A method for operating a transmission device (1) in a vehicle drive train when a request is made to change gears from an actual gear in the direction of a target gear is described, the transmission device (1) comprising multiple frictionally engaged shifting elements and at least one form-fitting shifting element. If an actuation current equivalent to an engaged operating state of the frictionally engaged shifting element (B or C) to be connected and an actuation current equivalent to a disengaged operating state of the form-fitting shifting element (F or A) to be disconnected are determined, a case of malfunction is identified via the sensor device if it is simultaneously determined that the form-fitting shifting element (F or A) to be disconnected is an engaged operating state. If the case of malfunction is identified during a predefined test period, one or more selected shifting elements (A to F) are disconnected and a power flow in the transmission device (1) is interrupted. Alternatively, the actual gear is engaged in the transmission device (1) by disconnecting the frictionally engaged shifting element (B or C) to be connected.