How to Open GPX Files on iPhone and Android

September 2, 2026

iOS and Android do not include a built-in GPX map viewer. You need an app like GPX Viewer that understands the .gpx format. Once installed, importing a route takes a few taps through the share sheet.

Open GPX on iPhone

From Mail or Files

1. Find the .gpx attachment or file.
2. Tap Share.
3. Select GPX Viewer.
4. The route appears on the map immediately.

From Safari

Tap a GPX download link on a trail website, then share the downloaded file to GPX Viewer from Safari's download manager or save it to Files first.

Apple Maps cannot open GPX

Apple Maps does not import GPX files. Use GPX Viewer instead — it shows the full track, elevation profile, and waypoints on standard, satellite, or hybrid maps.

Open GPX on Android

1. Open the GPX attachment in Gmail or your file manager.
2. Tap Open with or Share.
3. Choose GPX Viewer.
4. Select Always if prompted, for faster imports later.

Troubleshooting

• Wrong file type — confirm the extension is .gpx, not .kml or .tcx.
• App not in Share menu — open GPX Viewer once, then retry.
• Empty track — the file may contain metadata but no GPS points; re-export from the source app.
• File looks wrong on the map — see how to view GPX on a map.

New to GPX? Read what is a GPX file first.

Try GPX Viewer free

Open GPX files from Mail, Files, or Safari and view your routes on a map in seconds.