VIRB X/XE

Owner’s Manual

June 2016 190-01870-00_0C

All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the
right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such
changes or improvements. Go to www.garmin.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Garmin , the Garmin logo, ANT+ , fēnix , and VIRB are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. G-Metrix™ is a
® ® ® ®

trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license. Mac is a trademark of
® ®

Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. microSD™ and the microSDXC logo are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC. Wi‑Fi is a registered mark of Wi-Fi
®

Alliance Corporation. The Wi‑Fi CERTIFIED logo is a certification mark of Wi-Fi Alliance Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft
® ®

Corporation in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
This product is ANT+ certified. Visit www.thisisant.com/directory for a list of compatible products and apps.
®
 Table of Contents Cleaning the Device ............................................................... 8
Connecting the Device to Your Computer .................................. 8
Introduction.....................................................................1 File Types .............................................................................. 8
Opening the Front Cover ............................................................ 1 Specifications .............................................................................. 8
Installing a Memory Card ............................................................ 1 Troubleshooting............................................................. 9
Installing the Desiccant Pack ...................................................... 1 My device does not turn on ......................................................... 9
Installing the Battery ................................................................... 1 My device display is hard to see ................................................. 9
Charging the Battery ................................................................... 1 Some data is missing from G-Metrix ........................................... 9
Saving Energy While Charging the Device ............................ 2 My video recordings do not look smooth .................................... 9
Attaching the Device to the Mount .............................................. 2 My device turns off when I stop recording video ........................ 9
Keys ............................................................................................ 2 Extending the Battery Life .......................................................... 9
Turning On the Device ................................................................ 2 Getting More Information ............................................................ 9
Turning Off the Device ........................................................... 2 Appendix ......................................................................... 9
Turning the Device On and Off Using the Recording
Software License Agreement ...................................................... 9
Switch .................................................................................... 2
Symbol Definitions ...................................................................... 9
Home Screen Overview .............................................................. 2
Viewing the Sensor Screens .................................................. 3 Index.............................................................................. 10
Status Bar Icons ..................................................................... 3
Sensor Status Icons ............................................................... 3
Video................................................................................ 3
Recording a Video ...................................................................... 3
Video Settings ............................................................................. 3
Video Modes .......................................................................... 3
Field of View Settings ............................................................ 4
Setting the Video Format ....................................................... 4
Pro Settings ........................................................................... 4
Recording Video Automatically ................................................... 4
Recording a Time-Lapse Video .................................................. 4
Recording a Video Loop ............................................................. 5
Connecting a Cabled External Microphone or Audio Source ..... 5
Live Viewfinder ........................................................................... 5
Outputting Composite Video .................................................. 5
Photos............................................................................. 5
Taking a Photo ............................................................................ 5
Photo Settings ............................................................................ 5
Photo Modes .......................................................................... 5
Taking a Delayed Photo ............................................................. 5
Taking Time-Lapse Photos ......................................................... 6
G-Metrix........................................................................... 6
G-Metrix Overlays ....................................................................... 6
ANT+ Sensors................................................................. 6
Pairing Your ANT+ Sensors ....................................................... 6
Tips for Pairing ANT+ Accessories with Your Garmin
Device .................................................................................... 6
Removing Paired ANT+ Sensors ........................................... 6
Bluetooth Devices.......................................................... 6
Connecting a Wireless External Microphone .............................. 6
Connecting an OBD-II Device ..................................................... 7
Removing Paired Bluetooth Devices .......................................... 7
Applications.................................................................... 7
Operating the Device Using Your Mobile Device ....................... 7
Wi‑Fi Modes ........................................................................... 7
Wireless Settings ................................................................... 7
VIRB Edit .................................................................................... 7
Remote Control...............................................................7
Controlling the Device Remotely ................................................ 7
Controlling Multiple VIRB Devices Remotely .............................. 7
Device Information......................................................... 8
System Settings .......................................................................... 8
Inverting the Camera Orientation ........................................... 8
Time and Date Settings ......................................................... 8
Erasing Your Memory Card ........................................................ 8
Device Care ................................................................................ 8

Table of Contents i
 Introduction
WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the
product box for product warnings and other important
information.
It is your responsibility to use the device in a safe manner.
Garmin will not be responsible for any property damage, injuries
®

or deaths resulting from any use of this device in any activities.

Opening the Front Cover

You must open the front cover to install the battery, memory 3 Insert the desiccant tray into the desiccant slot.
card, and anti-fog desiccant pack. 4 Close and latch the front cover.
1 Grip the top and bottom of the latch À and pull to open the The indicator dot on the desiccant pack turns pink when the
latch. desiccant pack becomes saturated. Heat the desiccant pack at
85°C (185°F) for 60 minutes to dry the desiccant pack for reuse.

