Guide

How to import a GPX route into Strava

Last updated: May 14, 2026 · 7 min read

How to import a GPX route into Strava - Roovr guide cover

You have a GPX file (from a watch, a planner, or the Roovr app) and you want to use it as a route in Strava. Here's the full path, on desktop and on mobile.

TL;DR. Open strava.com/routes/new, click the upload icon, pick your .gpx file, name the route, and save. Then open the Strava mobile app, go to the Record screen, tap Add Route, select your route, and start.
Before you start. Strava requires a paid subscription to upload custom routes from a GPX file. The activity upload (a recorded run or ride) is free, but route creation from a file is a paid feature. You also need a regular browser tab open: the Strava mobile app does not let you upload a GPX directly.

The eight steps

  1. Get your GPX file ready

    Locate the .gpx file on your device. If you exported it from a Garmin, Suunto or Coros watch, it usually lives in a sync folder or in your Downloads. If you generated a loop in Roovr and tapped Export → Strava, the file was saved to Files → On My iPhone → Roovr on iOS, or Documents → Roovr on Android.

    Roovr mobile app showing the export sheet with the Strava tile selected Roovr export sheet, Strava tile selected.

  2. Open Strava and click "Upload"

    Open a regular browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox) and go to strava.com/routes/new. Log in if you aren't already. This is the route builder, not the activity upload page. On the toolbar, find the small up-arrow icon above the map. That's the GPX upload trigger. Click it.

    The Strava route builder page on strava.com/routes/new with the upload icon visible Strava route builder. Upload icon, top-left.

  3. Pick your GPX file

    Your device's file picker opens. Navigate to where your .gpx lives. If you exported from Roovr, it's in the Roovr folder you opened in step 1. Otherwise check your Downloads or your watch's sync folder. Select the file.

    File picker showing the GPX file selected File picker, GPX selected.

  4. Confirm the import

    Strava parses the GPX, plots the path on the map, and pre-fills the distance and elevation. Take a quick look at the trace.

    Strava showing the imported GPX route on the map for confirmation Route plotted, ready to name and save.

  5. Save your route

    Click Save Route. Give the route a clear name. The route is now linked to your Strava account.

    Strava route builder showing the name and sport fields filled in Name, sport, save. Web side done.

  6. Open Strava and tap "Add Route"

    Switch to your phone and open the Strava mobile app. Your saved route syncs from your account automatically within seconds. Go to the Record screen, then tap Add Route.

    Strava app showing the Add Route option on the record screen Record screen, Add Route highlighted.

  7. Select your route

    Browse the list. Your imported route is there, identified by the name you gave it on the web. Tap it.

    Strava app showing the list of saved routes with the imported route highlighted Pick the route you just imported.

  8. Start the loop

    Back on the Record screen, the route is now loaded. Tap the big Start button when you're ready. Strava guides you turn by turn for the whole loop.

    Strava app record screen with the route loaded, ready to start Route loaded. Start when ready.

The shortcut: generate the GPX in Roovr

If you don't have a GPX file yet, Roovr is the fastest way to get one. Pick a distance, hit Generate, and Roovr builds a loop from your location that starts and ends at the same spot. Real streets, real elevation, no manual drawing.

Tap Export → Strava in the app: the GPX is saved into your Files app (or Documents on Android), and Roovr opens the Strava route builder for you. From there, you're back at step 2 above.

Get Roovr

FAQ

Which file formats does Strava accept for routes?

Strava accepts GPX, TCX and FIT files for route creation. GPX is the most common and the format Roovr exports.

Is there a file size or distance limit?

Strava limits route uploads to about 25 MB and a maximum distance of around 300 km. For a normal running, cycling or hiking loop, you'll never hit these limits.

Why does Strava ask me to pay to upload a route?

Custom route creation, including GPX upload, is part of Strava's paid subscription. Activity uploads (a finished workout) are free. If you don't want to pay, you can still record an activity that follows your loop and upload it afterwards as an activity.

My route shows up as a bike ride but I want to run it. How do I change that?

Open the route on strava.com, click Edit, and change the activity type to Run, Hike or Walk. Save again. The Strava mobile app picks up the change within a few seconds.

Strava says my GPX is invalid. What now?

The file is probably missing track points or has a malformed XML header. Re-export from the source app. If the GPX comes from Roovr, the format is always GPX 1.1 with named track points, so this shouldn't happen.

Can I upload a GPX directly from the Strava mobile app?

No. Strava only accepts GPX uploads through the web (strava.com/routes/new). You can do this from a mobile browser, but not from the Strava app itself. Once uploaded, the route syncs to the app and is ready to record.

All guides Updated May 14, 2026