Ways to connect Garmin to komoot
There are multiple ways to use your komoot routes on a Garmin device. Each option offers a slightly different experience:
- If you want live updates, full integration with komoot, and the option to navigate using either komoot's or Garmin's interface, choose the komoot app for Garmin.
- If you prefer automatic syncing of just your most recent routes, use Automatic Garmin Courses Sync.
- If you need a fully manual option or your device isn't compatible, use Manual GPX Upload or Manual .fit File Transfer.
Below you'll find a clear overview of all the options to help you choose what works best for you.
Tip: Live Sync is only available for the komoot app for Garmin.
komoot app for Garmin
Install the komoot app from the Garmin Connect IQ Store and log in to your komoot account directly on your Garmin device.
This method gives you full access to your komoot routes and lets you choose how you navigate:
Tip: Learn how to set up the komoot app for Garmin.
Automatic sync via Garmin Courses (Courses Sync)
You can connect your komoot and Garmin accounts on the Connections page. The komoot app for Garmin is not required.
This method uses Garmin's navigation interface and offers fewer features compared to the komoot app for Garmin:
- Only the last 10 saved routes from the past 2 months are synced automatically
- Navigation uses Garmin's interface. Navigation instructions are calculated by Garmin and may differ from komoot
- No Live Sync updates or komoot map features are available
- Long routes may be simplified, and device storage is limited
- Not supported on Vivoactive or Venu devices
- Additional routes must be exported as GPX files and uploaded manually to Garmin Connect
Tip: Learn more about Garmin Courses Sync.
Manual GPX upload to Garmin Connect
You can export a GPX file from komoot and manually upload it to the Garmin Connect website. After uploading, it syncs to your device as a Garmin Course.
- Navigation uses Garmin's interface. Navigation instructions are calculated by Garmin and may differ from komoot
- No Live Sync updates or komoot map features are available
- Long routes may be simplified, and device storage is limited
- Not supported on Vivoactive or Venu devices
- Each route must be uploaded manually
This method works similarly to Automatic Garmin Courses Sync but requires manual steps.
Tip: To find instructions on how to manually transfer routes to Garmin Connect, visit this Garmin Support article.
Manual .fit file transfer to your device
This is the most technical way to transfer a route to your Garmin device and provides the least integrated experience. It involves manually copying a route file from a computer to the device.
You can download a route from komoot as a GPX file via the website by opening the route and selecting Export to GPS device.
Tip: Some Garmin devices require FIT files instead of GPX. In that case, you'll need to convert the GPX file to FIT format before transferring it. Free online converters are available.
- This method does not use Garmin Connect.
- Live Sync route updates aren't supported, and there are no komoot map features, route warnings, automatic re-routing, or any komoot ecosystem features.
- Navigation behavior depends entirely on the file's contents and the device's capabilities.
- Manual file handling is required for each route.
If your device supports it, using the komoot app for Garmin provides a simpler setup and additional features.
How it works
- Connect your Garmin device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open the Garmin drive on your computer.
- Place the GPX or FIT file into one of the following folders (depending on your device):
/Garmin/Courses /Garmin/NewFiles /Garmin/GPX /Garmin/Tours
Folder names may vary depending on your device model and firmware version.
Once transferred, the route will appear in the Courses or Navigation section on your device.
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