Installing the Battery

WARNING
This product contains a lithium-ion battery. To prevent the
possibility of personal injury or product damage caused by
battery exposure to extreme heat, store the device out of direct
sunlight.
1 Open the front cover.
2 Locate the metal contacts on the end of the lithium-ion
2 Open the front cover. battery.
3 Insert the battery À into the compartment, contacts first.
Installing a Memory Card
You must install a microSD™ memory card to use your device.
For optimal performance, use a class 10 or better memory card.
1 Open the front cover.
2 Insert the memory card À into the memory card slot with the
contacts facing the lens.

4 Press the battery into place.

5 Close and latch the front cover.

Charging the Battery

NOTICE
To prevent corrosion, thoroughly clean and dry the contacts and
the surrounding area on the side of the device before charging
or connecting to a computer. Refer to the cleaning instructions in
3 Press in the card until it clicks. the appendix.
4 Close and latch the front cover. Do not attempt to use the device to charge a battery that was
not provided by Garmin. Attempting to charge a battery that was
Installing the Desiccant Pack not provided by Garmin can damage the device and void the
WARNING warranty.
Do not eat desiccant packs. Desiccant packs contain silica, 1 Plug the USB cable into a USB port on your computer.
which may cause irritation in your digestive system. Desiccant 2 Align the charger posts with the contacts on the side of the
packs are harmful if swallowed by an infant or pet due to device, and press the charger À until it clicks.
choking hazard.
You should install an anti-fog desiccant pack for optimal
performance and fog resistance.
1 Open the front cover.
2 Insert the desiccant pack into the desiccant tray À.

3 Charge the battery completely.

Introduction 1
Saving Energy While Charging the Device 7 Insert a thumbscrew Ä into the larger opening of the joint,
You can turn off the device screen and all other features while and tighten the thumbscrew to lock the angle of the joint.
charging. NOTE: The metal fitting indicates the smaller opening of the
1 Connect your device to an external power source. joint.
2 Hold POWER for 4 to 5 seconds. 8 If necessary, insert the included hex wrench into the end of
the thumbscrew to adjust the tightness of the joint.
The screen turns off, and the device goes into a low power,
battery charging mode.
Keys
3 Charge the device completely.

Attaching the Device to the Mount

NOTICE
To prevent product loss or damage, do not use the adhesive
mounting base when the temperature is below -15°C (5°F).
The permanent mounting adhesive is extremely difficult to
remove after it is installed.
Before you can install the adhesive mounting base onto a
surface, the ambient temperature must be from 21° to 38°C
(from 70° to 100°F). À MENU Select to scroll through sensor status screens,
Your device includes an assortment of mounting bases and data screens, and menu items.
arms, which can be used in many configurations. These Hold to open the menu.
instructions provide an example of one possible configuration. Á POWER Select to scroll through sensor status screens,
You can also purchase additional mounts for your device, such data screens, and menu items.
as wearable mounts, vehicle mounts, or a tripod mount. Go to Hold to turn the device on or off.
www.garmin.com/VIRB for more information. Â OK Select to choose menu options or to take a photo.
NOTE: By default, the device should be mounted with the
screen facing up to record correctly oriented video. You can à Recording Move the switch to start or stop recording video.
adjust the settings to record with the screen facing down switch
(Inverting the Camera Orientation, page 8).
1 Thoroughly clean and dry the mounting surface using water Turning On the Device
or alcohol. Select POWER.
The mounting surface must be free of dirt, debris, wax, or
coatings. Turning Off the Device
NOTICE
2 Remove the film from the adhesive mounting base À, and
press the base firmly onto the mounting surface. To prevent loss of data, always turn off the device before
removing the battery.
You can use either the flat base or the curved base,
depending on the contour of the mounting surface. NOTE: You cannot turn off the device while recording video.
1 If necessary, move the recording switch backward to stop
recording video.
2 Hold POWER.
The device saves your data and turns off.
If you need to remove the battery, wait until the screen and the
recording light turns off before removing the battery.
Turning the Device On and Off Using the Recording
Switch
You can use the recording switch to turn the device on and off in
recording mode. This feature allows you to start recording
quickly, while automatically turning off the device to conserve
battery power when you are not recording.
NOTE: The device does not turn off using the recording switch
unless you use the recording switch to turn on the device.
1 With the device turned off, move the recording switch
forward.
3 Allow the base to bond to the mounting surface for at least 24
hours. The device turns on and starts recording video.
4 Insert the adapter Á into the base. 2 When you are finished recording, move the recording switch
backward.
The lever  must be in the open position.
The device stops recording and turns off.
5 Snap the lever to the closed position to lock the adapter into
the base.
Home Screen Overview
The lever should be flush with the base. The home screen provides at-a-glance details about the
6 Insert the camera mount à into the top of the adapter. remaining memory card space and current settings of your
The device should be horizontal for the proper aspect ratio device.
when recording video.

