"I am looking for a Tidal app on a Garmin watch. When should I use Tidal on Garmin watch?" - posted on Reddit
Whether you're a runner, a swimmer, or a cyclist, Garmin is a great choice as a sports watch. Some Garmin watches allow you to store local music files for offline playback. Besides, they even support streaming music online from music streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and iHeartRadio.
However, there is no Tidal Garmin watch integration. Please don't worry. We have found a tool to help you. In this article, we will show you how to play Tidal music on Garmin watch with the help of the best Tidal downloader, AudFree Tidal Music Converter.
Part 1. How to Connect Tidal with Garmin Watch - Tool Needed
Since Garmin devices support importing local music files for listening, you can try to download Tidal music as local files and then transfer them to your watch. What you need is a professional Tidal music converter.
The best tool you can use is the AudFree Tidal Music Converter. It works to convert Tidal music to audio formats supported by your Garmin watch, including MP3, M4A, WAV, etc.
This Tidal downloader is an easy-to-use software with powerful features. It can maintain 100% lossless audio quality and full ID3 tags for your Tidal music. Besides, It supports batch downloading Tidal songs at 37X speed. With it, you can successfully listen to Tidal on Garmin watches even after your Tidal subscription expires.
To learn how it works, you can click the 'Try It Free' button below to get the free trial version. Then please go to the following section where we will provide you with detailed instructions.
AudFree Tidal Music Converter
- Download Tidal songs, albums, and playlists as local files
- Convert Tidal music to MP3, M4B, or other Garmin-supported formats
- Keep original audio quality and all ID3 tags
- Work at 37X faster conversion speed, personalize Tidal audio settings
How to Download Music from Tidal for Garmin Watch
Here, we will guide you on how to use AudFree Tidal Music Converter to download and convert Tidal audio for playback on Garmin watches.
- Step 1. Load Tidal music to AudFree Tidal Music Converter
- Open the AudFree Tidal Converter on your computer. Find the track you plan to convert and then click '+' > 'Add to list'. Then AudFree Tidal Music Converter will load the Tidal audio to the Converting list interface in a few seconds.
- Step 2. Customize Tidal audio output format for Garmin watches
- Click the 'menu' icon in the upper-right corner and then choose the 'Preferences' > 'Conversion' option to personalize output settings for Garmin watch Tidal music integration. In the pop-up window, you can adjust the audio format to MP3, M4A, etc. to get Garmin watch Tidal to work. You are also allowed to customize the channel, bit rate, sample rate, etc. according to your needs. Channel in 'Stereo' can help you get immersed in spatial Tidal Dolby Atmos. Once finished, please don't forget to select the 'OK' button to keep the settings.
For Garmin devices, we recommend using the 320kbps MP3 format for optimal compatibility. However, if audio quality is your priority and you own a watch with large storage capacity (such as the Fenix 8), we recommend using the 16-bit FLAC format.
| Tidal Output Format | DRM cache music |
| Garmin Watch-compatible Audio Formats | AAC, M4A, M4B, MP3, WAV, etc. |
| AudFree Tidal Music Converter Output Formats | M4A, M4B, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Lossless, FLAC |
- Step 3. Download music for Tidal Garmin watch integration
- Now, just go to the 'Converting' list and simply click the 'Convert' button at the bottom right on the page. Then the AudFree Tidal Music Downloader will convert Tidal music to the format you chose before. When all the Tidal audio tracks are converted completely, a red spot with numbers will show on the 'Converted' icon. You could click it to locate and check the converted Tidal audio in the target folder on your computer.
- And now you are ready to sync Tidal music to Garmin watches and then listen to the music of Tidal on Garmin watches, including Garmin Fenix 7Fenix 8/Epix 2/Forerunner 970, and more.
To download and convert Tidal music for Garmin watch, AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder can also help you. It supports downloading music from Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Amazon Music and more as common files for playback. This tool is best for users who use multiple music services.
Part 2. How to Play Tidal Music on Garmin Watch
After getting the Tidal music downloads as local files on your computer, now you can go on to move Tidal music to Garmin watches for listening. There are 4 methods for you to get Tidal music on Garmin smartwatches. Let's check below to see how to do that.
Way 1. Upload Tidal Music to Garmin Watch via the Garmin Express App
Garmin Express, designed as a desktop application, enables you to manage your Garmin devices and update Garmin software. It is feasible and convenient to install the latest software updates and maps for your Garmin smartwatch or other Garmin device. Also, it can import data across your Garmin device and your desktop.
Step 1. Download the Garmin Express app on your computer.
Step 2. Once finished, open it by clicking 'Get Started'.
Step 3. Connect your Garmin watch to your computer with a USB cable. Then choose 'Add a Device'.
Step 4. Select 'Add Device' and log in to your Garmin account.
Step 5. Choose the 'Music' option on Garmin Express. Then hit on the 'Folder' icon to find the downloaded Tidal music you like to put on your Garmin watch.
Step 6. Select the Tidal music files you want to import and then touch on 'Send to Device' to sync Tidal music to the Garmin watch.
Step 7. Now you can click 'My Music' to stream Tidal on Garmin smartwatches.
Way 2. Transfer Tidal Music to Garmin Watch by Android File Transfer
Step 1. Download the Android File Transfer app on your Mac computer.
Step 2. Connect your Garmin device to your Mac via a USB cable.
