Before you start
Install the free BreakOff app from Connect IQ. Use its Compatible Devices list to check your exact watch. For the iPhone workflow, update BreakOff to V2 and have Logbook or Pro access. Pro unlocks full analysis after import.
1. Record on your Garmin
Open BreakOff before boarding.
Charge the watch, allow the required sensors and location access, and prepare the session while you are on the ground. Keep your certified instruments and normal procedures.
Confirm the ground reference.
Press START. At ON GROUND?, press START only while actually on the ground. Allow the pressure reference to settle and look for FEET AGL / PRESSURE READY. Do not establish a new ground reference in the aircraft.
Let the watch record.
The recorder follows climb, freefall, opening, canopy and landing when supported pressure evidence is available. Record-only mode, reached through DOWN → RECORD ONLY?, retains a FIT without claiming ground-relative altitude or automatic jump phases.
Save after landing.
Retain the activity. If a recording needs to be ended manually, do it once safely on the ground: START opens the end confirmation, another START saves, and BACK keeps recording. Keep incomplete recordings for review instead of discarding real-jump evidence.
2. Export the original FIT
Sync the saved activity to Garmin Connect.
Wait until the activity appears in your Garmin Connect account. Keep the original on the watch until you have confirmed that it is available.
Open Garmin Connect in a web browser.
Sign in, open Activities → All Activities, and select the activity. Use the activity’s settings gear and choose Export File (also called Export Original in some layouts).
Save it in Files on iPhone.
The export should retain the original .fit format. If Garmin gives you a ZIP, tap it in Files to unzip it first. If you export on a computer, transfer the original FIT to an accessible Files folder on your iPhone.
Garmin’s menu wording can change. Official Garmin export instructions ↗
3. Import up to six files
Open the import route.
In BreakOff on iPhone, open Logbook → + → Import Garmin FIT.
Select your FIT activities.
Choose up to six FIT files together from Files. Split a larger jump day into multiple batches.
Wait for intake.
BreakOff copies the original files and prepares the batch. Copying a file does not create a logbook jump. A file needing attention does not stop eligible files in the rest of the batch.
4. Review, then save
Check the source and jump details.
In FIT Batch Review, check dates, recorded time, completeness and status. Select the entries you want to review.
Apply common details deliberately.
Set common gear and dropzone details if appropriate, then check each individual override. Pro can use owned Gear inventory; Logbook uses unlinked gear metadata without changing owned component counters.
Review the selected files.
Tap Review Selected. Resolve individual messages and approve eligible entries. Duplicates and uncertain matches need their own review.
Confirm the save.
Tap Save Selected, review the confirmation and choose Save … Selected Jumps. BreakOff saves in recording-time order with fresh duplicate and gear checks.
Verify the logbook.
Open the saved jumps and check their summary, date and source. With Pro, open Jump Analysis to explore the supported data. Keep the original FIT until these checks are complete.
Duplicates and dual-watch jumps
If you recorded the same skydive with Apple Watch and Garmin, do not create another jump simply to see both recordings. Open Full Individual Review and inspect the proposed match or link decision. Follow the explicit decision shown by the app.
A repeated file, a likely same-jump match and an incomplete recording are different states. None should silently replace an existing recording. If a link is pending, use Finish Link Verification and check the result before trying another import.
Resume an interrupted import
Open Recording Inbox → FIT Batch Review to return to the batch. Accepted original files and review decisions remain available on that iPhone. Follow the current status rather than importing another copy by default.
Original retained — preparation pending
Use Try Preparing Again when offered. Use Export Original to keep a separate copy.
Needs attention
Open the individual review and read the specific reason. Do not rename or convert the file to bypass validation.
Recovery evidence is offered
Use Export Recovery Evidence and retain the exported folder privately. It is recovery material, not a verified logbook import.
Troubleshooting
My file is not selectable.
Unzip it in Files and select the .fit inside. A ZIP or GPX/TCX export is not the original activity FIT.
I cannot find the export button.
Use Garmin Connect’s website rather than assuming the mobile app has the same controls. Open the activity, then its settings gear. Check Garmin’s official instructions above for the current layout.
Import asks me to upgrade.
The Garmin recorder is free. Reviewing and saving FIT imports in the iPhone logbook requires Logbook or Pro. Pro is needed for full analysis and 3D replay.
There is no heart-rate curve or 3D replay.
Those views require retained timestamped heart rate or usable GPS evidence. Permissions, device and recording coverage affect availability. A summary-only value cannot become a timeline.
A file is incomplete or not a jump.
Keep it and read the attention state. BreakOff does not save every activity as a valid jump. Export the original before any cleanup and contact support with the exact status.
Will Garmin Connect send it automatically next time?
No. Export and import is manual in V2. Installing the watch app does not enable automatic transfer into BreakOff.
Still need a hand?
Include your app version, device model and the exact message or step where you got stuck.
Contact BreakOff