How to open a GPX file on iPhone
To open a GPX file on an iPhone or iPad, open Safari, go to gpxviewer.app, and pick the .gpx file — the route appears on a map in seconds, with nothing to install. iOS has no built-in GPX viewer and Apple Maps can't import GPX, so a browser viewer is the quickest route.
Open a GPX file in your browser (fastest)
- Save the GPX file to your iPhone. From an email, message, or download, tap the .gpx file and save it to the Files app (or just note where it downloaded).
- Open Safari and go to gpxviewer.app. Type gpxviewer.app into the address bar. The viewer loads with a drop area in the middle of the page.
- Tap the upload area. Tap “Choose a file” (the dashed upload box). iOS opens a file picker.
- Pick your .gpx file. Tap Browse, find the file in Files (Downloads, iCloud Drive, or wherever you saved it), and select it.
- View the route. The track draws on the map with distance, elevation, speed heat-zones, and an animated replay. Nothing is uploaded — the file is read on-device.
Open your GPX file now
Drag a .gpx file onto the viewer to see the route on an interactive map with speed heat-zones and an elevation profile. Everything runs in your browser — the file is never uploaded.
Send a GPX file to another app
If you want the track inside a training or navigation app rather than just viewing it, use the iOS share sheet. In the Files app, touch and hold the .gpx file, tap Share, and choose the app you want — for example Komoot, Strava, or WorkOutDoors. The app opens and imports the route.
Which app to pick depends on what you're doing: planning and following a route (Komoot), analysing an activity (Strava), or navigating a course on Apple Watch (WorkOutDoors).
Why Apple Maps won't open it
Apple Maps cannot import GPX files at all — there is no “open in Maps” option for a .gpx. That's a limitation of Apple Maps, not your file. A dedicated GPX viewer or a route app is the way to see the track, and gpxviewer.app needs no install or account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a GPX file on iPhone without an app?
Yes. Open gpxviewer.app in Safari and choose the file — it opens in the browser with no app install and no account. The file never leaves your phone.
Why can't I open a GPX file in Apple Maps?
Apple Maps does not support importing GPX. Use a GPX viewer such as gpxviewer.app, or share the file into a route app like Komoot or WorkOutDoors.