Garmin Explore refuses to import GPX files

Hi,

The only thing I use this abomination (Garmin Explore android app) for is importing GPX files into Instinct from other route planning apps. I did not import routes for a while and today I discovered Explore refuses to import GPX file. My initial though was that recent Locus Maps update changed something about exported GPX, but useless Explore refuses to import even GPX that I have previously imported without a hassle. Any way to fix this? I managed to get around this by using Garmin Connect webapp to create a route from GPX file, but it's pretty frustrating not to be able to import the route directly through phone

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kidney_thief over 4 years ago +2 verified
So - by accident I found a solution to my import problem I'm posting it here perhaps it will help someone:
- use Garmin Connect instead of Garmin Explore - this was suggested by trux (thanks!) - there…
trux over 4 years ago in reply to kidney_thief +1

Import of GPX files directly into the GC Mobile app works fine on my Android, but perhpas your file has some problem. Try exporting a Course into a GPX file directly from GC Web (not from an external app…
trux over 4 years ago in reply to kidney_thief +1

BTW, where exactly did you import the GPX file in GC Web? On the page Courses, or on the page Import Data? If it was the later, then you are importing wrong GPX file type - an Activity GPX file. You need…

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0 kidney_thief over 4 years ago

Also - I tried wiping all my local Garmin Explore data and logging in again - no luck, still 'cannot import GPX file'

0 trux over 4 years ago

I do not quite understand why you do not import the Course directly with Garmin Connect (Mobile or Web)

0 kidney_thief over 4 years ago in reply to trux

This would be absolutely wonderfull, since Explore is horrific :)) but how do I do this on Android? I cannot find import option anywhere, nor is Garmin Connect listed in 'share' menu for GPX files (web is ok, when I'm home, when I'm hiking and want to design a course on the fly I don't want to drag a laptop with me :D)

0 kidney_thief over 4 years ago in reply to trux

Ok, partial success - after removing Garming Explore I can use Connect to open GPX file, but it complains that it could not import it :( online Connect imports this gpx file just fine :/

0 trux over 4 years ago in reply to kidney_thief

Just open the GPX file with Garmin Connect. In your Android file manager select the file and in the context menu select Open With, then choose Garmin Connect. If your file manager does not have such option (most do), install another one (such as Total Commander, or man others). The built-in file manager on my Samsung with Android 10 works fine, though.

0 trux over 4 years ago in reply to trux

.. and if not, you can always import it with the web version of GC (even on a phone)

0 kidney_thief over 4 years ago in reply to trux

Yeah, no luck, samsung file manager and Dropbox cause the same error (just stumbled uppon other topic you were in here: https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mobile-apps-web/f/garmin-connect-mobile-andriod/224472/gpx-import-via-android-connect-app). I already imported the file via web - I guess I'll eventually use chrome on my mobile to import the files, but now I'm super disappointed with Garmin :((( thanks for your patient help though

0 trux over 4 years ago in reply to kidney_thief

Import of GPX files directly into the GC Mobile app works fine on my Android, but perhpas your file has some problem. Try exporting a Course into a GPX file directly from GC Web (not from an external app), and then importing it back to GC Mobile. If it works, there is a problem in the file you are trying to import now, and you may want to try another app for designing it. BTW, you can do it also directly in GC.

0 kidney_thief over 4 years ago in reply to trux

Thanks, I'll try it out after the race tomorrow :)

0 trux over 4 years ago in reply to kidney_thief

BTW, where exactly did you import the GPX file in GC Web? On the page Courses, or on the page Import Data? If it was the later, then you are importing wrong GPX file type - an Activity GPX file. You need a plain GPX for Courses, without the extensions for Activities, when importing a Course. So if your GPX file is an Activity, it would explain why you are getting an error when trying to import it as COurse into GC Mobile.