M2 Monitor: Adding your Garmin Watch as a Sensor

Compatible Garmin watches can be paired as a sensor to the M2 monitor to collect workout metrics and activity to be stored in Garmin Connect.

1. On the M2 Main Menu, choose Connect
2. Select More ANT+ Options
3. Select ANT+ FE-C
4. On your Garmin device, search for sensors and connect
5. Once a the device is paired, start a Row Indoor or Bike Indoor activity on the device
6. Begin the workout
7. At the end of the workout, end the activity on the Garmin device

Firmware Compatibility

This feature is supported on the following firmware versions and newer:
Echo Bike: 30.1.36
Echo Rower: 1.1.81
Echo SKI: 20.1.70

Garmin Watch Compatibility

To use the ANT+ FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) protocol with a Garmin watch, your device must support Smart Trainer Control. This allows the watch to not only receive data (power, speed, cadence) but also to send commands to adjust resistance, simulate grades, or follow a structured workout in ERG mode.

As of early 2026, here is the comprehensive list of Garmin watches that support the ANT+ FE-C profile for controlling smart trainers:

Fēnix Series

fēnix 8 (AMOLED, Solar, Pro)
fēnix E
fēnix 7 / 7S / 7X (Standard, Pro, Solar, Sapphire)
fēnix 6 / 6S / 6X (Pro, Sapphire, and Solar models; Standard fēnix 6 requires firmware 11.00+)
fēnix Chronos

Forerunner Series (Running/Triathlon)

Forerunner 970 / 965 / 955 / 945 (945 requires software version 5.00+)
Forerunner 745
Forerunner 570 / 265 / 255
Forerunner 165 / 165 Music

Epix & Marq Series (Premium)

epix (Gen 2) and epix Pro (all sizes)
MARQ Collection (Gen 1 & Gen 2) (Athlete, Adventurer, Captain, Golfer, etc.)

Instinct Series (Rugged)

Instinct 3 (AMOLED, Solar, Tactical)
Instinct 2 / 2S / 2X (Solar and Non-Solar)
Instinct Crossover

Venu & Vivoactive Series

Venu 4 / Venu 3 / Venu 3S
Venu 2 / 2S / 2 Plus
vívoactive 6 (Note: Older vívoactive models like the 4 and 5 can often read power data but generally lack the control menu for FE-C.)

Specialty Watches

Enduro 3 / 2 / 1
Descent Mk3 / Mk2 / Mk1 (Dive computers)
Descent G2 / G1
tactix 8 / 7 / Delta
D2 Mach 2 / Mach 1 / Air X10 (Aviator series)
quatix 8 / 7 / 6 (Marine series)

How to verify on your watch:

If you own a Garmin not listed here or want to check for compatibility:

1. Go to Settings > Sensors & Accessories.
2. Select Add New.
3. Look for Smart Trainer. If the watch has a specific “Smart Trainer” sensor category (rather than just Power or Speed/Cadence), it supports FE-C control.