Send GPX routes to your Garmin watch
Import a GPX file or draw a route on the map, then push it to your watch. WatchTrace draws it as a red line that turns with you — offline, with no phone on the trail. It works even on Garmin watches without built-in maps.
Free on the Connect IQ Store · optional Premium · no subscription to follow a route
How it works
Create
Import a GPX from Strava, Komoot, Wikiloc or any planner — or draw the route yourself on the map.
Send
Pick a route and press Send. It reaches your watch on the next sync — no cable, no sideloading.
Follow
Open WatchTrace on your Garmin and follow the line. It rotates with you and keeps working with no signal.
What you get
Drop in the file your route planner exports. Long tracks are simplified automatically so they fit on the watch.
No GPX? Click point to point in the browser and WatchTrace builds the track, distance included.
The line rotates with your heading, so left on the screen is left on the trail. North-up when you stand still.
Once the route is on the watch you can leave the phone at home — no data, no Bluetooth, no signal needed.
Your Garmin has no built-in maps? WatchTrace draws the route itself, so you still get guidance.
Recorded tracks come back to the site, so you can see where you actually went next to the planned route.
On your wrist and in your browser
Already using WatchTrace?
Link this browser to your watch to create routes and send them — or log in with the email and password you added.
Log in
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my phone with me?
No. Once the route is on the watch, WatchTrace works completely offline - the line, your position and the direction you are facing are drawn on the watch itself.
Which file formats can I import?
GPX files, the standard format exported by Strava, Komoot, Wikiloc, AllTrails, Garmin Connect and almost every route planner.
Can I draw a route without a GPX file?
Yes. Draw it on the map in your browser - click point to point and WatchTrace builds the track for you, then sends it to your watch.
Which Garmin watches are supported?
Any Garmin watch that runs Connect IQ apps, including models without built-in maps: WatchTrace draws the line itself, so you get route guidance on watches that normally do not have it.
Is it free?
Yes, the app is free on the Connect IQ Store. There is an optional Premium plan for extra routes and the map background - you never pay to follow a route.
How does the route get to my watch?
Create it here, press Send, and open WatchTrace on your Garmin. The watch downloads the active route on the next sync - no cable and no sideloading.
Ready to follow your first route?
Install WatchTrace on your Garmin, then come back here to create your first route.
⌚ Get WatchTrace free