Varia™ Customer Service

Varia™ Positive Reviews

Good appApp is very good for detecting vehicles, but the alerts could use improvement. Phone vibration alerts aren’t useful when the phone is mounted to my bike. Even the sound alert doesn’t work great in louder areas or in higher winds. It would be better if my watch vibrated or if the sound alert would go through earbuds to better hear it..El’woodVersion: 3.0.1

Love itI got this for Father’s Day but I downloaded the app a long time ago waiting for someone to get the hint. It works exactly as advertised. I can put it in my under seat pouch and still hear it easily and I can’t hear very well. Only a couple of things could be improved. One of them is the distance it picks up a car which is 153 yards. Sounds pretty far but when that car is coming 75 or 80 mph it’s just a few seconds before he is on top of you. Another 50 yards would be perfect. The other thing is when the alarm goes off there could be 3 or 4 cars coming with only one signal, which is fine but you better look at your monitor before you dart back in traffic lane. Anyway the fact is I love it. Wish I had one a year ago. I’m 75 years old and do all my riding on highways and my neck won’t turn enough to see behind me. I stare into my mirror constantly which makes my neck worse. Now I just check my mirror when the alert goes off..ExshrimperVersion: 1.6.0

Won't ride without itMy hearing is poor and trying to monitor oncoming traffic is hit or miss. I've found that the radar picks up vehicles before I would have seen them because you can't ride staring at your mirror. I use the Varia w the phone app and with Trekz bone conduction headphones. With my poor hearing I might not pick up on the phone signal otherwise. The Trekz 'phones do not block my ear canal. Yes I sometimes listen to media while riding, but the audio ring overrides and there on my Wahoo head unit is a graphic showing the relative position(s) of oncoming vehicles. Seeing that there is more than one car approaching is huge..Stairsguy2Version: 1.7.0

Car Back!I ride alone on back country roads with no shoulders. Love this app and the Garmin Varia 515. With phone in back pocket and phone volume at loud I hear all the cars approaching from behind and have sufficient time to find my path along the white line. I don’t have any visual setup and the way app calls out car back sound, all clear sound, and high speed car approaching sound. I just wish I could train drivers to slow down when passing, swing wide around me, don’t pass me when oncoming cars are approaching from other direction. But alas, some people are just centered idiots!.Lone crowVersion: 1.7.0

Elegant and UsefulI’ve used the app with the Varia back lamp 6 or 7 times and it works great. The screen seems to have everything I need to know when cars are coming and generally how quickly. I’ve adjusted the volume a few times and 80% seems to work well for hearing the warning but not being annoying. I use voice commands to switch between this and my Wahoo app to track my speed, etc. while in Wahoo I still get the audible warnings of approaching traffic..Bless'dVersion: 2.0.3

Latest update removed cyclist trackingI have been using Varia for close to eight months, and up to the latest update I was very pleased with the app and the Garmin radar device. Reason for only giving it three stars is that with the latest update they no longer give you the option of tracking other cyclists. So when my spouse falls behind, I have to constantly check my six rather than having the app/radar do the job for me. Previous version had that option, a feature that allowed the users to remain better aware of their surroundings. Please fix this..Mr RainmakerVersion: 2.0.3

Inconsistent and Undifferentiated ChimesThe audio component of the app is a nice complement to the single chime alert of the Varia RTL515 from the Garmin itself. However, the app’s “car approaching” double chime is identical to its “all clear” double chime. Though there also is a different, lower pitch “all clear” chime it doesn’t always chime. Moreover, the “all clear” double chime doesn’t always chime, either. This means I consistently have to look at the Garmin itself to determine whether or not the road actually is clear. A couple of simple programming modifications could easily make this a 5-star app..TucsonJHVersion: 2.0.2

Nice upgradeHaving been hit by a car in 2018, I was all over the RTL510, combined with the Cycliq cameras. Although it made my seat post busy looking, and heavier. When Garmin came out with the 715, I immediately bought it. Love it! Battery last a long time and the app works great! I have it set up to record only when the radar detects an approaching vehicle. Worth every penny!.TurbocarrVersion: 2.0.3

Like a pair of eyes on your sixLove the Varia. Not just useful to know when and how fast a car is approaching but also those cyclists coming up fast behind you. WISH it had a watch app to tap your wrist with haptic feedback. Sound alerts become annoying quickly and I’m not constantly gazing at my computer..PkfellowVersion: 2.0.2

