A LITTLE HELP FOR THE JOURNEY
Help to keep you
on track.
Getting started, following or recording a track, or sorting out a problem? Find a little guidance below.
THE ESSENTIALS
Getting started.
GPX Follow lets you follow planned GPX tracks and record your own journeys on iPhone. To follow an existing route, have its GPX file ready to import.
- Download GPX Follow from the App Store.
- Save your GPX file somewhere you can find it in the iPhone Files app, such as On My iPhone or iCloud Drive.
- Open GPX Follow and load your file using the import control on the map.
- Allow location access when prompted, then enable tracking mode so the map follows your location as you move.
BRING YOUR ROUTE
Import GPX or GeoJSON.
- Tap the import button — the tray with a downward arrow.
- Browse your iPhone or cloud storage and select a GPX file or a GeoJSON file containing line tracks.
- If a track is already loaded, choose Replace Track or Load Additional Track.
- Review the map, then enable tracking mode when you’re ready to follow your location.
The first loaded file is shown in green; additional tracks are blue. Selecting a track highlights it in red. Loading another file normally turns tracking off, so turn it back on to follow your location. An active recording keeps running when you load a file.
Local copies for your next trip
Imported files are copied into Saved tracks automatically and remain available after restarting the app.
Using a file from iCloud, a website, or email
Save the file to Files. If it shows a cloud download icon, download it before importing. Extract ZIP archives first, then select the GPX or GeoJSON file inside.
LineString and MultiLineString geometry are supported, including features in collections. A GeoJSON file containing only point markers or polygons is not a track file.
KEEP YOUR ROUTES HANDY
Saved tracks.
Tap the folder button on the map to open your imported files and saved recordings.
- Open: tap a saved track. If another track is loaded, choose Replace loaded tracks or Load additional track.
- Rename: press and hold a track, then choose Rename.
- Delete: swipe left, tap Delete, and confirm. This permanently removes that saved file.
You can also copy GPX or GeoJSON files into On My iPhone → GPX Follow → Tracks using Files. Return to Saved tracks to find them. Saved recordings are GPX files and can be accessed through Files too.
Keeping a track file locally avoids another cloud download. It does not download the background map.
OUT ON THE TRACK
Follow your route.
- Allow location access and load your route.
- Tap the location arrow to enable tracking mode. It becomes filled when tracking is on.
- The map follows your position and heading. The tracking display shows speed, time, and GPS status.
- Tap the location arrow again to stop tracking.
The camera adjusts its view according to your distance from the loaded track. Tracking also keeps the screen awake while the app is open. Change speed units between km/h and mph in the Information screen.
Tracking mode must be on before you start recording. Turning tracking off also stops an active recording and opens the save prompt if points were captured.
GPX Follow displays the track itself. Driving directions to a track’s start or end are handled separately by Apple Maps or Google Maps.
TRACK DETAILS & NAVIGATION
Select a track. See your options.
- Tap a track on the map. It turns red, with a green start pin and a red end pin.
- Tap Info beside the selected track’s name.
- View its length, start and end coordinates, and any name or other metadata supplied by the file.
- Tap Navigate beside the start or end coordinate for driving directions in your chosen maps app.
Export a selected track
In the track information screen, tap Export to save a GPX copy of the selected track segment. The exporter lets you choose where to save it.
Clear the selection
Tap the close button beside the selected track’s name, or tap an empty area of the map.
Choose Apple Maps or Google Maps in Settings. Endpoint directions go to that coordinate; they do not make the maps app follow the imported GPX geometry.
PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Create & edit GPX files.
We recommend gpx.studio for creating and editing GPX files in your browser.
- Create a new route or open an existing GPX file in gpx.studio.
- Make your changes, then export the route as a GPX file.
- Save it to Files on your iPhone and import it into GPX Follow.
gpx.studio is a separate service. GPX Follow displays the GPX track you import; you can return to gpx.studio whenever you want to edit the file.
READY TO RIDE
Trail riding, TET & ACT.
GPX Follow is well suited to adventure bikes, lightweight trail bikes, green lanes, byways, and mixed-surface rides. Follow the track you planned, including routes that normal road navigation may not understand.
Loading TET and ACT tracks
- Save the TET or ACT GPX file for your chosen route in Files on your iPhone.
- Use GPX Follow’s import control to select the file.
- Review the track on the map before your ride.
- Enable tracking mode to follow your location, then follow the track at your own pace.
Trans European Trail (also known as Trans Euro Trail or TET) and ACT tracks are loaded as GPX files, using the same import process as your other routes.
YOUR OWN JOURNEY
Record, pause, and save.
Record a trail ride, green-lane outing, hike, cycle ride, mountain bike ride, or trip in a 4×4 vehicle. You can record without loading a track first.
- Allow location access and tap the location arrow to turn tracking on.
- Tap the Record button to begin.
- Use Pause to stop adding points temporarily, then Play to resume.
- Tap Stop, enter a file name, then tap Save.
- Your recording is saved as a GPX file in Saved tracks. Open the folder button to find it.
Recording continues when you lock the screen or switch to another app. Turning tracking off also stops recording. Recorded GPX files include location points, elevation, and timestamps.
Cancelled or failed saves
If you cancel or saving fails, the recording remains available. Tap Save recording to try again before starting another recording.
After an interruption or app restart
The app keeps a recovery draft on your device. When an unsaved recording is recovered, choose Save in the prompt, or use Save recovered recording. Recovery restores captured points as an unsaved recording; it does not automatically resume recording.
Choosing Quit in the recovery prompt discards that recovered track permanently. If no reliable location points were captured, the app reports No GPX points recorded rather than saving an empty file.
MAKE IT YOURS
Settings & map apps.
