Garmin Connect mobile app interaction

Trying to understand what should and does work in terms of Garmin Connect mobile app sync - specifically the sync'ing of courses (Garmin Connect terminology, aka routes) and activities ( (=saved recordings/logs made by the device).

Seems to be a mixed bag with various functions split between the Connect and Explore mobile apps, including cross-over, yet without clear documentation.

TIA

0 twolpert over 4 years ago

AFAIK, the following was true at one time. I have not tried it lately. And the Explore app, in particular, is a work in progress.

At one time, the ONLY way to get a route (aka "course", depending on your position in the ecosystem) planned elsewhere onto the device was via Explore.

Activities are also sync-d FROM the device to the web via Explore. I am not sure if GCM also does this. Nobody sync-s activities TO the device. This is intentional.

IMO, you are better off sticking to Explore and staying away from GCM with the the 66i and the Montana 7x0i.

0 SpikySimonW over 4 years ago in reply to twolpert

Thanks, and completely with you on the sync'ing of activities being a one-way thing FROM the device.

My interest in Connect is two-fold:

Firstly, my two main route planning apps integrate with Connect, so whenever I plan a route they are automatically sync'ed to Connect (without having to export/import gpx files.. although obviously this is what's happening automatically behind the scenes). This means my routes are all available to push to whichever of my Garmin devices both at home (wi-fi) or in the field (BT to Connect mobile app). Very simple. Same can be done with gpx files, either directly or via Explore, just an extra few steps.

Secondly, my secondary use-case for the GPSMAP 66i (behind hiking navigation and emergency sat communicator) is as a backup cycle activity recorder for long tours/racing (ie. in case my Edge fails for whatever reason) - having it be able to sync an activity up to Connect would keep the same workflow as I use with the Edge and make dedup'ing very easy/obvious.