2 Introduction
 Displays the sensor status and remaining battery capacity. Includes The screen displays the elapsed recording time À, available
recording time Á, and video mode Â.
À
ANT+ sensors, Bluetooth , Wi‑Fi , and GPS.
® ® ®

Á Displays the remaining memory card space for video recording. 2 Move the recording switch backward to stop recording video.
 Displays the remaining memory card space for photos. The video is saved on the memory card as an .mp4 file. The
Displays the field of view, video resolution, and frame rate. track log for the video and sensor data is saved on the
memory card as a .fit file.
Ã
Ä Displays the photo mode.

Viewing the Sensor Screens Video Settings

The sensor screens display G-Metrix data from built-in
™ NOTICE
sensors, and data from paired ANT+ sensors. The sensor status To prevent damage to the device in wet conditions, you must
screen displays the connection status for ANT+ sensors, Wi‑Fi disable the Video Out setting when the device is not connected
connection, and Bluetooth devices. to a USB cable.
• From the home screen, select to view the sensor status Hold MENU, and select Video.
screen. Mode: Sets the video shooting mode (Video Modes, page 3).
• From the home screen, select to view the sensor data NOTE: Additional settings vary based on the selected mode.
screens.
Resolution: Sets the height of the video, in pixels.
Status Bar Icons Interval: Sets the time interval for time-lapse mode.
Icons appear at the top of the home screen. A flashing icon FPS: Sets the frame rate in frames per second (fps).
means the device is searching for a signal. A solid icon means
the signal was found or the sensor is connected. Field of View: Sets the zoom level (Field of View Settings,
page 4).
GPS status
Playback: Sets the speed for slow-motion playback.
Wi‑Fi technology status Lens Correct: Corrects wide-angle barrel distortion and reduces
the field of view.
Bluetooth technology status
Enables automatic adjustment for low light.
ANT+ sensor status Stabilizer: Turns on image stabilization to reduce shaky video.
Battery level NOTE: Image stabilization is available for the VIRB XE
device only.
Loop: Enables loop recording and sets the number of minutes
Sensor Status Icons
of video to store when recording a video loop (Recording a
Icons appear on the sensor status screen. A flashing icon Video Loop, page 5).
means the device is searching for a signal. A solid icon means
the signal was found or the sensor is connected. Auto Record: Enables automatic recording when the device is
in motion (Recording Video Automatically, page 4).
Heart rate status
Video Out: Enables composite video output (Outputting
Speed and cadence status Composite Video, page 5).
Pro Settings: Enables advanced video and photo settings (Pro
Power status
Settings, page 4).
Temperature status NOTE: Pro settings are available for the VIRB XE device
only.
Headset and audio status
Video Modes
OBD-II status
You can change the video mode to change the resolution,
aspect ratio, frame rate, and speed of recorded video. The
resolution is the width and height of the video, in pixels. The
Video aspect ratio is the ratio of the video width to the video height.
Standard widescreen televisions use a 16:9 aspect ratio, and
Recording a Video standard full-screen televisions use a 4:3 aspect ratio. The
frame rate is expressed in frames per second (fps). The
NOTE: If the battery power becomes very low while recording playback speed indicates the speed of action in the video
video, the device automatically stops recording, saves the video, compared to real time.
and safely turns off.
Hold MENU, and select Video > Mode.
1 Move the recording switch forward to start recording video.
Tall: Enables you to capture a large, vertical viewing area using
If the device is off, it turns on automatically. The device starts a 4:3 aspect ratio. This mode is particularly useful for close-
recording video immediately, and the red light turns on. up action shots and when using a chest mount.

Video 3
HD Video: Enables you to capture high-speed action shots. Timelapse: This high-resolution mode enables you to capture
1080p works well as a default setting when you need high- slow-moving or long-term action that is ready for playback or
resolution shots. sharing immediately (Recording a Time-Lapse Video,
Slow-Mo: Enables you to capture slow-motion playback in 720p page 4).
HD or widescreen standard definition.
VIRB XE Video Mode Specifications
Mode Resolution (pixels) Aspect Ratio NTSC Frame Rate (fps) PAL Frame Rate (fps) Field of View (fov) Speed
Tall 1440p (1920x1440) 4:3 30, 24 25, 24 Wide 1x
960p (1280x960) 4:3 100, 60, 48 100, 50, 48 Wide 1x
HD Video 1080p (1920x1080) 16:9 60, 48, 30, 24 50, 48, 25, 24 Wide, zoom, ultra zoom 1x
720p (1280×720) 16:9 120, 60, 30 100, 50, 25 Wide, zoom, ultra zoom 1x
Slow-Mo 720p (1280×720) 16:9 120 100 Wide, zoom, ultra zoom 1x, 1/4x, 1/2x
480p (848x480) 16:9 240 240 Wide 1x, 1/8x, 1/4x, 1/2x
Timelapse 1080p (1920×1080) 16:9 30 25 Wide, zoom, ultra zoom Varies

