How can I follow GPX routes or planned navigation while using the Workout app on Apple Watch?

Question

Level 1

7 points

How can I follow GPX routes or planned navigation while using the Workout app on Apple Watch?

Hi Apple Community,

I’m trying to understand the current options for using planned routes during trail runs or hikes with the Apple Watch Ultra.

Is there any native way to import a route (for example a GPX file from Strava, Komoot, etc.) and receive step-by-step navigation while recording an activity in the Workout app? The watch already offers reliable turn-by-turn navigation in Apple Maps, so I’m curious how this fits together with workouts or whether there is a recommended workflow for combining both.

Since I usually track my runs with the built-in Workout app (partly because it keeps my screens and metrics consistent and also because it integrates smoothly with Runna for structured training) I’m wondering if there’s a way to keep that setup while still following a pre-planned route during the session.

Apps like WorkOutDoors seem to offer their own approach, but I’d appreciate any insights into what is currently possible and how other users handle route navigation when training with the default Workout app.

Thanks!

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 7:10 AM

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Answer 1

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Nov 19, 2025 5:34 AM in response to 13_23

I'm using WorkOutDoors and import the GPX file from Komoot. Works for my MTB rides for unknown routes.

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Answer 2

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Nov 19, 2025 8:23 AM in response to 13_23

In my opinion, the Apple default Workout app is not built (yet) to support GPX files import to start a workout outdoors.

All discussions I came across point to the WorkOutDoors app.

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Answer 3

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Nov 19, 2025 8:59 AM in response to 13_23

You can let Apple know directly about your wishes for future watchOS updates by using the Feedback link.

The more users do that, the more likely we may see changes.

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

WorkOutDoors is kind of complex when it comes to all the options you can use. If you would be trying to add that to the default Workout app, that would be a challenge 🙂

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Answer 4

13_23 Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 19, 2025 7:22 AM in response to Ingo2711

Sounds good! I have heard from many people that WorkOutDoors works well for them.

I was mainly wondering because Apple recently added the new hiking features with built-in maps, so I was not sure if there is any native way (other than creating routes in Apple Maps) to bring a GPX file onto the watch without using a third party app. I am not against WorkOutDoors at all, I just prefer keeping everything inside the Workout app since it keeps the UI, metrics and my Runna workouts consistent.

I also personally feel that adding another piece of software, even if it is only around €10, to a device that costs about €900 and is marketed as an outdoor capable tool seems like something that should not really be necessary. That is why I am curious whether there is an existing built-in workflow that I might have overlooked.

If there is another approach I am missing, I would love to hear about it.

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Answer 5

13_23 Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 19, 2025 8:40 AM in response to Ingo2711

Kinda sad, isn’t it?

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