Garmin Explore™

Navigation for Garmin users away from mobile coverage

Garmin Explore™ is a maps and navigation app for people who use compatible Garmin devices on hikes, trips and other off-grid activities. It connects to a phone or tablet, helping you view maps, plan routes and keep track of location data without depending on Wi-Fi or cellular service during the trip.

Published by Garmin, the app has a 3.95/5 rating from 4,978 reviews and more than 1,000,000 installs. It is most useful if you already use a compatible Garmin device and want your routes, waypoints and activities available in one place.

Plan routes and use maps offline

• Stream maps while connected, then download map areas for use outside cellular range.
• Search for places such as trailheads and mountain summits.
• Create courses by choosing start and finish points, then sync them to a compatible Garmin device.
• Save and review waypoints, tracks, courses and recorded activities.
• Organize trip information into collections and recognize saved journeys through map thumbnails.

Sync records and share your location

When connectivity is available, Garmin Explore can sync waypoints, courses and activities with a Garmin Explore web account. A Garmin account is required for cloud storage. The LiveTrack feature can let other people follow your location in real time and view information such as distance, time and elevation.

Some connected-device functions require SMS and call log permissions so the app can send or receive texts from Garmin devices and display incoming calls on them. GPS use in the background can significantly reduce battery life, which matters on longer outings.