VIRB X Video Mode Specifications

Mode Resolution (pixels) Aspect Ratio NTSC Frame Rate (fps) PAL Frame Rate (fps) Field of View (fov) Speed
Tall 960p (1280x960) 4:3 30 25 Wide 1x
HD Video 1080p (1920x1080) 16:9 30 25 Wide, zoom, ultra zoom 1x
720p (1280×720) 16:9 60, 30 50, 25 Wide, zoom, ultra zoom 1x
Slow-Mo 720p (1280×720) 16:9 60 50 Wide, zoom, ultra zoom 1x, 1/2x
480p (848x480) 16:9 120 100 Wide 1x, 1/4x, 1/2x
Timelapse 1080p (1920×1080) 16:9 30 25 Wide, zoom, ultra zoom Varies

Field of View Settings values are best for use in low light environments or indoors.
You can change the field of view when Lens Correct is set to Lower ISO values are best for use in sunlight. You can use
Off. the 6400 option for brighter video in low light, the 1600 option
for moderate brightness in low light, or the 400 option for
Hold MENU, and select Video > Field of View.
darker video in low light.
Wide: Captures a wide view of your surroundings. Use this
EV Bias: Sets the exposure bias. Exposure bias affects the level
option for open areas, close-range video, and to capture as
of brightness.
much of your viewing area as possible.
EV Lock: Enables or disables exposure lock. You can enable
Zoom: Captures a tighter view. Use this option for medium-
exposure lock to ensure consistent light sensitivity in your
range video.
video capture. When recording a time-lapse video, this helps
Ultra-Zoom: Captures a very focused view. Use this option for eliminate stray frames with slightly brighter or darker images.
long-range video and closed or covered surroundings.
Setting the Video Format Recording Video Automatically
You can set the video standard for your region. The video You can set the device to record video automatically when the
standard affects the available video frame rate options (FPS). device is moving. This feature allows you to conserve space on
your memory card by recording only the important parts of your
1 Hold MENU. activity.
2 Select System > Format. 1 Hold MENU.
3 Select NTSC or PAL. 2 Select Video > Auto Record > When Moving.
Pro Settings The device records video when you are moving and stops
Hold MENU, and select Video > Pro Settings > Status. recording when you are still.
TIP: While on the home screen, you can select to view the This feature automatically enables GPS in the system settings.
current pro settings.
NOTE: Pro settings are available for the VIRB XE device only. Recording a Time-Lapse Video
Color: Sets the color palette. You can use the Vivid option for a Time-lapse mode captures individual video frames at longer
more vibrant color palette, or the Flat option for a more intervals and creates a video that plays much faster than real
neutral color palette. time. You can use time-lapse mode to record movements,
changes, or events that take place over a long period of time.
White Bal.: Adjusts the color tone based on your surroundings.
The device can automatically adjust the white balance, or you Time-lapse videos play at 30 frames per second. The length of
can manually adjust the white balance. You can use the the video depends on the amount of time between video
2800K option for incandescent light, the 4000K option for frames. For example, if frames are recorded at a one-second
fluorescent light, the 5000K option for daylight, the 6500K interval, each second of video covers 30 seconds of real time. If
option for sunny conditions, or the 7500K option for cloudy frames are recorded at a 60-second interval, each second of
conditions. video covers 30 minutes of real time.
Sharpness: Sets the level of sharpness. You can use the High 1 Hold MENU.
option for a sharper look, the Medium option for moderate 2 Select Video > Mode > Timelapse.
sharpness, or the Low option for a softer look. 3 Select a time interval.
ISO Limit: Sets the level of sensitivity and image noise. Higher
ISO values have more visible noise or grain. Higher ISO