Camera radarLove the automatic on and off feature. A little quirky but works close to 100% of the time. The “take a clip” and “photo” feature is awesome. The Varia app software is steadily improving which is good to see. I’d say the unit & software is a 4.75 at this point. Garmin support is a big 10+. So overall I give it a 5+ rating..Tommy on MVVersion: 3.0.1

Nice app, simple but…It would be great if it had Apple Watch support. At least send the alerts to the watch. The haptic tap on the wrist would suffice. Instead I am now searching for bone conduction headphones so I can hear the tones and still hear what’s going on around me - you should never wear headphones while riding…..BikerJkbVersion: 1.7.1

Very pleased!We bought the RTL510 and learned that this app would not work with the 510. I was able to return the 510 and replaced it with the RTL515. We ride a tandem bicycle and the nice loud alert that the app emits draws our attention to the fact that we have a vehicle or vehicles approaching from the rear. The app works great with the RTL515. It connected immediately with no hassle..3DubTVersion: 1.0.1

Excellent AppNice and simple app that works seamlessly with the RTL515. Loud, clear alerts when traffic is behind and after it passes and all is clear. I like that it also displays battery life of the radar light (but wish it showed percentage instead of just battery icon)..TapperkatVersion: 1.7.0

Easier Way To Mute AlertsOften where I ride, I bounce between bike lanes on the road and bike paths that run along the road and it would be great to be able to have a single tap MUTE to silence all the alerts of approaching traffic when I’m not actually on the road. It’s currently a bit tedious/dangerous to navigate into the settings menu to turn them off while riding..NellatrucVersion: 2.0.2

Missing a Key FeatureI love this device, but if it worked with Apple Watch / Smart watch, that would be even better. I don’t always carry my iPhone with me when I cycle, but I always have my Apple Watch.ProfessorLazVersion: 2.2.1

Please show rider Speed/Distance statsIt would be really nice if this app could show speed distance, etc. It’s pretty obvious that Garmin is trying to push me to buy a separate cycling computer, but a lot of people want to ride with their phones for connectivity… until then 3 stars. Great hardware, mediocre app..SloPro FrustratingVersion: 3.1.0

Wish the app does more for RTL515This app is pretty basic for the Varia RTL515, it does NOT tell you which mode the light is in (solid, peloton, daylight flash, night time flash mode or stand by mode)..Disapointed also123Version: 2.0.1

Must use in the streetsI love my Varia. Not only is it a great rear light but the radar is awesome. The Varia ap works great but i also pair it with my Edge and it alerts me and shows me how far the cars are. This is great for any road riding but specially in cities..Frankie4260Version: 3.0.1

Great for the most partI love the Varia and would not ride without it. But the app is causing screen burn in on my iPhone 12 mini. The white lines remain visible on my screen even with the brightness turned down for the ride. Maybe a gray color would help alleviate the problem..Hefro38Version: 1.7.0

R315 Works as expectedPairs easily with my iPhone. The haptic feed back is not noticeable unfortunately with my handle bar mount. I IF it could be paired with an Apple Watch it would be even better!! Hopefully that is coming soon Garmin. Definitely provides peace of mind while riding..Union Jack NWVersion: 2.1.0

Need more sound options!It’s way too quiet, even at max volume. Why not let us set to an arbitrary ringtone? Also Apple Watch haptics could be beneficial..SlartibarphastVersion: 2.2.1

Love itI don’t know why I waited so long to get this great device.Dothat15Version: 2.2.1

Essential device but lacking 1 thingNeeds to link to Apple Watch so I can use my BT headphones without taking my phone. My watch and Wahoo Bolt are all I need..Maher2112Version: 2.0.2

Screen burn inThe app is phenomenal it works as it is supposed to. I used it for one day on my phone and I know I have an image burned into my screen..CabooseRvsBVersion: 3.0.1

Game changerFor those that have trouble hearing!.Chilly CyclistVersion: 1.7.0

Love my rear radarThanks garmin. I love this thing!.DwightMarshallVersion: 1.6.0

Best rear light ever99.5% accurate 👍🏼👍🏼.Vze3jnv2Version: 3.1.0

Simple to use and works flawlesslyI’ve been riding with the Varia RTL515 for a couple of weeks now and I’m amazed at how easy to use and how reliable it is.This device has proven helpful to me in navigating urban traffic on my daily commute. I ride with a mirror attached to my helmet so I can see what’s behind me but it’s possible to miss a car behind me since my primary focus is on what’s ahead. The Varia RTL515 covers the gap in concentration and watches my back. It has an amazing range, picking up cars 100 yards back, and provides good visual and auditory cues when paired with the iPhone app. I have yet to discern a false positive or missed car..EhcorhVersion: 1.6.0

