the .PRG file

  1. Download the supplied .PRG file.
  2. Connect your Garmin to the computer with a USB data cable.
  3. Open File Explorer.
  4. Open the Garmin device. If shown, open its internal storage.
  5. Open GARMIN, then APPS.
  6. Copy or drag the .PRG file into the APPS folder.
  7. Wait for the copy to finish, then safely eject/disconnect the Garmin.
  8. If the app does not appear immediately, restart the Garmin.
Free software

Windows normally needs nothing extra

File Explorer is normally all you need. If the Garmin is not detected, Garmin Express is free and can help confirm that your computer can communicate with the device.

Garmin Express

Mac

Mac

Install the .PRG file

  1. Download the supplied .PRG file.
  2. Connect your Garmin using a USB data cable.
  3. If the Garmin appears in Finder, open it and go to GARMIN → APPS.
  4. If it does not appear in Finder, install and open OpenMTP using the free link alongside.
  5. In OpenMTP, select the Garmin and open GARMIN → APPS.
  6. Drag the .PRG file into the APPS folder.
  7. Wait for the transfer to finish, then disconnect the Garmin.
  8. If the app does not appear immediately, restart the Garmin.
Free Mac software

OpenMTP

Many newer Garmin devices use MTP and may not appear as a normal drive in Finder. OpenMTP is free, open-source software and supports Garmin MTP devices.

Download OpenMTP

Garmin Express is also available free for Mac.

Garmin Express
Important

Use the correct PRG

  • A sideloaded PRG is normally compiled for a particular Garmin model.
  • Only use the file supplied for your exact watch or Edge device.
  • If installation fails, double-check the device model and the file you were given.
After installation

Where will I find it?

Watch/device apps: look in your Garmin's Apps / Activities & Apps area.

Data fields/data screens: open the activity you want to use, edit its data screens and add the new Connect IQ field.

Removing a beta

How to delete a beta version

If you want to remove a beta build and go back to the normal store version, the best method is to uninstall it through Garmin Connect / Connect IQ Apps.

This is the recommended option for testers rather than simply deleting files manually.

Garmin not showing up?

Try another USB port and make sure the cable supports data as well as charging. Some charging-only cables will power the Garmin but will not let the computer access its files.

If you need to remove a beta, use Garmin Connect / Connect IQ Apps to uninstall it. Need help with an Artillis beta? Email .

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