Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This chapter summarizes the most common issues and solutions for GarSync 2.0.

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.
• If you registered via email on garmin.com, you belong to Garmin Global.
• Note: Data is not shared between these regions. Choosing the wrong icon will result in successful logins 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. This is the most common case.
• Reason 2: Storage permission is not enabled in your privacy settings. After registering a Garmin account, you still need to log into the Garmin website via a web browser, navigate to Settings - Privacy Settings - Data, and authorize "Allow Device Upload" or "Allow storage and upload". Just creating the account isn't enough.

Q: My Strava authorization expires after a few hours. Why?

A: You likely didn't check the "Access your data at any time" box during the OAuth process.

• Solution: Remove the Strava account in GarSync and add it again. Ensure you check all permission boxes on the redirected web page.

2. Syncing Data

Q: Will syncing cause duplicate activities?

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

Q: How do I sync old activities?

A: When creating a sync task, check the "Sync History" option. You can also perform a "Full Refresh" in the Account Management page for a specific account to force-scan all historical records. However, it is strictly forbidden to do this frequently to avoid putting excessive access pressure on the platform, which may lead to account restrictions.

Q: Do you support Huawei Health?

A: Currently, direct synchronization with Huawei accounts is not supported because Huawei has not approved our request for write permissions. We only support importing offline data packages from Huawei.

If you want to export all your activity records (such as detailed running or cycling data) for backup or migration to other platforms, the process is slightly complex but entirely feasible.

• Official Export: This is the most direct method.
  • Open your mobile browser and visit the Huawei Privacy Center website (privacy.consumer.huawei.com/tool).
  • Log in to your Huawei account and click "Request your data".
  • Select "Huawei Health" and submit your request. Once approved, you will receive an email containing a link to download your data package.
  • The downloaded data is a compressed package. Upon extraction, it contains the raw data files of all your activities (usually in .json format).
  • After exporting, you can use the Import Data feature of GarSync to directly import the downloaded .zip file.
• Export Age Limit: Please note that the official export may default to only providing data from the past year. If you need to export older historical data (such as 3-5 years), you can request an extension to the export limit by doing the following:
  • When submitting the request on the Privacy Center website, describe your needs in detail in the problem description text box.
  • Alternatively, call the Huawei customer service hotline directly, ask for an agent, explain your situation, and ask technical support to assist in extending the export limit. This process may require waiting a week or more.

Q: What should I do if a sports platform temporarily does not support data export?

A: We understand your frustration when trying to organize your personal activity data.
As a third-party tool, we always respect the terms of service of various platforms and encourage users to resolve issues through friendly communication.

Here are some suggestions for your reference:

• Contact Customer Support: You can politely ask their customer service if they provide a data export feature, or request manual assistance for exporting. Most platforms take reasonable user requests seriously.
• Check the Help Center: Some platforms already have data export options built into their settings. We recommend searching for relevant guidelines first.

If you'd like to understand the legal background of your rights, the following information might be helpful:

• Domestic Regulations (China): Article 45 of the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) clearly defines the user's "Right to Data Portability", meaning you have the right to request the transfer of your personal information to another designated party, and platforms should provide appropriate avenues when corresponding conditions are met.
• European Regulations: If the platform operates in the EU, Article 20 of the GDPR also grants you the right to data portability. In addition, the Data Act, which will take effect in September 2025, further requires smart device manufacturers (including fitness devices) to guarantee users the right to access and transfer their data.

We believe that based on mutual respect, platforms will continue to optimize the user experience.

As a third-party tool, we will stay committed to providing you with secure and convenient data management services.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.

3. Connectivity & Compatibility

Q: Why do I get a "500 Internal Server Error"?

A: This usually indicates temporary instability on the target platform's server. Try tapping "Retry" on the task card. If it persists, the platform's API might have changed — please wait for an app update.

Q: I can't connect to my NAS. What should I check?

A: Please ensure:

1. Your phone is on the same network as the NAS, or you have configured external access (DDNS/VPN).
2. SMB v2/v3 is enabled on your NAS (GarSync does not support the insecure SMB v1).
3. Your firewall allows traffic on port 445.

4. Privacy & Security

Q: Does GarSync store my activity data?

A: GarSync follows a "Data Sovereignty" philosophy.

• Your raw files and GPS tracks are stored only on your local device and your private NAS.
• Our servers only store minimal metadata (time, type) to keep sync states consistent across your devices.
• For AI coaching, data is transmitted anonymously via encryption and is not used for model training.