Activities are standard FIT files you can copy over USB. Gadgetbridge supports the fēnix 8 without Garmin Connect. The official Health/Activity APIs need business approval. Garmin Connect+ is optional.
⭐ Flagship deep dive
Your files live on the watch, and the cloud is optional.
🔌 Official API
- Garmin Connect Developer Program (Health API, Activity API): business/partner approval only. Individuals can't self-register for their own data.
- Approved apps such as Strava and TrainingPeaks get your data via Connected Apps in Garmin Connect.
📦 Export
- Plug in over USB (MTP): activities are .FIT files under GARMIN/Activity, an open, documented format with a public SDK.
- connect.garmin.com → Activity → Export Original (FIT), or export as TCX/GPX.
- Account Settings → Account Management → Export Your Data emails you a ZIP of your full history (FIT, health JSON, etc.), usually within a few days.
🏠 Home Assistant
- No official integration.
- The community HACS "Garmin Connect" integration (cyberjunky) logs into Garmin Connect and exposes steps, HR, sleep, Body Battery and more as sensors. It is unofficial and can break when Garmin changes its login.
- Alternative: pair the watch with Gadgetbridge and forward data from there. This avoids the cloud entirely.
💳 Subscription
- Not required. Garmin says all existing Connect features and data remain free.
- Garmin Connect+ ($6.99/month or $69.99/year, 30-day trial) adds AI insights and extras only.
🔒 Privacy notes
- You can use the watch fully with Gadgetbridge and never create a Garmin account. Some features, such as weather and some setup steps, may be limited.
- If you use Garmin Connect, review its privacy settings and do a bulk export before deleting your account (deletion is permanent).
Score breakdown
Official APIPartner/business only · 10/25
Data exportLocal raw files · 25/25
Gadgetbridge / open firmwareSupported · 20/20
Home AssistantCommunity (HACS) · 8/15
SubscriptionNot needed · 15/15
Quick answers
Does the Garmin fēnix 8 have an API?
How to export your Garmin fēnix 8 data
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Sources
- Gadgetbridge: Garmin
- Garmin Connect Developer Program
- Community HA integration
- Garmin Connect+ announcement (pricing, "existing features remain free")
- FIT SDK (open file format)
- Garmin Connect privacy
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📬 The Data Ownership Digest
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