Solved: “Error connecting to Wikiloc. Restart Garmin Connect on your phone”

by Felix Wong | 28 Feb 2024

Recently, I purchased a Garmin Edge 530 bicycle head unit to facilitate navigation through the convoluted road network through Galicia and other parts of the world. I quickly connected it to my phone via Bluetooth and to Wi-Fi. It synced with Garmin Connect quickly and easily.

Next, I installed the Wikiloc Routes app on the Garmin 530 through my phone’s Garmin ConnectIQ app. Although Wikiloc appeared in the ConnectIQ section on the Garmin (Menu > ConnectIQ > Wikiloc), I encountered a perpetual error when attempting to open it:

Error connecting to Wikiloc. Restart Garmin Connect on your phone. Press ENTER to retry.

I thoroughly searched Wikiloc’s online support pages and conducted a web search to resolve the issue, but to no avail. Subsequently, I contacted Wikiloc’s support and received the following response:

Thank you for your detailed explanation and the attached pictures. It is very helpful for us to have this information to resolve the issue more quickly.

We have detected a problem with some Edge 530 devices, and our technical team is currently reviewing the issue. We will get back to you as soon as possible.”

[email protected]

After twelve days, they provided a solution that I have confirmed works. I am sharing it here so that others encountering this issue can resolve it by conducting a web search.

Solution

The Garmin Edge 530 (and potentially some other Garmin devices) generates an error when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

To resolve this, navigate to your Garmin device settings and disable Wi-Fi. Specifically, go to Settings > Connected Features > Wi-Fi > Disable.

That’s it! After completing these steps, upon revisiting the Garmin device’s ConnectIQ > Wikiloc section, the Garmin displayed a QR code. Scanning this QR code with my phone seamlessly connected the phone’s Wikiloc app with the Garmin device.

Then I was able to send Wikiloc routes to the Garmin by finding a route in the Wikiloc app and then pressing “Send to Garmin” with the app.

You can always re-enable Wi-Fi after you have gotten your Garmin connected to the Wikiloc app, although I find that keeping the Garmin paired to the phone via Bluetooth provides sufficient connectivity for me. The Edge 530 will continue to produce the error when attempting to connect to Wikiloc until you disable Wi-Fi again.

Regarding the Garmin Edge 530, I am very satisfied with it and can recommend this head unit. I am enjoying its size, ruggedness, long battery life, and above all, ability to provide turn-by-turn directions. It also uses real buttons instead of a touch display—a boon to those who wear full-fingered gloves or ride in the rain.