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 file that stores GPS location data — usually a route, a trail, or a set of waypoints marked on a map. GPX stands for GPS Exchange Format. You might have one because you downloaded a hiking trail from a website, exported a route from a fitness app, or received one from someone else who recorded a bike ride or walk.

GPX files are plain text inside, but they have a .gpx extension at the end of the filename. Your computer won't know what to do with them unless you open them with the right program. The file itself doesn't display a map — it contains the coordinates and data that a mapping program reads and shows you visually.

The way you open a GPX file depends on what device you're using and what you want to do with it. On a computer, you have several options. On a phone, the process is different for iPhone and Android.

Key Takeaways

GPX files contain GPS route and location data and must be opened with a mapping or fitness app, not a regular text editor.
On Windows or Mac, Google Maps, Garmin BaseCamp, and AllTrails are common free programs that open GPX files.
On iPhone, you can open a GPX file through the Files app and send it to a mapping app like Maps or Komoot.
On Android, download a free app like GPX Viewer or Maps.me, then open the file from your phone's file manager or the app itself.
If you're unsure which program to use, start with Google Maps on a computer or your phone's built-in maps app.

Opening a GPX file on Windows

The easiest way on Windows is to use Google Maps. Go to Google Maps in your web browser, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left, then select "Create a map." Click "Import" and upload your GPX file. Google Maps will display the route or waypoints on an interactive map you can zoom, pan, and explore.

If you want to work with the file offline or need more detailed options, download Garmin BaseCamp for free from Garmin's website. Install it, open the program, then go to File > Import and select your GPX file. BaseCamp shows the data in a sidebar and on a map, and you can edit waypoints or add notes.

Another option is AllTrails, a free website for hiking and outdoor routes. Sign up for a free account, click the upload button, and select your GPX file. AllTrails will show you the trail on a map with elevation data and other details.

Opening a GPX file on Mac

Google Maps works the same way on Mac as it does on Windows — use your web browser, create a map, and import your GPX file. This is the fastest route if you just want to see what's in the file.

For offline use, download Garmin BaseCamp from Garmin's website (it's free for Mac too). The steps are identical to Windows: open the program, go to File > Import, and select your GPX file.

If you prefer a Mac-native app, Maps (the built-in Apple app) can open GPX files. Right-click the GPX file in Finder, select "Open With," and choose Maps. The route will display on an interactive map.

Opening a GPX file on iPhone

iPhones don't have a single built-in way to open GPX files, but the process is straightforward. First, get the GPX file onto your phone. If someone emailed it to you, open the email and tap and hold the attachment. If it's on your computer, use AirDrop or email it to yourself.

Once the file is on your phone, open the Files app (the folder icon on your home screen). Find the GPX file, tap it, then tap "Share" (the arrow pointing out of a box). A menu will appear showing apps that can open it. Select Maps (Apple's built-in app) or download a free app like Komoot or Gaia GPS from the App Store and use that instead.

If you tap the file and nothing happens, it means no app on your phone recognizes GPX files yet. Download one of the free apps mentioned above first, then repeat the process.

Opening a GPX file on Android

Android phones have more flexibility. Download a free app like GPX Viewer, Maps.me, or Komoot from the Google Play Store. Once installed, open your phone's file manager (usually called Files or My Files), find your GPX file, and tap it. Android will ask which app to use — select the one you just downloaded.

Alternatively, open the app first, then look for an "Import" or "Open" button inside the app itself. Most free GPX apps have a button to browse your phone's storage and select a file directly.

If you want to use Google Maps, you can upload the file to Google Maps on your computer first (as described in the Windows section), then access the map from your phone's browser or the Google Maps app.

What to do if the file won't open

If you double-click a GPX file and nothing happens, your device doesn't have a program associated with it yet. This is the most common problem. The solution is to download one of the free programs or apps listed above, then try opening the file again.

If you see the file open in Notepad or a text editor instead of a map, you've opened it with the wrong program. Close it, right-click the file, select "Open With" (on Windows) or "Open With" (on Mac), and choose a mapping app instead. On phones, delete the file from the text editor and open it from your file manager or a mapping app.

If the file is corrupted or incomplete, the app may show an error message. Try downloading the GPX file again from wherever you got it, or ask the person who sent it to you to resend it.

Choosing between programs

If you're just looking at a route someone sent you, Google Maps or your phone's built-in Maps app is the fastest choice. If you plan to edit waypoints, add notes, or work with the file regularly, Garmin BaseCamp (on computer) or Komoot (on phone) give you more control.

For hiking specifically, AllTrails and Gaia GPS show elevation profiles and other trail details. For fitness tracking, apps like Strava can import GPX files from workouts. The right choice depends on what you want to do with the data after you open it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a GPX file in Excel or Google Sheets?

Technically yes, but it won't be useful. GPX files are XML text, so a spreadsheet will display the raw code instead of a map. Use a mapping app instead to see the actual route or waypoints.

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

Most mapping apps let you export to other formats. Open the GPX file in Garmin BaseCamp, Google Maps, or Komoot, then look for an Export or Download option. You can usually save it as KML, PDF, or other formats depending on the app.

Can I edit a GPX file after I open it?

Yes, but only in certain apps. Garmin BaseCamp and Komoot let you add, move, or delete waypoints. Google Maps lets you edit routes you've imported. Most simple viewers (like GPX Viewer) show the data but don't let you change it.

Why is my GPX file so small in file size?

GPX files are text-based and compress very efficiently. A route with hundreds of waypoints might only be a few hundred kilobytes. This is normal and doesn't mean the file is incomplete.

Do I need internet to open a GPX file?

Not always. Garmin BaseCamp works offline. Google Maps needs internet to display the map background, but some apps like Maps.me and Gaia GPS let you download map tiles for offline viewing after you open the GPX file.

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.