4 Video
4 For the best results, mount the device so it does not move
while recording.
Photos
5 Record a video. Taking a Photo
Your device provides several methods for taking a photo using
Recording a Video Loop the default settings. You can change the photo mode to capture
Loop recording allows you to record video continuously but save single, burst, or time lapse photos by holding MENU and
only the most recent video footage. You can select the number selecting Photos > Mode.
of minutes of video to save. This enables you to save storage • While on the home screen or sensor screens, select the
space when you want to capture key moments but do not want key to take a single photo.
to save all footage of an activity. This feature is useful when
using the device as a driving recorder. • While on the home screen or sensor screens, hold the key
to take multiple photos in burst-on-demand mode.
The saved video loop is split into multiple files of equal length.
This allows you to delete unwanted portions of the video easily. The device continues taking photos the entire time you hold
.
1 Hold MENU.
• While recording a video, select the key to capture a photo
2 Select Video > Loop. at the same resolution as the video recording.
3 Select the number of minutes of video to save. Photos taken while recording a video always use single photo
4 Start recording video. capture. Photo timelapse or burst settings are ignored while
5 When finished, stop recording. recording video.
The most recent footage is saved on the memory card, up to the
number of minutes selected in step 3. Photo Settings
Hold MENU, and select Photos.
Connecting a Cabled External Microphone or Mode: Sets the shooting mode (Photo Modes, page 5).
Audio Source NOTE: Additional settings vary based on the selected mode.
Before you can connect an external microphone, you must Start Time: Sets the start time for extended time-lapse mode.
purchase the VIRB rugged combo cable accessory. Go to You can start shooting now, or set a custom start time.
http://virb.garmin.com/products/rugged-combo-cable-virbx-xe. Duration: Sets the duration for extended time-lapse mode. You
You must also have an external microphone or audio source can shoot continuously, or set a custom duration.
with a 3.5 mm connector.
Interval: Sets the time interval for burst mode, time-lapse mode,
When you enable and connect an external microphone, the and extended time-lapse mode. For time-lapse mode, you
device records audio from the external microphone instead of can choose a preset interval or set a custom interval.
the built-in microphone.
Field of View: Sets the zoom level.
1 Hold MENU.
Self Timer: Sets the timer to delay taking a photo.
2 Select System > Microphone > External to enable the Lens Correct: Corrects wide-angle barrel distortion and reduces
external microphone.
the field of view.
3 Align the charger posts on the accessory cable with the Date Stamp: Adds a date stamp to your photo.
contacts on the side of the device, and press the accessory
cable until it clicks. Photo Modes
4 Connect the microphone to the MIC IN connector on the Hold MENU, and select Photos > Mode.
accessory cable. Single: Enables you to take a single photo using automatic
To stop using the external microphone, you must disconnect the exposure.
accessory cable from the device. You can select System > Burst: Enables you to rapidly take three, five, or ten images in
Microphone > Internal to enable the built-in microphone. one second. This mode is ideal for capturing photos of
people or objects in motion.
Live Viewfinder NOTE: The VIRB XE device provides additional burst
Outputting Composite Video intervals.
Before you can output composite video, you must purchase the Timelapse: Enables you to capture a series of photos at set
VIRB rugged combo cable accessory. Go to time intervals.
http://virb.garmin.com/products/rugged-combo-cable-virbx-xe. Ext. Timelapse: Enables you to capture a series of photos over
You must also have an RCA composite video cable. an extended duration. The VIRB X/XE device turns off
You can display composite video on an external display. between image captures, allowing the device to maximize
battery life.
1 Hold MENU.
2 Select Video > Video Out to enable composite video output. Taking a Delayed Photo
3 Align the charger posts on the accessory cable with the You can delay taking a photo using the self timer. This allows
contacts on the side of the device, and press the accessory you to join or adjust a shot before the photo is taken.
cable until it clicks.
1 Hold .
4 Connect an RCA composite video cable to the VID OUT
connector of the accessory cable and to an available port on 2 Select Photos > Self Timer.
your external display. 3 Select a delay time.
4 While on the home screen, select the key.
The countdown timer displays the remaining time until the
photo is taken, in seconds.

Photos 5
Taking Time-Lapse Photos • Power output in watts (when connected to a compatible
You can use the time-lapse or extended time-lapse mode to power meter)
take a series of photos at a set time interval. • Temperature (when connected to a compatible temperature
1 Hold MENU. sensor)
• Automotive data (when connected to a compatible OBD-II
2 Select Photos > Mode.
device)
3 Select Timelapse or Ext. Timelapse.
4 If using extended time-lapse mode, select a start time and
duration for the shoot. ANT+ Sensors
5 Select a time interval between photos. Your device can be used with wireless ANT+ sensors. For more
6 While on the home screen, select the key. information about compatibility and purchasing optional sensors,
go to http://buy.garmin.com.

Pairing Your ANT+ Sensors

When you pair a compatible ANT+ sensor with your device, the
sensor data is included in the G-Metrix overlays and in the .fit
file.
1 Put on the heart rate monitor or install the sensor.
2 Bring the device within 3 m (10 ft.) of the sensor.
3 Hold MENU.
4 Select Sensors > Add New.
5 Select an option:
The device takes a series of photos at the selected interval.
The screen displays the remaining number of photos the • Select Search All.
device can take À, the number of photos the device has • Select your sensor type.
taken Á, the elapsed time Â, and the time in seconds until 6 Select the sensor to pair.
the next photo is taken Ã.
After the sensor is paired with your device, the sensor status
7 Select to stop taking photos. changes to Connected.
While on the home screen, you can select to view sensor
G-Metrix data.

