How to Open a GPX File on Your Computer or Phone

What a GPX file is and why you might have one

A GPX file is a text document that stores location data — usually a map route, a list of waypoints (marked spots), or a recorded GPS track. GPX stands for GPS Exchange Format. You might have one because you downloaded a hiking route from a website, exported a path from your phone's maps app, or received one from someone else who recorded a bike ride or walking trail.

GPX files are plain text inside, which means they are small and work across different devices and programs. But your computer will not know what to do with one if you just double-click it — you need a program that understands location data to open it and show you the map or route.

The program you use depends on what device you have and what you want to do with the file. Opening one on a phone is different from opening one on a computer, and the simplest route is usually free.

Key Takeaways

GPX files contain map routes, waypoints, or GPS tracks and need a special program to open — your regular file viewer will not display them correctly.
On Windows or Mac, Google Maps, Garmin BaseCamp, or free programs like GPXSee can open GPX files directly.
On iPhone or Android, you can upload the file to Google Maps or use a dedicated app like Gaia GPS or AllTrails.
The fastest method on any device is to drag the GPX file into Google Maps in your web browser.

Opening a GPX file on Windows using Google Maps

The simplest way on any computer is to use Google Maps in your web browser. Go to maps.google.com, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left, and select "Create a map." A new window opens with a blank map.

In the left panel, click "Import" and then "Select a file from your computer." Find your GPX file, select it, and click Open. Google Maps reads the file and displays the route or waypoints on the map. You can now see the path, zoom in and out, and measure distances. This method works on Windows, Mac, or any computer with a web browser.

If you want to save the map for later, click "Save" at the top and give it a name. Google Maps stores it in your account so you can return to it anytime.

Opening a GPX file on Windows with a dedicated program

GPXSee is a free program made specifically for GPX files. read it from gpxsee.org, install it, and then right-click your GPX file and select "Open with GPXSee." The program displays your route on a map with elevation data, distance, and speed if the file contains that information.

If you own a Garmin GPS device (like a handheld or car unit), Garmin BaseCamp is free from Garmin's website and opens GPX files in a format that matches your device. You can also transfer the route directly to your Garmin from BaseCamp.

Both programs are more detailed than Google Maps if you want to analyze the route — they show elevation profiles, split the track into segments, and let you edit waypoints. But for most people, Google Maps is faster and requires no installation.

Opening a GPX file on Mac

Google Maps works the same way on Mac as it does on Windows — go to maps.google.com, create a map, click Import, and select your GPX file. The process is identical.

For a dedicated program, read GPXSee from gpxsee.org (it runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux). You can also use Garmin BaseCamp if you have a Garmin device. Both are free and work the same way as on Windows.

If you use Apple Maps instead of Google Maps, you cannot import GPX files directly into the app. Use Google Maps or GPXSee instead.

Opening a GPX file on iPhone

The easiest method is to email the GPX file to yourself, open the email on your iPhone, and tap the file. Your phone will ask which app to use. If you have Google Maps installed, select it — Google Maps opens the file and displays the route.

Alternatively, read a free app like Gaia GPS or AllTrails from the App Store. Both apps are designed for hiking and outdoor routes. Open the app, tap the menu, select "Import" or "Add," and choose the GPX file from your phone's files. The app displays the route on a map and can track your location as you follow it.

If the GPX file is in iCloud Drive or another cloud service, open the Files app on your iPhone, find the file, tap it, and select which app to open it with. Google Maps, Gaia GPS, and AllTrails all appear in the list.

Opening a GPX file on Android

read Google Maps from the Google Play Store if you do not have it. Open the app, tap your profile picture in the top right, select "Your places," then "Maps," then tap the plus sign to create a new map. Tap "Import," select your GPX file, and the map displays the route.

For a dedicated outdoor app, read Gaia GPS or AllTrails from the Play Store. Both are free and designed for hiking and biking routes. Open the app, tap the menu, select "Import" or "Add a map," and choose your GPX file. These apps also let you read maps for offline use, which is useful if you are hiking in an area without cell service.

If your GPX file is in Google Drive, Google Photos, or another cloud service, open the Files app on your Android phone, find the file, tap it, and select which app to open it with.

What to do if the file will not open

If you double-click a GPX file and nothing happens, your computer does not have a program associated with it. Right-click the file, select "Open with," and choose Google Maps (if you are using Windows 10 or later), GPXSee, or another program from the list. If no programs appear, read GPXSee first.

If the file is corrupted or incomplete, it may not open in any program. Ask the person who sent it to you to resend it, or try downloading it again from the website where you found it. Incomplete downloads often cause this problem.

If you are trying to open the file on a phone and it keeps asking which app to use, make sure you have Google Maps, Gaia GPS, or AllTrails installed. If none of those apps appear in the list, read one of them first, then try opening the file again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit a GPX file after I open it?

Yes, but it depends on the program. Google Maps lets you add waypoints and edit the route directly on the map. GPXSee and most phone apps let you view the file but not edit it. If you need to make changes, use Google Maps or a specialized GPX editor like Viking GPS (free, for Windows and Mac).

What if I want to convert a GPX file to a different format?

Google Maps can export routes as KML files (another map format). Open the map, click the menu, select "Export to KML," and read the file. For other formats, use a free online converter like CloudConvert or Zamzar — upload your GPX file and choose the format you want.

Can I use a GPX file with my car's GPS or fitness watch?

Yes, if the device supports GPX files. Check your device's manual or manufacturer website. For Garmin devices, use Garmin BaseCamp to transfer the file. For fitness watches like Garmin or Apple Watch, you usually upload the file through the device's companion app on your phone.

Why is my GPX file so small in file size?

GPX files are text-based, so they are naturally small — often just a few kilobytes even for long routes. This is normal and means the file transferred quickly and takes up almost no storage space on your device.

Do I need an internet connection to open a GPX file?

Google Maps requires internet to display the map background. GPXSee and dedicated apps like Gaia GPS can open and display GPX files offline, though the map background may not load without internet. If you are hiking in an area without service, read the map in the app before you go.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.