Jamie's Garmin Fenix 6 Pro

How to Upload a GPX

 

GPX quick‑start

How to Upload a GPX to: Garmin · Apple Watch · COROS · Suunto & More!

Garmin · COROS · Suunto · Polar · Apple Watch — plus options for Strava, AllTrails, and free phone viewing.

Garmin

  1. Save the .GPX file to your phone or computer.
  2. Import to Garmin Connect (web or app): open Training & Planning → Courses and choose Import / Upload.
  3. Pick the activity type, name the course, then Save.
  4. Sync your device (watch / bike computer) so the course transfers. On the device open Navigation → Courses to start.

Tip: Some models also accept copying a GPX/TCX/FIT into the device’s NewFiles or Courses folder over USB.

COROS

  1. Download the .GPX to your phone.
  2. Open the file and choose COROS as the app to handle it (iOS/Android).
  3. Save the route in the COROS app, then sync to your watch from Explore → My Collection.

You can optionally edit the route in the app before syncing.

Suunto

  1. Download the .GPX to your device.
  2. In the Suunto app go to the Map view, tap the +, and choose Import GPX.
  3. Save the route, then sync to your watch. Find it under Routes on the watch.

Polar

  1. Import the .GPX into Polar Flow (web/app) as a route.
  2. Mark it as a favorite if needed, then sync via Flow to your watch.

Menu names vary by model; look for Routes or Favorites.

Apple Watch (with WorkOutDoors)

Send a GPX from iPhone to Watch

  1. Install the WorkOutDoors iPhone + Watch app.
  2. Open the GPX on your iPhone (Mail / Files / Safari) and choose Share → WorkOutDoors.
  3. In the iPhone app, find the route under Routes and tap Send to Watch.
  4. On the Watch: open WorkOutDoors → Settings → Routes → choose your route and start.

WorkOutDoors supports GPX/TCX/FIT, elevation and waypoints, and on‑watch maps.

Why third‑party? Can I do this with Apple’s Workout/Maps?

Apple’s built‑in apps don’t import GPX courses for turn‑by‑turn on the Watch. Third‑party apps like WorkOutDoors provide route import, maps and cues.

Pro tip: If the map view stops following you, you may have panned away—tap the locator or recentre to resume following.

Upload to Strava (optional)

  1. On the Strava website: Dashboard → My Routes → Create New Route → Upload.
  2. Select your .GPX to build a Strava route, then Save.
  3. Favorite the route (⭐) so it syncs to connected devices/apps.

Great for easy sharing and device syncing, though advanced route tools require Strava Premium.

Upload to AllTrails (optional)

  1. Sign in at alltrails.com.
  2. Hover Saved → choose Create Map.
  3. Use Upload from file → Browse and pick your .GPX → Next.
  4. Confirm the Route uploaded message, then edit/save as needed.

Free GPX viewer on your phone

Don’t have a GPS watch or a paid app? Preview a GPX for free in a mobile browser with a site like viewgpx.com. Upload your file and it will draw the track on a map.

Common gotchas

  • Course types: If a GPX won’t navigate, re‑export as a route/course (not just a recorded “track”) where required.
  • Waypoints density: Very large files can be truncated; simplify the GPX if your device has limits.
  • Naming: Give routes clear, unique names so devices don’t overwrite or hide duplicates.

©Seasons Run Club Not affiliated with Garmin, COROS, Suunto, Polar, Apple, Strava, or AllTrails.

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