Your VIRB X/XE device contains built-in GPS, G-force, and Tips for Pairing ANT+ Accessories with Your Garmin
orientation sensors. Your device can also wirelessly connect to Device
external ANT+ sensors and other Garmin devices to capture • Verify that the ANT+ accessory is compatible with your
even more performance data. You can use the free Garmin Garmin device.
VIRB mobile app or VIRB Edit software application to overlay • Before you pair the ANT+ accessory with your Garmin
gauges, graphs, and more. You can then play back your device, move 10 m (32.9 ft.) away from other ANT+
recorded video to show your speed, acceleration, heart rate, and accessories.
other sensor data in real time.
• Bring the Garmin device within range 3 m (10 ft.) of the ANT+
accessory.
G-Metrix Overlays
• After you pair the first time, your Garmin device automatically
Your device can record these types of data.
recognizes the ANT+ accessory each time it is activated. This
• Speed process occurs automatically when you turn on the Garmin
• Pace device and only takes a few seconds when the accessories
• Altitude are activated and functioning correctly.
• G-force • When paired, your Garmin device receives data from only
your accessory, and you can go near other accessories.
• Orientation
• Hang time Removing Paired ANT+ Sensors
• Distance
1 Hold MENU.
• Grade
2 Select Sensors.
• Pitch 3 Select a sensor.
• Roll 4 Select Remove > Yes.
• Bearing (when moving)
• GPS location (coordinates) Bluetooth Devices
• Track shape and position
• Lap times Connecting a Wireless External Microphone
You can connect a Bluetooth hands-free device with your VIRB
• Lap count
X/XE device.
• Heart rate (when connected to a compatible heart rate
monitor)
1 Hold MENU.
• Cadence (when connected to a compatible bicycle cadence
2 Select Bluetooth > Status to turn on Bluetooth wireless
technology.
sensor)
3 Select Add New.
4 Select the wireless device to pair.
6 G-Metrix
 After the wireless device is paired, the device status changes VIRB Edit
to Connected. The VIRB Edit application provides easy access to these tools
and services for your device.
Connecting an OBD-II Device • Review and edit recorded videos
Your VIRB X/XE device can pair with a compatible Bluetooth
ELM327 on-board diagnostics (ODB-II) device to record • Add G-Metrix gauges, graphs, and more
automotive data from your OBD-II compliant vehicle. • Add titles and transitions
1 Install your ELM327 compatible OBD-II device in the OBD-II • Multi-camera support
port of your vehicle. • Update software and features
TIP: See the owner's manual for your vehicle to locate the The VIRB Edit application is available for Windows and Mac
® ®

OBD-II port. computers. Go to http://virb.garmin.com/virb-edit for more

2 If necessary, enable pairing mode on your OBD-II device. information.
TIP: See the owner's manual for your OBD-II device to
enable pairing mode.
Remote Control
3 From the VIRB X/XE device, hold MENU.
You can start recording, stop recording, and take pictures on
4 Select Bluetooth > Status to turn on Bluetooth wireless your VIRB device using another compatible Garmin device with
technology.
ANT+ wireless technology, such as the VIRB remote control
5 Select Add New. accessory or the fēnix 3 watch. You can also use your VIRB
®

6 Select the OBD-II device to pair. device to control other VIRB devices.
TIP: If your OBD-II device does not appear in the list, confirm
that it is still in pairing mode and search again. Controlling the Device Remotely
After the OBD-II device is paired, the device status changes 1 On your VIRB device, hold MENU.
to Connected. 2 Select Remote > On.
3 Select Yes if you have more than one VIRB device.
Removing Paired Bluetooth Devices 4 If necessary, select VIRB Type > Main VIRB.
1 Hold MENU.
5 Select an option:
2 Select Bluetooth.
• On the remote control device, launch the VIRB app or
3 Select a wireless device. feature. See the owner's manual for the device for more
4 Select Forget > Yes. information.
• On the remote control accessory, follow the pairing
instructions in the accessory manual.
Applications 6 On your VIRB device, select Remote Wake Up to keep the
device in a lower-power state (optional).
Operating the Device Using Your Mobile NOTE: The Remote Wake Up setting allows your remote
Device control to turn on the device, start recording, and stop
The free Garmin VIRB app lets you remotely view and control recording. While in a lower-power state, the VIRB device
photo and video recording using a compatible mobile device. appears to be off, but it continues to slowly reduce battery
You can view playback of recorded clips and photos, as well as life.
create, edit, and share videos on social media. Go to
http://virb.garmin.com/virb-app for more information. Controlling Multiple VIRB Devices Remotely
1 Install the Garmin VIRB app from the application store on When controlling multiple VIRB devices with ANT+ wireless
your mobile device. technology, you must choose a main VIRB device. This device
2 On your VIRB device, hold MENU, and select Wi-Fi > Status controls all of your other VIRB devices.
to turn on Wi‑Fi wireless technology. When you use a remote control device with multiple VIRB
3 On your mobile device, start the Garmin VIRB app. devices, the remote control device controls only the main VIRB
device. The main VIRB device passes commands received from
4 Follow the on-screen instructions. the remote control device to the other VIRB devices.
Wi‑Fi Modes 1 On all of your VIRB devices, hold MENU, and select Remote
Hold MENU, and select Wi-Fi. > On.
Multi-Cam: Enables you to create or join a wireless network for 2 On your main VIRB device, select VIRB Type > Main VIRB.
multiple cameras. 3 On each of your other VIRB devices, select VIRB Type >
Mobile App: Enables you to operate the device using your Extended VIRB.
mobile device. The recording switch on your main VIRB device starts and
Join: Enables you to connect to a wireless network. stops recording video on all of your VIRB devices. Selecting
the key on your main VIRB device takes a photo from all
Wireless Settings of your VIRB devices.
You can change the wireless host settings for your device.
4 On the remote control accessory, follow the pairing
Hold MENU, and select Wi-Fi > Edit. instructions in the accessory manual.
SSID: Sets the SSID, which identifies your VIRB device on other
devices.
Password: Sets the password used to connect to your VIRB
device.