Tap the information button on the main map to open the Information screen. Its Settings section contains:
- Speed units: choose km/h or mph. Track length is also displayed in kilometres or miles using this preference.
- Navigation app: choose Apple Maps or Google Maps for Navigate to Start and Navigate to End.
Endpoint navigation opens the chosen app for driving directions. If it cannot open, GPX Follow offers to try the alternative. If neither can open, install or enable a maps app and try again.
A FEW QUICK CHECKS
Troubleshooting.
My track file won’t open.
Check that you selected a GPX file or a supported GeoJSON line-track file rather than a ZIP archive or a webpage. If it’s stored in iCloud Drive, download a local copy in Files and try again.
If it still won’t open, try another GPX file. This can help identify whether the issue is with a particular file. Contact support with the steps you took and any message shown.
I can’t see my current location.
Check that Location Services are enabled on your iPhone and that GPX Follow has permission to use your location. You can review the app’s location access in iPhone Settings.
Try again outdoors with a clear view of the sky and allow time for your position to update. Enable tracking mode so the map follows your location.
The route is loaded, but it’s not near me.
Your file may describe a route in another area. Zoom out to find the track, check that you opened the intended file, and compare the route with your current position. Importing a track doesn’t move its starting point to your location.
The map is blank or missing detail.
Check your internet connection and try viewing the area again. Loading a GPX track and loading the background map are separate things; a saved GPX file alone doesn’t guarantee that map detail will be available without a connection.
My track recording has gaps or an inaccurate position.
Check that tracking mode is on and GPX Follow has location permission. The app records reliable fixes and adds a new point after you’ve moved at least 3 metres from the previous recorded point. It skips poor GPS fixes and does not add points while paused. Try an area with a clearer view of the sky.
If the issue continues, contact support with your iPhone model, iOS version, and whether it happened while the app was on screen or the phone was locked.
Why is Record unavailable?
Turn on tracking mode using the location arrow first. If a previous recording is waiting to be saved, use Save recording or Save recovered recording before starting another. A recovery-draft error can also prevent recording; follow the message shown in the app.
Why does my speed show zero or GPS show Unavailable?
The app filters unreliable, stale, and stationary readings. Speed can show zero when you are stopped, moving very slowly, or the location or speed fix is unreliable. GPS status reports the quality of the location fix. Check location permission and try an open area.
The app isn’t responding as expected.
Close and reopen GPX Follow, then try loading your file again. Check the App Store for an update. If the problem continues, email support with your iPhone model, iOS version, and the steps that trigger the issue.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions.
How do I make the map follow my location?
Allow location access, then tap the location arrow on the main map. The arrow becomes filled when tracking mode is on; tap it again to stop tracking. Tracking mode follows your location and heading and shows speed and GPS status.
Can I view track info or navigate to the start or end?
Yes. Tap a track on the map, then tap Info beside its name. View its details or tap Navigate beside either endpoint to open driving directions in Apple Maps or Google Maps. See Track info & navigation for more.
Where can I create or edit GPX files?
We recommend gpx.studio. Create or edit your route there, export a GPX file, then import it into GPX Follow. See the create and edit guide.
Can I use TET and ACT tracks?
Yes. GPX Follow supports GPX tracks from the Trans European Trail (TET) and ACT. Save the file to your iPhone, import it, and follow the track on the map. See the trail riding guide for the steps.
Can I record my own tracks?
Yes. GPX Follow can record the path you take as well as display an imported GPX track. Enable tracking mode, tap Record, and use Pause/Play as needed. Tap Stop, choose a name, and tap Save to add the GPX file to Saved tracks. See Record a track for more.
Can I record with no imported route or with the screen locked?
Yes. Enable tracking and start recording without importing a route. An active recording continues while the screen is locked or another app is open. After an app restart, any recovered draft needs to be saved; recording does not automatically resume.
Can I load multiple tracks or open them again later?
Yes. Choose Load Additional Track when importing another file. Imported files are copied into Saved tracks; open the folder button to find them after restarting. You can rename or delete saved files there.
Does GPX Follow support GeoJSON?
Yes. It supports GeoJSON LineString and MultiLineString tracks, including feature collections. GPX files are supported too. Use the import button or copy files into the app’s Tracks folder in Files.
What is a GPX file?
A GPX file is a GPS Exchange Format file containing geographic information, such as a track made up of points on a map. GPX Follow uses your file to display the route you want to follow.
Can I plan a route in GPX Follow?
To plan a route in advance, we recommend gpx.studio for creating and editing GPX files. Export your route as a GPX file, then load it into GPX Follow. You can also record the path you actually take using the app’s track recording feature.
Does it give turn-by-turn directions?
GPX Follow shows your planned track and live position on a map; enable tracking mode to follow your location. Selecting a track also gives you options to navigate to its start or end. Those options are separate from following the GPX track itself.
Can I rely on it without an internet connection?
Download any cloud-stored GPX files before you leave. Don’t assume that downloading a GPX file also downloads the background map. Check the area you plan to visit before setting off, and keep another way to access your route if you’ll be away from a connection.
Is GPX Follow free?
Yes. It’s free to download and use, with no in-app purchases or subscriptions.
Do I need an account? Is my app usage tracked?
No account is required and the app has no usage analytics. Location is processed to display your position and, when you choose to record, saved on your device with the recording and recovery draft. Imported tracks are stored locally too. Read the privacy policy for more details.
What can I use it for?
GPX Follow is suitable for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, adventure bikes, trail riding, green lanes, and 4×4 vehicles. Follow a planned GPX track or record the path you take.
STILL NEED A HAND?
Let’s get you back on track.
Email [email protected] with your question or feedback.
For a problem, include your iPhone model, iOS version, app version, and what happened. A screenshot or the wording of an error can help.
Contact support Only share route files or screenshots if you’re comfortable sharing the locations they contain.