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Garmin Explore™

The ultimate command center for the technical adventurer. Download unlimited topographic maps, plan complex routes, and sync seamlessly with your Garmin hardware for total self-reliance where cell service ends.

Geospatial Tools ›

Key Figures

Downloads

2M+

User Rating

3.6/5

Total Ratings

2K+

Publisher

Garmin International

Master the Great Outdoors, Offline

Turn your mobile device into a professional-grade navigation hub. Seamlessly plan routes, download high-resolution topo maps, and sync with your Garmin ecosystem for total self-reliance in the backcountry.

Unlimited Off-Grid Maps

Venture into cellular dead zones with confidence. Download unlimited topographic maps, USGS quad sheets, and aerial imagery to navigate precisely without any signal.

Seamless Hardware Sync

The bridge for your Garmin ecosystem. Effortlessly sync waypoints, tracks, and courses between your smartphone and your fēnix watch or inReach communicator.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Garmin Explore™

Can Garmin Explore be used for off-grid navigation without Wi-Fi or cellular service?

Yes, the Garmin Explore app enables off-grid navigation with a compatible Garmin device even without Wi-Fi or cellular service. It supports downloading maps for offline use.

What devices are compatible with the Garmin Explore app?

The Garmin Explore app pairs with compatible Garmin devices for outdoor navigation, data sync, and sharing. Specific compatible devices are listed on garmin.com/appcompatibility.

What types of maps are available in Garmin Explore?

Garmin Explore offers unlimited map downloads, including topographic maps, USGS quad sheets, and aerial imagery. Users can stream maps online or download them for offline use.

How does Garmin Explore help with trip planning?

Garmin Explore simplifies trip planning by allowing users to download maps, create courses with specified start/finish points, and sync them with a compatible Garmin device. It also aids scouting.

Does Garmin Explore offer cloud storage for activity data?

Yes, Garmin Explore automatically syncs waypoints, courses, and activities to your Garmin Explore web account when within cellular or Wi-Fi range, providing unlimited cloud storage. A Garmin account is required.

Can others track my location in real time with Garmin Explore?

Yes, the LiveTrack™ feature in Garmin Explore allows loved ones to follow your real-time location, viewing data like distance, time, and elevation, when used with compatible devices.

How can I find geographic points using the Garmin Explore app?

The Garmin Explore app includes a search tool to easily locate geographic points like trailheads or mountain summits. Users can also view popular routes on the map.

How do I review and organize past activities in Garmin Explore?

Users review and organize past activities in Garmin Explore via the Saved tab. This section displays organized data, including waypoints, tracks, courses, and activities, with map thumbnails.

The following screenshots and description are sourced directly from the app's official store listing and are the property of the app developer.

App Store

Screenshots

Garmin Explore™ - A collection of Garmin devices including an inReach Mini, a GPSMAP handheld, and a smartwatch ready for pairing — A collection of Garmin devices including an inReach Mini, a GPSMAP handheld, and a smartwatch ready for pairing

Garmin Explore™ - Topographic map view in Garmin Explore app showing trail routes and search results for Laurel Falls Trailhead — Topographic map view in Garmin Explore app showing trail routes and search results for Laurel Falls Trailhead

Garmin Explore™ - Interface showing the offline map download and management section of the Garmin Explore app. — Interface showing the offline map download and management section of the Garmin Explore app.

Garmin Explore™ - Garmin Explore app screen showing a planned route on a topographic map with elevation data — Garmin Explore app screen showing a planned route on a topographic map with elevation data

Garmin Explore™ - Garmin Explore app screen displaying saved hiking activities and map thumbnails — Garmin Explore app screen displaying saved hiking activities and map thumbnails

Garmin Explore™ - High resolution satellite imagery showing routes and mountain terrain in the Garmin Explore app — High resolution satellite imagery showing routes and mountain terrain in the Garmin Explore app

Description

OFF-GRID NAVIGATION When paired with your compatible Garmin device(1), the Garmin Explore app lets you use your mobile device for outdoor navigation, trip planning, mapping and more — with or without Wi-Fi® connectivity or cellular service. SEARCH TOOL Easily locate geographic points — such as trailheads or mountain summits — associated with your adventure. STREAMING MAPS For pre-trip planning, you can use the Garmin Explore app to stream maps when you’re within cellular or Wi-Fi range — saving valuable time as well as storage space on your mobile device. Download maps for offline use when venturing outside cellular range. PAIR, SYNC AND SHARE With Garmin Explore, you can pair your smartphone or tablet with your compatible Garmin device to sync and share data for off-grid adventures. Use downloadable maps for navigation anywhere. EASY TRIP PLANNING Plan your next trip by downloading maps and creating courses. Specify your start and finish points, and automatically create a course you can sync with your compatible Garmin device. ACTIVITY LIBRARY Under the Saved tab, review and edit your organized data, including your saved waypoints, tracks, courses and activities. See map thumbnails to easily recognize your trips. SAVED COLLECTIONS The collections list allows you to quickly find all data related to any trip — making it easy to sort and locate the course or location you’re looking for. CLOUD STORAGE The waypoints, courses and activities you’ve created will automatically sync to your Garmin Explore web account when you’re within cellular or Wi-Fi range, preserving your activity data with cloud storage. A Garmin account is required for storing your data in the cloud. LIVETRACK™ With the use of the LiveTrack™ feature, loved ones can follow your location in real time(2) and see data such as distance, time and elevation. What You Get with Garmin Explore • Unlimited map downloads; access topographic maps, USGS quad sheets and more • Aerial imagery • Waypoints, tracking and route navigation • High-detail GPS trip logging and location sharing • Unlimited cloud storage of routes, waypoints, tracks, and activities • Online trip planning 1. https://explore.garmin.com/appcompatibility 2. When used with your compatible smartphone, the Garmin Explore® app and your compatible inReach® technology-enabled Garmin device. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.