Out-and-back routeBy Ariel Villalona

How to load the GPX on your watch

Almost no watch opens a GPX file directly: the usual way is to import it in your brand’s app or platform and sync the watch. Here are the general steps and what changes by brand.

Note: app and watch menus change with every version and model. If you cannot find exactly the option mentioned here, look in the routes or courses section of your app for something like “import”, “upload GPX” or “create route from file”.

The same three steps every time

  1. Download the GPX

    In the app tap Download GPX. On a phone the file ends up in the downloads folder (on iPhone, in the Files app). If your phone allows it, the Share button lets you send it directly to another app (for example, your watch’s app).

  2. Import it in your watch’s app or platform

    Look for the routes, courses or tracks section and the option to import a file. Below is what is usual for each brand.

  3. Sync the watch and choose the route

    Sync the watch with its app and, on the watch, start a running activity with navigation or follow route and choose the imported route.

By brand

Amazfit (Zepp)

The route the app generates imports into Zepp and shows with its elevation profile and the points it carries (the author has checked this). Share the file with the Zepp app from your phone’s Share / Open with menu, or import it from the app’s routes section, and sync the watch. On the watch, use the routes / navigation feature of the running activity.

Garmin

The most reliable way is the Garmin Connect website on a computer: in the training section look for Courses and the Import option. Select the GPX, save it and send it to your watch; then sync with the Garmin Connect app. On the watch you will find it under the running activity’s navigation.

Coros

Go to the Coros web platform (Training Hub), open the routes section and import the GPX; then sync the watch with the Coros app and choose the route in the activity’s navigation.

Strava, Komoot and other apps

Many route apps accept GPX: look for import route or upload GPX in their routes section. Some route features may require a subscription. Once imported, the route is sent to your watch like any other.

Kilometer marks and organizer points

If you turn on Add kilometer marks to the GPX, they are saved as points (waypoints). Some watches show them as navigation alerts every kilometer: try it with yours before an important race. The organizer’s points (water, restrooms…) are included if the original file had them and they fall within your stretch; you can remove them with their checkbox in Options.

If something does not work