Garmin R50 Disconnecting

Garmin R50 Disconnecting

Symptoms:

  1. Garmin R50 disconnects during play
  2. Unable to complete a round of golf before Garmin R50 loses connection.
The Garmin Approach R50 is unique because, unlike the R10, it creates its own Wi-Fi Hotspot to communicate with E6 Connect.
Frequent disconnections are typically caused by your computer or iPad "fighting" for a different internet connection or security settings blocking the hotspot.
Here are some troubleshooting steps to stabilize your R50 connection:
1. Disable "Auto-Join" on Other Networks
This is the most common cause of drops. Your PC or iPad may see the R50 hotspot (which has no internet) and try to switch back to your home Wi-Fi automatically.
  • On Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks. Select your home Wi-Fi and uncheck "Connect automatically when in range."
  • On iOS: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to your home network, and toggle Auto-Join to OFF.
  • The Goal: Ensure your device only connects to the ApproachR50 hotspot during your session.
2. Verify "Connect" Mode on the R50
The R50 only broadcasts its signal when it is specifically told to.
  1. On the R50 touchscreen, scroll to the farthest right tile and select Connect.
  2. Select E6 CONNECT.
  3. The device will now display the Hotspot Name and Password.
  4. Only after the R50 shows this screen should you attempt to connect your PC/iPad to the R50 Wi-Fi.
3. Install Bonjour (Windows PC Users)
The R50 relies on Apple Bonjour
service to "discover" the software over the network.
  • If this is a new setup or a new PC, E6 Connect should have prompted you to install it.
  • If you skipped it or it’s missing, you can download the Bonjour Print Services for Windows directly from Apple or the Trugolf support site.
    Without this, the connection will be unstable or won't "auto-connect."
4. Adjust Windows Network Profile
If you are on a PC, Windows might be "protecting" you from the R50 hotspot.
  1. Connect to the ApproachR50 Wi-Fi.
  2. Click the Wi-Fi icon in your taskbar > Properties.
  3. Set the Network Profile to Public.
    • Note: While we usually use "Private" for the R10 bridge, Garmin specifically recommends "Public" for the R50 hotspot mode to bypass certain Windows discovery blocks.
5. Check for "Local Network" Permissions (iOS Users)
If your iPad is connected to the R50 Wi-Fi but the app says "No Ball Detected":
  1. Go to iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network.
  2. Ensure the toggle for E6 Connect is ON.
Pro Tip: Avoid "Settings" on the R50
Do not try to trigger the connection from the "Settings" menu on the R50. That screen is only for viewing info. You must use the Connect
tile on the main dashboard to put the unit into active broadcast mode.


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