Garmin Connect - Play Integrity API

Panda-na

Hi, a few days ago I updated the Garmin Connect app (necessary for using Garmin activity watch) to version 5.16. After that update the app is spamming me with notifications "Play Integrity API usage" a few times an hour. Has anyone else noticed this? I wonder what the reason for this is. A have not granted network-permission for the app and I have used it for 2,5 years on this phone without issues. I'm rjnnkng latest stable (2025080600).

I don't see a pattern either. Some other apps activate this API when there is a change of state, like connecting to Wi-Fi, connecting a bluetooth device etc. But this one? It happens very frequently and I don't see any patterns.

mar2112

I have version 5.16 on my phone and I do not get the spam that you report.

WestQuester

I received that notification today as well, but only once. I do allow it network permissions though, perhaps it is trying to connect? You can turn the notifications off for that alert if it bothers you, or deny it Play Integrity altogether, but who knows if that will break it.

Turtacular

Is the official app preferable to gadgetbridge in this instance (or "is GB even an option for your device," I should ask)?

Panda-na

Turtacular I would love it if it was, but the Fenix 5 is only partially supported. I have the Fenix 5S, I don't know if it is any big difference, but 5S is not in their list. I could of course try it, but I'm not very hopeful.

https://gadgetbridge.org/gadgets/wearables/garmin-watches/#device__garmin_fenix_5

Mahony

How are you able to use the app without network permissions? I am never able to sync the data when offline since everything gets stored in their cloud

Panda-na

Mahony Because I don't care anymore about all of the data being logged. I just look at the data right after completing an exercise and I'm happy with knowing if I improved or not. Previously I looked at all the data and compared and analysed, but in the end I found it to be exhausting, with little benefit.

I can't use the watch at work, so every day I lose a minimum of 7,5 hours of heart rate logging, steps etc. Nowadays I mostly just use the watch for notifications and controlling music.

And after I installed GrapheneOS and became more privacy minded, I realised that the Garmin Connect app has all permission including network, so if Garmin chose to utilize that level of access, they could. If you search online, most people don't care or they explain that the Garmin privacy policy is solid. Well... I don't trust it 🙂 And it's only on GrapheneOS that I can block internet access for the app (without fiddling with DNS services).