Step 3. Open the Android File Transfer app.
Step 4. Copy and paste the converted Tidal music files to your Garmin watch.
Garmin Express and Android File Transfer can't be used at the same time. If you have the former app open, it may not allow you to open the Android File Transfer app. To avoid this, please close the Garmin Express app first and then plug your Garmin back in again.
Way 3. Sync Tidal Music to Garmin Watch Directly (Only for Windows)
Step 1. Use a USB cable to link Garmin Fenix 7, Epix 2, etc. to your Windows.
Step 2. You will see your watch as a drive on your PC.
Step 3. Open it and you can then add your needed Tidal downloads to the Garmin drive's music folder.
Step 4. Now, press on your watch and hold the Up button to open the watch's menu.
Step 5. Scroll down and find 'Music'. Then tap 'Start' to play music from Tidal on Garmin watches.
Way 4. Play Tidal on Garmin Watch via Spotify
Step 1. Open your Spotify app on your PC and click the 'three dots' icon.
Step 2. Then please select the 'Edit' > 'Preferences...' option.
Step 3. Turn on 'Show Local Files' in the 'Local Files' part. And click the 'Add A Source' button to add your converted Tidal files to Spotify.
Step 4. Next, go to 'Your Library' and open 'Local Files'. You can see your added songs here.
See also: How to Add Local Files to Spotify
Step 5. Now, you should install the Garmin Connect IQ app on your phone and connect it to your Garmin watch.
Step 6. Download the Garmin Spotify app on the Garmin Connect IQ app and log in with your Spotify account.
Step 7. On your watch, tap 'Your Library' > 'Add Music & Podcasts' to find your Tidal songs on Spotify. Then, touch the 'Add' option to download them for offline playback.
Part 3. Top 5 Garmin Watches for Music Recommended
If you'd like to get a Garmin watch to stream music from Tidal or other music services, please refer to the following content and have your eyes on one. Please note that they still do not have Tidal Garmin integration now.
| Garmin Watches | Music Storage | Battery Life (GPS + Music) | Display Type | Water Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Fenix 8 Pro | 32GB | Up to 18 hours | MicroLED | 10 ATM | Elite Multi-Sport & LTE Connectivity |
| Garmin Enduro 3 | 32GB | Up to 22 hours | Power Sapphire | 10 ATM | Ultra-Endurance & Industry-leading Solar Battery Life |
| Garmin Forerunner 970 | 32GB | Up to 14 hours | AMOLED | 5 ATM | Triathlon & Marathons |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | 8GB | Up to 7 hours | AMOLED | 5 ATM | Daily Road Running |
| Garmin Venu 4 | 8GB | Up to 8 hours | AMOLED | 5 ATM | Lifestyle & Fitness |
More products can be seen and bought on the Garmin official website.
Part 4. FAQs about Tidal on Garmin Watch
Why Is My Garmin Watch Lagging While Playing Tidal Music?
Most Garmin watches are optimized for 16-bit/44.1kHz. If you stream Tidal 24-bit/192kHz HiRes FLAC music with it, the watch will lag or the music will skip. So, you need to re-convert your files to 320kbps MP3 via AudFree Tidal Music Converter for stable streaming.
Can I Use Garmin Watch as a Remote Control for the Tidal App on My Phone?
Yes, all Garmin watches equipped with the 'Music Control' widget can function as a remote control. In this mode, you can play, pause, and skip tracks currently playing in the Tidal app on your smartphone. This feature is an ideal solution if you typically carry your phone in a hydration vest but wish to control music playback directly from your wrist.
Can I Transfer Tidal Music from My Phone to My Garmin Watch?
No. You cannot do that directly. However, you can use AudFree Tidal Music Converter to download Tidal music on PC and then transfer it to your Android or iPhone phones via a USB cable. Next, you are able to add it to your Spotify. Therefore, you can use Spotify on your watch, although you cannot get Tidal Garmin integration officially.
See also: How to Download Tidal Music on Android
Can You Listen to Music on Garmin Watch without a Phone from Tidal?
Yes. Once Tidal songs are downloaded and transferred in advance, they are stored on your Garmin watch. So, it is possible to listen to Tidal music on a Garmin watch without a phone nearby.
Why Did My Tidal Songs Disappear from My Garmin Watch?
If you add Tidal music to Garmin Watch by using official streaming applications (such as Spotify or Amazon Music), your songs will automatically disappear if they are not synced via Wi-Fi at least once every 30 days. However, to prevent your Tidal music from being lost, using the AudFree Tidal Music Converter to save and put music on Garmin watch as local files. If songs appear to be missing, please verify that your watch is currently in 'My Music' mode, rather than searching through official service providers like Spotify.
Part 5. In Conclusion
Though there is no native Tidal Garmin integration, we have shared with you the best 4 methods to connect and play Tidal on Garmin watch. Before that, you need a Tidal ripper to download and play Tidal music on multiple devices besides Garmin watches. What we recommend here is AudFree Tidal Music Converter, an all-around application that can meet all your needs.
With the local Tidal music files on Garmin watch, you can avoid the common 'Sync Failed' errors and 'Subscription Expired' problem. Whether you are hitting the trails to tackle an ultramarathon or simply going for a morning jog, you can now enjoy a phone-free, error-free Tidal experience on your Garmin device.
Staff Editor
