# Five Essential Hacks for Garmin Forerunner 165 Users Unlock hidden features to maximize your training with this smartwatch. - **Source:** [Lifehacker](https://brifing.si/source/f1400ced-a26b-4e58-a567-6187eca3708d) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f5ff7149-a968-449f-8319-aa36700e92ed ## Introduction The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers core running features like GPS, heart rate, and sleep tracking as a mid-range sports watch. Yet many users underutilize its capabilities. Here are five practical tips to help you get more from your device. ## Flashlight Mode for Night Runs While lacking a dedicated LED, the Forerunner 165 can turn its AMOLED display fully white as a flashlight. Add this to your Controls menu and use the DOWN button to switch to red light mode, which is gentler on eyes during nighttime workouts. ## Customized Control Menu Though the 165 lacks hardware shortcuts, you can optimize the Controls menu by prioritizing frequently used functions (music controls, DND mode) at the top. This creates one-swipe access to essential features during runs. ## Map-Free Navigation Workaround The 165 doesn't have full mapping, but it displays breadcrumb trails for routes imported from Garmin Connect. This lets you follow pre-planned courses visually, even without street maps - just follow the dotted line of your route. ## Tailored Activity Profiles Instead of modifying the default Run profile, create specialized ones for different workout types. Set up distinct profiles for tempo runs and interval training with customized data screens, alerts, and auto-lap settings for each discipline. ## Strava Sync Pro Tip Avoid Garmin-Strava sync issues by waiting 2-3 minutes after workouts before uploading. This allows Garmin Connect to complete GPS smoothing and segment matching. Premature syncing can cause erratic pace data and missed segment credits. ## Sources covering this story - https://lifehacker.com/health/best-garmin-forerunner-165-hacks?utm_medium=RSS — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._