Applications 7
 Device Information Day. Saving: Indicates whether daylight saving time is observed
in your region. The Automatic option sets daylight saving
automatically based on your GPS position.
System Settings
NOTICE Erasing Your Memory Card
To prevent damage to the device in wet conditions, you must NOTICE
disable the external microphone setting when the device is not
connected to a USB cable. Erased data cannot be restored.

Hold MENU, and select System. You can erase all photos, videos, and other data on the memory
card installed in your device.
GPS: Enables the device to receive GPS satellite signals.
1 Hold MENU.
NOTE: The GPS setting must be set to On to enable Auto
Record. 2 Select Card > Erase.
NOTE: Your device records GPS position data at all times
when GPS is on. This data is not collected by Garmin. Device Care
NOTICE
Orientation: Sets the camera to capture correctly oriented video
and photos with the screen facing up or down (Inverting the Avoid chemical cleaners, solvents, and insect repellents that can
Camera Orientation, page 8). damage plastic components and finishes.
Microphone: Enables the internal or external microphone. Do not store the device where prolonged exposure to extreme
temperatures can occur, because it can cause permanent
TIP: If wind noise is an issue when recording video, you can damage.
select Off to record video without audio.
Record Light: Turns the recording light on or off. Cleaning the Device
Tones: Turns audible tones on or off. NOTICE
Time/Date: Sets the time and date formats. Do not use a dry cloth to clean the lens. Use of a dry cloth may
damage the fog-resistant coating on the lens.
Units: Sets the units of measure.
Language: Sets the on-screen text language. 1 Wipe the outer casing of the device with a soft, non-scratch
cloth dampened with water or alcohol.
Format: Sets the video standard (Setting the Video Format,
page 4). 2 Open the front cover, and wipe the lens and lens cover with a
soft, non-scratch cloth dampened with water or alcohol.
Auto Off: Turns off the device automatically when the device
NOTE: Do not damage or lose the O-ring gasket.
has not been used for five minutes.
Reset Settings: Restores the default device settings. 3 Wipe the device dry.
About: Displays important software information and your unit ID.
Connecting the Device to Your Computer
Inverting the Camera Orientation Before you can connect the device to your computer, you may
You can change the camera orientation of your device to easily need to remove optional mount accessories.
access the keys during an activity. Some mounting 1 Plug the USB cable into a USB port on your computer.
configurations require you to change the camera orientation. For
example, if using a chest mount while cycling, you can mount
2 Align the charger posts with the contacts on the side of the
device, and press the charger À until it clicks.
the camera upside down and tilt it upward to compensate for
forward lean.
1 Hold MENU.
2 Select System > Orientation.
3 Select an option:
• To automatically adjust the camera orientation, select
Auto.
NOTE: After recording starts, the camera orientation is set
and cannot be automatically adjusted.
• To manually adjust the camera orientation with the screen
facing upward, select This Side Up. Your device and memory card appear as removable drives in
My Computer on Windows computers and as mounted
• To manually adjust the camera orientation with the screen volumes on Mac computers.
facing downward, select This Side Dn.
File Types
Time and Date Settings
The device supports these file types.
Hold MENU, and select System > Time/Date.
• .jpeg photo files.
Time Format: Sets the device to show time in a 12-hour or a
24-hour format. • .mp4 video files.
Date Format: Sets the device to show dates in a MM/DD/YY or • .fit files.
a DD/MM/YY format.
Time: Sets the time manually or automatically based on your Specifications
GPS position. Battery type Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Time Zone: Sets the time zone for the device. When you set the Battery life Up to 2 hr.
time automatically, the time zone is set based on your GPS Operating temperature From -10º to 45ºC (from 14º to 113ºF)
position. range (Battery)

