Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This chapter summarizes the most common issues and solutions for GarSync 2.x users.

1. Accounts & Authorization

Q: Why are there two Garmin icons? Which one should I choose?

A: Garmin operates two isolated server regions: China and Global.

• If you registered using a Chinese mobile number, you belong to Garmin China. You can verify this by logging into connect.garmin.cn.
• If you registered via email on the official global site, you belong to Garmin Global. Verify at connect.garmin.com.
• Note: Data is not shared between these regions. Choosing the wrong icon will result in successful authorization but no data visibility.

Q: Both Garmin accounts (Global and China) are logged in, but data syncing isn't progressing. Why?

A: This is generally caused by two issues:

• Reason 1: The registered region of your Global account is incorrect (e.g., set to China instead of a specific foreign country). This is the most common case.
• Reason 2: Privacy settings for data storage are not enabled. After registration, you must log into the Garmin website, navigate to Settings - Privacy Settings - Data, and click "Allow storage and upload".

Q: What do errors 401 and 429 mean?

A: Error 401 means "Unauthorized" (session expired), while 429 means "Too Many Requests" (rate limited).

• For 401: Please re-login via: Explore ~ Account Management ~ Select Platform ~ Re-login.
• For 429: The server is busy. Wait 5 to 10 minutes or try again during non-peak hours.

2. Data Synchronization

Q: Will syncing cause duplicate activities?

A: No. GarSync employs an intelligent deduplication algorithm. It uses the original timestamp as a unique footprint. Even if you cross-sync from multiple platforms, the system detects the same activity and skips redundant uploads.

Q: How do I sync historical records?

A: When creating a sync task, check the "Sync History" option. You can also trigger a "Full Refresh" in Account Management to force-scan all data. Warning: Do not do this frequently, as high-frequency scanning may lead to account restrictions by the platform.

Q: Do you support Huawei Health?

A: Currently, we only support importing Huawei's offline data packages. Direct account sync is not supported as Huawei has not approved our write-permission request.

To export your data for migration:

• Official Export:
  • Visit the Huawei Privacy Center (privacy.consumer.huawei.com/tool).
  • Login and click "Get your data copy".
  • Select "Huawei Health" and submit. You will receive a download link via email.
  • Huawei usually protects the zip with a password provided in the email. **Important:** You must extract the data on a PC first, then re-compress it into a new .zip file WITHOUT a password.
  • Use the Import Data feature in GarSync's Discovery page to upload this new .zip file.
• Export Age Limit: By default, Huawei may only provide data for the past year. To get 3-5 years of data, specify your requirements in the request description or contact Huawei support to request an extension.

Q: Does GarSync support Apple HealthKit?

A: Yes. However, due to Apple HealthKit's privacy sandbox, the App must be running active to read data.

Q: Why can I only read Apple Watch records from Apple Health?

A: Many third-party apps only write summary data to HealthKit, lacking detailed tracks or heart rate metrics. GarSync ignores low-quality summaries by default to ensure data integrity.

Q: Activities sync to Blackbird as "Success" but aren't visible?

A: Blackbird may return errors that GarSync ignores to prevent infinite loops:

• Duplicate: The file was already uploaded.
• No Track: Blackbird rejects files without GPS data (e.g., indoor cycling from Garmin watch).

Q: Sync failed with "500 Internal Server Error"?

A: This usually indicates temporary platform instability. Tap "Retry". If it persists, it could be an API change—please wait for an App update.

Q: I cannot connect to my NAS?

A: Please check:

1. Your phone and NAS are on the same local network (or VPN/DDNS is correctly set).
2. SMB v2/v3 is enabled (SMB v1 is not supported for security reasons).
3. Firewall allows access to port 445.

3. Service & Pricing

Q: Why does GarSync charge when there are open-source projects available?

A: Open-source projects are often just code fragments. GarSync is a polished App, a complete suite of tools, maintenance, and technical support.

1. GarSync includes data backup, analysis, visualization, AI coaching, and even professional sensor/trainer connectivity.
2. Most open-source projects only cover a small fraction of platform sync logic, failing to meet comprehensive needs.
3. Using open-source tools requires professional skills (like programming). GarSync is built for regular users.
4. Open-source projects often lack dedicated support and full-time maintenance, leading to slow responses or unmaintained code.
5. GarSync is a professional, full-time commitment providing frequent updates and responsive customer support.

Q: Can I use GarSync for free?

A: Simply put, you can try it for free, but long-term use requires payment.

• Our value lies in providing professional, time-saving tools based on our deep understanding of sports data.
• We provide commercial services involving costs (rent, servers, salaries, support).
• To ensure a premium user experience, GarSync has no ads, no privacy data collection, and no interference. Subscription is necessary for sustainable operation.
• Paying a small fee to save time and get professional service is a fair trade. Good software is worth paying for.

Q: What is the pricing standard for data syncing?

A: We charge based on quantity: 1 Diamond per activity, capped at 68 Diamonds for large migrations (100+ activities).

• Specifically: 1 Diamond for 1 activity, 18 Diamonds for <20, 38 for <100, and 68 Diamonds for unlimited historial migration.
• For low-frequency users, the cost is minimal. 10 Diamonds cost approximately 1 CNY.
• For high-frequency users or massive data migration, we recommend Member Subscription, which includes unlimited free sync, AI Coaching, and priority support.

4. Data Ownership

Q: What if a platform does not support data export?

A: We respect all platforms' Terms of Service and encourage friendly communication.

• Contact Support: Politley ask for data export options or manual assistance.
• Legal Rights (Data Portability):
  • China (PIPL): Article 45 grants you the right to transition your personal data to other platforms.
  • EU (GDPR): Article 20 grants the "Right to Data Portability". The upcoming EU Data Act (Sept 2025) further requires smart device manufacturers to ensure data access for users.

5. Privacy & Security

Q: Does GarSync store my activity data?

A: We strictly follow the "Data Sovereignty" principle.

• Your raw files and tracks are stored ONLY on your local device and your private NAS.
• AI analysis is performed anonymously via encrypted transmission and is not used for model training.
• Our servers only sync essential user info (account level, diamonds). We do NOT save your activity or health data.