Garmin Restores Sleep Focus Shortcut on Forerunner 570 and 970 Watches

Effortlessly toggle Sleep Focus mode again with Garmin’s recent update for Forerunner 570 and 970 models.

A Welcome Return: Sleep Focus Shortcut is Back

There’s something oddly satisfying about a simple shortcut that just works — especially when it’s tied to your evening routine. Garmin has quietly rolled out a fix many Forerunner 570 and 970 users have been clamoring for: bringing back the dedicated Sleep Focus Mode shortcut. This update is a breath of fresh air for runners and fitness enthusiasts who rely on their Garmin watches to keep track of every detail, including those precious hours of sleep.

If you’re rocking one of these flagship running watches, you might recall the frustration when Garmin decided to tuck away Sleep Focus within a labyrinth of menus in a previous update. Now, with software version 16.28, the company has reversed that decision, restoring the simple, one-tap access users cherished.

The Shortcut Saga: From Convenience to Complexity and Back

Let’s rewind a bit. For months, users of the Forerunner 570 and 970 had to endure navigating through multiple sub-menus just to enable Sleep Focus mode. Before the change, toggling this mode was as natural as pressing a button — a handy feature for those who want their watch’s screen behavior to adapt seamlessly as they wind down.

But with update 15.16, Garmin folded Sleep Focus into the general Focus Mode menu, burying it several layers deep. On paper, this made sense: Garmin was streamlining various focus modes into a consolidated menu. But for hardcore users, the move felt like stepping backward in usability. Sleep tracking is one of the most frequent interactions on a Garmin watch, and hiding it behind three or four button presses disrupted the sleek user experience.

The backlash was loud and clear. Garmin’s support channels swarmed with requests to restore the shortcut — a testament to how vital this feature is to the daily Garmin ritual.

“Managed sleep tracking is one of the most vital daily interactions on a Garmin, and burying it behind three or four button presses felt like a step backward in usability.”

How to Bring Back Sleep Focus in Your Forerunner

Thanks to version 16.28, Forerunner 570 and 970 owners can map Sleep Focus back to a customizable button for quick access. Here’s how to restore this much-loved function:

1. Open your watch’s Main Menu.
2. Navigate to Watch Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Choose Shortcuts.
5. Find Sleep Focus listed as an option.
6. Assign it to a long-press or multi-button shortcut of your choice.

This minor tweak dramatically improves the user experience, turning a clunky interaction back into a smooth, effortless action.

Why This Update Matters in a Competitive Market

It’s easy to overlook small software changes like this, but in a fiercely competitive smartwatch market, every detail counts. Garmin faces stiff competition from giants like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and flagship Android watches by Google and Samsung. Maintaining a frictionless user experience is not just about convenience; it’s about loyalty.

For many users, these watches are more than just gadgets — they’re trusted companions for fitness, health, and even sleep. By listening to its community and bringing back the Sleep Focus shortcut, Garmin shows it understands the importance of seamless daily interactions.

If you haven’t received this update yet, don’t worry. You can manually check for it by going to:

System > Software Update > Check For Updates on your watch.

And if the update seems elusive, there are guides available to help you force the update on your Garmin device.

Parting Thoughts: A Small Fix That Goes a Long Way

Sometimes, the simplest features make the biggest difference. Garmin’s decision to reinstate the Sleep Focus shortcut is a reminder that listening to user feedback and respecting everyday habits is crucial for tech brands. It’s a small technical fix, yes, but one that restores ease and enjoyment to the user experience.

What’s your favorite quick-access feature on your Garmin? Have you missed the Sleep Focus shortcut? Share your thoughts!

FAQ

• Can I customize the Sleep Focus shortcut on the Forerunner 570 and 970?
  Yes, with the update 16.28, you can assign Sleep Focus to a long-press or multi-button shortcut via the Watch Settings menu.
• How do I check if my Garmin Forerunner watch has the latest update?
  Navigate to System > Software Update > Check For Updates on your watch to manually check for the latest software.
• Why did Garmin remove the Sleep Focus shortcut initially?
  Garmin combined various focus modes into a single consolidated menu to streamline the interface, but it inadvertently made Sleep Focus harder to access.
• Does this update affect other Garmin watch models?
  This particular update specifically addresses the Forerunner 570 and 970 models; other Garmin watches may have different update schedules.
• What exactly is Sleep Focus Mode on Garmin watches?
  Sleep Focus Mode helps manage the watch’s screen and notification behavior during sleep hours to ensure minimal disturbance and accurate sleep tracking.

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Valeriy Bagrintsev Founder & Chief Content Creator

Valeriy is the founder of Just Plugged and a tech reviewer focused on consumer electronics, software, and buying guides. He brings years of hands-on experience researching and evaluating tech products to help readers choose better technology with confidence.

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