8 Device Information
Operating temperature From -20º to 45ºC (from -4º to 113ºF) Getting More Information
range (External Power)
You can find more information about this product on the Garmin
Charging temperature From 0º to 45°C (from 32º to 113°F) website.
range
• Go to www.garmin.com/outdoor.
Storage temperature From -40º to 85ºC (from -40º to 185ºF)
range • Go to http://buy.garmin.com, or contact your Garmin dealer
Radio frequency/ 2.4 GHz ANT+ wireless communications
for information about optional accessories and replacement
protocol protocol parts.
Wi‑Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n at 2.4 GHz
2.4 GHz Bluetooth 4.0
Waterproof 50 m
Appendix
Software License Agreement
Troubleshooting BY USING THE DEVICE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE
My device does not turn on LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT
CAREFULLY.
• Verify the battery is installed correctly (Installing the Battery,
page 1). Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries (“Garmin”) grant you a limited
license to use the software embedded in this device (the
• Fully charge the battery (Charging the Battery, page 1).
“Software”) in binary executable form in the normal operation of
the product. Title, ownership rights, and intellectual property
My device display is hard to see rights in and to the Software remain in Garmin and/or its third-
The device has a reflective display that maximizes battery life party providers.
and is readable in direct sunlight. The display does not have a You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin
backlight and requires ambient light for visibility. If the display and/or its third-party providers and is protected under the United
looks dark or hard to see, you should increase the ambient light States of America copyright laws and international copyright
or go to a brighter area. treaties. You further acknowledge that the structure,
organization, and code of the Software, for which source code is
Some data is missing from G-Metrix not provided, are valuable trade secrets of Garmin and/or its
Some G-Metrix data requires you to enable or pair sensors. third-party providers and that the Software in source code form
• Enable GPS (System Settings, page 8), and go to an area remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin and/or its third-party
with a clear view of the sky. providers. You agree not to decompile, disassemble, modify,
reverse assemble, reverse engineer, or reduce to human
Location, speed, distance, and altitude data require a GPS readable form the Software or any part thereof or create any
signal. derivative works based on the Software. You agree not to export
• Connect additional ANT+ sensors (Pairing Your ANT+ or re-export the Software to any country in violation of the export
Sensors, page 6). control laws of the United States of America or the export control
Some data is available only when a compatible ANT+ sensor laws of any other applicable country.
is connected.
Symbol Definitions
My video recordings do not look smooth These symbols may appear on the device or accessory labels.
• If video recordings appear shaky, hold MENU, and select WEEE disposal and recycling symbol. The WEEE symbol is
Video > Stabilizer to enable image stabilization. attached to the product in compliance with the EU directive
• If video recordings stutter or skip frames, install a Class 10 or 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
better microSD memory card (Installing a Memory Card, (WEEE). It is intended to deter the improper disposal of this
page 1). product and to promote reuse and recycling.

The device requires a Class 10 or better memory card to

record smooth high-definition video.

My device turns off when I stop recording

video
If you turn on the device by moving the recording switch forward,
the device turns off when you move the recording switch
backward. This allows you to maximize battery life by turning off
the device when it is not recording (Turning the Device On and
Off Using the Recording Switch, page 2).

Extending the Battery Life

• Disable Wi‑Fi.
• Enable Auto Off in the system settings (System Settings,
page 8).
• Turn the device on and off using the recording switch
(Turning the Device On and Off Using the Recording Switch,
page 2).
• Use automatic recording (Video Settings, page 3).
• Disable ANT+ and Wi‑Fi Remote Wake Up when not in use.

Troubleshooting 9
 Index storing data 8
system settings 8
A T
accessories 6, 9 temperature 6, 8
ANT+ sensors 2, 3, 6 time
forgetting 6 settings 8
pairing 6 zones and formats 8
tones 8
B tracks 6, 7
battery 8 transferring, files 8
charging 1, 2 troubleshooting 9
installing 1
life 9 U
Bluetooth technology 3, 6, 7 unit ID 8
USB
C mass storage mode 8
cadence 6 transferring files 8
camera
field of view 4 V
orientation 8 video 6
self timer 5, 6 editing 7
settings 2, 5 loop 5
charging 1, 2 output 5
cleaning the device 8 recording 2–5
computer, connecting 8 settings 2–4
time lapse 4
D
data, transferring 8 W
deleting, all user data 8 water rating 8
Wi-Fi, connecting 7
E Wi‑Fi 2, 3, 7
elevation 6
F
files, transferring 8
G
GPS 3, 6
settings 2, 8
signal 3
H
heart rate 3, 6
I
icons 3
K
keys 2
L
language 8
M
memory card 1
microphone, connecting 5, 6
microSD card. See memory card
mounting the device 2
mounts, optional 2
P
pairing 3
ANT+ sensors 6
photos
settings 5
taking 5
power (force) 3, 6
power key 2
R
remote control 7
S
satellite signals 3
settings 8
software
updating 7
version 8
software license agreement 9
specifications 8
speed 6
speed and cadence sensors 3

10 Index
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