Best ways for uploading GPX files to Garmin devices

Uploading GPX files to Garmin devices is very simple and a great way to get your watch to help with navigation. Once you’ve uploaded your course, you’ll be able to follow it in the navigation menu when you start an activity.

Adding GPX files to your device helps give you some peace of mind, because it means the watch ‘knows’ where you want to go, and it can help get you there. Even if you get lost, the watch will try to get you back on your course – or at least point you in the right direction. That being said, it’s never good to rely on a device alone for navigating. If you need help with map-and-compass navigation, have a look at our guide here.

Three Methods

Garmin helpfully provides three different ways to get GPX files onto your watch:

1. Using Garmin Connect in a browser and on your phone
2. Using Garmin Explore (on your phone)
3. Using a USB connection to your computer

For most users, 1. Using Garmin Connect is the simplest. Check out our guide to it here, or read on to see the pros and cons of each method.

1. Using Garmin Connect

This method is great of you already use Garmin Connect and you don’t want the hassle of downloading another app, so it’s probably there most accessible to most people.

However, you do need to use both the app and the website (at connect.garmin.com) – if you use Courses a lot, or you want to do everything from within an app, Garmin Explore may be for you.

2. Using Garmin Explore

Garmin Explore has some great features for creating and uploading GPX files to Garmin devices, but it’s not particularly intuitive. If you don’t already use Explore, you’ll also need to download it and set it up.

If you think you’ll use Courses a lot, it’s definitely worth it – and essential if you need to upload courses on the fly.

3. Using a USB connection

This final method is probably the least useful, because you need to convert your GPX file into a .fit file for it to work. There are plenty of online converters, but it’s an extra step of faff.

Once you’ve got your .fit file, plug your Garmin device in to your computer using the charging cable, and select ‘Use as mass storage’ when prompted on the device. Now navigate to your file explorer and find the Garmin – it should appear as GARMIN. Inside the ‘Garmin’ folder, drop the course into the ‘Courses’ folder. That’s it! You can eject and unplug your Garmin and enjoy the course!

Garmin Devices

If you’re considering buying a GPS-enabled Garmin device, we have reviews of the Fenix 5 and the Garmin Instinct.