If you have multiple Varia you are out of luck!I have multiple bikes with different Varia radars in them. The App does not allow you to connect to other Varias without unpairing the one you aren’t connected to first. Garmin should refactor the code to handle multiple paired Varias, that would up the app to 5 stars in my opinion. It is a pretty annoying flaw to have to remove a Varia and go into pairing mode every time I ride a different bike with someone else’s Varia. Make it like multiple bluetooth headphones paired to your phone and only connect to the powered device, or use NFC to connect to the active device..Soaringphotos44Version: 3.1.0

AmazingRide quality and peace of mind much improved. Thank you Garmin!.Das_JVersion: 3.1.0

Peace of mindI’ve just begun using Varia radar / taillight . A few close calls prompted my decision to purchase. This product is as advertised and near flawless. I’m now aware of approaching cars , the number of , their approach time and when it is clear . Very pleased with this purchase. Highly recommend..MikeNiagaraVersion: 2.2.1

515 owner.I like the device and app works as advertised. I would love to control the light via the app or have the light off while radar is on or vice versa..KekafuchVersion: 2.2.0

J’adorePermet de rouler en restant plus vigilant sur la route devant nous. C’est un accessoire qui amène un plus grand plaisir à pédaler et avec une facilité d’utilisation et puis précision radar déconcertante. Tout comme mon casque, je ne sortirai jamais sans mon Varia RTL 150..BeaudrypVersion: 1.7.1

Too QuietThe warning sounds are too quiet on my iPhone 6S. I don’t hear them when riding. I do hear them when stopped at the roadside when there is no wind noise. But they are still quiet, and my phone speaker volume is turned up to max. Garmin should allow you to use alert tones from your device. I have a number available that are much much louder than the one supplied with the app..Mikegoodwin.caVersion: 2.0.3

Bon produitExcellent produit, je l’ai jumelé avec mon iPhone et une montre Fenix 5X Plus et tout fonctionne très bien sans problème. Facile d’installation et très facile a utiliser. Bravo pour ce produit. Good job!.Le bricoleurVersion: 1.6.0

Works wellMy only issue is it hasn’t charged properly on two occasions. This has been frustrating as I subsequently went on linnet rides and it died. If this was consistent I would have no issues..Soul-fullyVersion: 1.7.0

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Varia™ Negative Reviews

Sounds were mixed up in latest versionWith the latest update, the “all clear” sound is now the same double chime tones as the “new car detected”. There is no longer a difference between the sounds so it constantly sounds like there are new threats immediately detected after a tracked car passes. These sounds need to be different again so we can differentiate between “threat detected” and “threat clear” without looking down at the computer..Chad!!!!!!Version: 2.0.1

Video playback and streaming is faultyDownloading videos is nearly impossible using the app. Videos don’t load and they do not download. Connecting to the wifi network is also buggy. The radar function works..Cycling6434Version: 2.2.0

Great device mediocre appConstant problem pairing my RCT715 with iPhone 14 Pro via Bluetooth. NEVER got the camera setup working over WiFi. Access to the footages via this app is a joke. Come on, Garmin. You can do much better than this!.MadMac88Version: 3.0.0

Can’t Edit Light SettingsI’m disappointed that I can’t change the light mode on my Varia device via the app. It looks like it’s possible via one of the Edge computers but I don’t own one of those devices..Dberg0510Version: 1.0.1

MehI guess it’s cool if you don’t have a garmin computer to connect it with. Otherwise if you do, this app is pointless..Racollins3Version: 1.7.1

IOS 14?Used to be great. Now nothing can form a network and this app just errors out now. So much for the “upgrade “. This app is now useless to me. 😩😩.DroopydaveVersion: 1.0.1

Burned iPhone screenThis burned a road pattern into my phones screen!.GgcadcVersion: 1.6.0

Last Update Broke AppThe last update broke the iphone app Making it unreliable and untrustworthy. Too bad because the previous release was flawless it seems like they changed it for "legal" disclaimers. It is now laggy, buggy and false positive. Still works well with the Garmin devices for now. Someone @Garmin pls relay this post to that team I can provide feedback and screen shots.TherealtslugVersion: 2.1.0

Doesn't work with light offIf you're running low on power and want to just use the radar function of your Varia light, the app disconnects from the Bluetooth pairing and is useless. It really should connect to the radar network not the light network. Would be a good app if that was fixed.GoRixterVersion: 3.1.0

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