# Varia™ > Cycling safety app with vehicle alerts and integrated camera features. (iPhone/iPad app by Garmin.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/varia/id1463175187 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) - Category: Health & Fitness, Sports - Price: Free - Rating: 4.40/5 from 307 App Store ratings · 162 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.1 · 160 MB - Languages: German (Germany), Danish, American English, Finnish, French (France), Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch and 9 more - Released: 2020-05-12 - Data updated: 2026-09-02 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/varia/id1463175187/reviews.md ## What is Varia™? When paired with a compatible Garmin Varia radar device¹, the Varia app has the tools you need to ride with confidence. Using the Varia app, you can: • Be alerted right on your phone when approaching vehicles are within 140 meters behind your bicycle. • View color-coded alerts based on surrounding traffic: Green means you’re all clear, yellow means a vehicle is approaching and red means a vehicle is coming at you quickly and you should take caution. • Receive tone and vibration alerts for approaching vehicles even when you’re not looking at your phone. With a compatible Garmin Varia Radar Camera Tail Light or Garmin Varia Vue Camera Headlight, you can: • Set the camera in the best position for capturing videos and photos. • Record videos or take photos and save them while riding with a simple button press on your phone. • Automatically record videos of incidents and save the video footage with the Incident Recording feature. With a Varia Vue Camera Headlight, you can: • Configure light mode configurations for your headlight. • Add an optional Vault subscription, which automatically backs up your Varia Vue videos and provides easy access in the Varia app for searching, filtering and sharing. By adding the Varia eRTL615 Radar Tail Light for eBikes, you can: • Configure and edit light mode configurations for your tail light. Easy to Use Pairing your Garmin Varia devices with the app is quick and easy. Once you set them up, the Varia app will automatically recognize your devices. Even if you already have a Varia device paired with a compatible Garmin device or head unit, the Varia app provides additional awareness and peace of mind while riding. ¹ Compatible devices are the Varia RearVue 820, Varia RVR315 Rearview Radar, Varia RTL515 Radar Tail Light, Varia RCT715 Radar Camera Tail Light, Varia eRTL615 Radar Tail Light for eBikes and Varia Vue Camera Headlight. ## Key features - Vehicle proximity alerts - Color-coded traffic indicators - Tone and vibration notifications - Video recording and photo capture - Automatic incident recording - Headlight and tail light configuration ## What do users think of Varia™? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🚀 Reliable and accurate radar detection - 👍 Provides peace of mind and safety awareness - 🚗 Alerts users to approaching vehicles - 🔔 Clear audio and visual alerts **Cons** - 🔇 Alert sounds could be louder - 🔋 High battery consumption on phone - 🐛 Occasional connectivity issues - 🔍 Limited functionality compared to Garmin bike computers **Commonly reported bugs** - Incompatibility with older Varia models - Screen burn-in issues on some phones - Unreliable video recording and playback **Most requested features** - Apple Watch integration for alerts - Customizable alert sounds - Ability to control Varia light settings from app - More detailed vehicle information (speed, distance, etc.) ## Recent user reviews (10 of 162) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/varia/id1463175187/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Varia radar *2026-07-24, version 5.1.2* So far it’s been super useful I’ve been on 3 long rides and it’s working perfectly ### 1/5 — Does not pair *2026-06-27, version 5.1.1* Disappointed. App will not pair to Varia. ### 3/5 — Good so far *2026-06-14, version 5.1.1* No complaints. Does what it should do. Will update review if thing go south ### 5/5 — Top *2026-06-13* Une fois habitué on ne peut plus s’en passer. Un vrai plus pour la sécurité 👍👍👍👍👍 ### 5/5 — It definitely works as advertised *2026-05-11* I only used it one time so far and it definitely works. I love that I can listen to my music and run a couple apps in the background. By running this app to let me know that cars are coming behind me by sound and visual. It definitely helps Keeping me safe . And I use an iPhone 14 Pro Max it works great and only took five minutes to set up. ### 5/5 — Please develop an Apple Watch version *2026-05-10, version 5.1.1* Please add the Apple Watch ### 3/5 — Ok but could be so much better *2026-05-10, version 5.1.1* Pairs and works with Varia well. But the display could be so much better utilised. Integrate with Apple workout cycling displays, or show additional information on the screen such as speed, would make this app so much better. ### 5/5 — Simple app that is easy to use *2026-04-11, version 5.1.1* Good app to simply sync the Varia and look out for cars, as well as device manuals. ### 3/5 — Problem mit Varia rearvue 820 *2026-03-25* Die Garmin Varia App ist aktuell extrem enttäuschend und macht das System rund um mein Varia RearVue 820 deutlich schlechter, als es sein sollte. Die Steuerung des Rücklichts funktioniert nicht mehr zuverlässig. Die Lichtmodi lassen sich nicht mehr anpassen, wodurch wichtige Einstellungsmöglichkeiten einfach fehlen. Gerade das war einer der größten Vorteile der