Want to know how to add routes and tracks to your Garmin GPS device? This guide will help you step by step in importing your favorite routes to your Garmin GPS, whether you are an experienced user or just starting out.
Via your Garmin account
If your Garmin device supports courses (check your device manual here), and both your device and smartphone are paired via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can easily add routes to your device using your Garmin account.
Want to learn more about Garmin terms like tracks, routes, activities and waypoints? Click here for more information.
This can only be done via the website.
- Via your RouteYou profile > select 'Connect to Garmin account' > choose 'Connect to Garmin'
- Via the Garmin download option > select 'Send to my Garmin device'. If you haven’t connected yet, you will then have the option to link your RouteYou account to your Garmin account.
- Select a route on RouteYou
- Go to the download options
- Go to the download options and choose Garmin
- Select 'Send to my Garmin device'
After step 4, your route will be sent to your Garmin account and converted into a course.
If your Garmin device is paired via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, your route will automatically appear on your device.
My device does not support courses. Can I still use the sync?
Only devices that support courses can use these connections. Devices such as the Zumo series or other outdoor devices like the Oregon, Etrex, or GPSMap series do not support this.
My device has no Bluetooth connection. Can I still sync?
Once your device is physically connected to your PC, you can use Garmin Express to sync your Garmin Connect with your device.
Depending on your smartphone's operating system, steps may vary slightly.
Click the download button and choose 'Garmin GPX' to download the GPX in the correct format to your smartphone.
For this option, your Garmin device and smartphone must be paired via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and your device must support courses. You can also import a GPX via connect.garmin.com and transfer it to your device:
- Log in with your Garmin credentials at connect.garmin.com
- Click 'Training & Planning' in the left menu
- Then click 'Courses'
- In the window that appears, click 'Import'
- The imported GPX is converted into a course and becomes available in your account. You can start using it.
Once the route has been converted to a course and is available on your personal connect.garmin.com account, it can be synced with your device via the app on your smartphone. If your account is the same on desktop and smartphone, the sync will run seamlessly.
If you do not use the Garmin Connect App, you can also sync your routes with Garmin Express installed on your PC. Connect your Garmin device via USB and let Garmin Express sync all data.
Add routes directly to your device
This option works on all Garmin devices that support GPX files. Follow these steps:
- Download the GPX to your computer
- Connect your GPS device to your computer
- Navigate to your device's drive
- Go to the Garmin folder
- Navigate to the correct folder (named 'NewFiles', 'GPX', etc.)
- Place the file in this folder
- Safely disconnect your device from your computer. The device will automatically move the file from 'NewFiles' to your courses. Next time you connect the device, the GPX will no longer be in the 'NewFiles' folder.
- Basecamp is a program provided by Garmin that handles communication between your PC and GPS device
- Watch the MrGPS video here.
- More info about Basecamp.
Other resources
- forum of www.gps.nl
- Garmin support
- Mr GPS