App. Noch kritischer ist, dass Funktionen verschwinden: Die Option, dass das Radar bei erkannter Gefahr stärker bzw. auffälliger blinkt, ist einfach nicht mehr vorhanden. Dadurch geht ein wichtiger Sicherheitsaspekt verloren. So ist die App aktuell kaum noch sinnvoll nutzbar. Statt ein hilfreiches Steuer- und Sicherheits-Tool zu sein, schränkt sie die Funktionen des Varia RearVue 820 massiv ein. Hier muss dringend nachgebessert werden. ### 5/5 — Really pleased *2026-03-16* Probably like most who have broth a Varia .. I didn’t think I needed one especially at the price, but I needed a new light & I took the plunge & I must say I’m really happy with it, battery life could be better.. but I find now I don’t like riding without it. ## Frequently asked questions about Varia™ ### What does the Varia app do? The Varia app enhances cycling safety by alerting you to approaching vehicles behind your bicycle. It provides visual and auditory warnings, helping you stay aware of traffic. When paired with compatible Garmin Varia radar and camera devices, it also enables video recording and incident detection. ### What are the key features of the Varia app? Key features include real-time alerts for vehicles within 140 meters, color-coded traffic indicators (green, yellow, red), tone and vibration alerts, the ability to record videos and take photos, and automatic incident recording. It also allows configuration of compatible light modes. ### Is the Varia app free to use? Yes, the Varia app is free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned in the provided description. However, it requires a compatible Garmin Varia radar device to function. ### What devices are compatible with the Varia app? The app is compatible with several Garmin Varia devices, including the Varia RearVue 820, Varia RVR315 Rearview Radar, Varia RTL515 Radar Tail Light, Varia RCT715 Radar Camera Tail Light, Varia eRTL615 Radar Tail Light for eBikes, and Varia Vue Camera Headlight. ### How does the Varia app improve cycling safety? The app significantly improves cycling safety by providing advance warning of approaching vehicles, allowing cyclists to react accordingly. The color-coded alerts offer immediate context about traffic situations, and the recording features can capture important footage in case of incidents. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 5.1.3 — 2026-07-29 This version of the app features bug fixes and performance improvements to help you ride confidently with Varia. ### 5.1.2 — 2026-07-06 This version of the app features bug fixes and performance improvements to help you ride confidently with Varia. ### 5.1.1 — 2026-03-18 This version of the Varia app adds support for the Varia RearVue 820 Radar Tail Light, including the ability to view the size and position of approaching vehicles in the app. It also includes bug fixes and performance improvements to help you ride confidently with Varia. ### 5.1.0 — 2026-03-12 This version of the Varia app adds support for the Varia RearVue 820 Radar Tail Light, including the ability to view the size and position of approaching vehicles in the app. It also includes bug fixes and performance improvements to help you ride confidently with Varia. ### 5.0.1 — 2026-02-17 This version of the Varia app adds support for the Varia RearVue 820 Radar Tail Light, including the ability to view the size and position of approaching vehicles in the app. It also includes bug fixes and performance improvements to help you ride confidently with Varia. ## Apps similar to Varia™ | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Hammerhead Companion](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hammerhead-companion/id6476576279) | 2.0 (94) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [RockShox TrailHead](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rockshox-trailhead/id1441888438) | 3.9 (27) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [SRAM AXS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sram-axs/id1430049231) | 2.4 (416) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Cannondale](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cannondale/id1446758619) | 4.8 (1,877) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [LIVE Valve Bike - Gen 1](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/live-valve-bike-gen-1/id1512027467) | 4.0 (12) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Specialized](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/specialized/id1587051382) | 4.7 (10,679) | Free | Health & Fitness | ## More apps by Garmin - [Earthmate](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758) - [Garmin Audio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-audio/id520377783) - [Easyhunt](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/easyhunt/id566838181) - [Garmin Smartphone Link](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-smartphone-link/id567725209) - [Garmin Connect™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-connect/id583446403) - [Garmin VIRB](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-virb/id723092894) All apps by Garmin: https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952 ## Related topics [varia](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/varia) · [vario](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/vario) · [laac](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/laac) · [garmin jr](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/garmin-jr) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*