# Garmin Explore™

> A complete mobile trip planning solution for compatible Garmin devices

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.explore](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.explore)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.garmin.android.apps.explore`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Garmin
- **Category:** MAPS\_AND\_NAVIGATION
- **Downloads:** 2,269,824
- **Rating:** 3.49 / 5 (5,585 ratings)
- **Version:** 4.15
- **Last updated:** 2026-08-18
- **First published:** 2018-10-11
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 169 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-12
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.garmin.android.apps.explore)
- **Website:** [https://www.garmin.com/apps](https://www.garmin.com/apps)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.garmin.com/privacy/inreach/](https://www.garmin.com/privacy/inreach/)

## Description

**Garmin Explore™** is a comprehensive mobile trip planning solution designed for compatible Garmin devices. It allows users to pair their smartphones or tablets with their Garmin devices to sync and share data for off-grid adventures. With features like downloadable topographic and aerial maps, offline navigation, and an intuitive search tool, it supports navigation even without cellular service.

Users can easily plan trips by creating courses with specified start and finish points, view organized activity libraries including waypoints and tracks, and manage saved collections to quickly access trip data. The app provides unlimited map downloads, GPS trip logging, and cloud storage to preserve activity data automatically. Additionally, the LiveTrack™ feature enables real-time location sharing with loved ones, enhancing safety during outdoor excursions.

Garmin Explore™ combines robust navigation, detailed trip planning, and reliable offline functionality to enhance every outdoor adventure.

## Rankings

- #41,682 — Overall
- #1 — explore

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_AD_ID`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_ATTRIBUTION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.ANSWER_PHONE_CALLS`
- `android.permission.AUTHENTICATE_ACCOUNTS`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN`
- `android.permission.CALL_PHONE`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CONNECTED_DEVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC`
- `android.permission.GET_ACCOUNTS`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_ACCOUNTS`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_ONGOING_CALLS`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES`
- `android.permission.READ_CALENDAR`
- `android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG`
- `android.permission.READ_CONTACTS`
- `android.permission.READ_INTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_PROFILE_WATCH`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_RUN_IN_BACKGROUND`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_START_FOREGROUND_SERVICES_FROM_BACKGROUND`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_USE_DATA_IN_BACKGROUND`
- `android.permission.SEND_SMS`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `android.permission.WRITE_INTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.connectmobile.gncs.ContentProvider`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.connectmobile.permission.RECEIVE_BROADCASTS`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.dive.gncs.ContentProvider`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.explore.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.explore.develop.gncs.ContentProvider`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.explore.gncs.ContentProvider`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.explore.permission.RECEIVE_BROADCASTS`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.golf.gncs.ContentProvider`
- `com.garmin.coresample.gncs.ContentProvider`
- `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE`
- `com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE`

## Review summary

User reviews for Garmin Explore on Android are mixed. Many praise Garmin ecosystem integration and waypoint management in principle, and some report stability gains after updates. However, the majority cite serious reliability and UX issues: frequent crashes, unpredictable behavior, and data loss (waypoints deletion; offline data not accessible). Map details and offline maps are inconsistent or unreliable, and route planning features fall short for some users. Additionally, the subscription price and recent updates that remove features (messenger, weather) fuel dissatisfaction. Overall, the app works for some but has notable regressions that hinder critical backcountry use.

### Pros

- Solid Garmin device integration and data syncing (e.g., syncing hunts from Alpha handheld) and waypoint management capabilities.
- Helpful waypoint management UI on supported devices (clear UI for managing waypoints).
- Overall usability for some users and peace of mind on solo adventures.
- Updates have, for some users, improved functionality and usefulness.

### Cons

- Frequent crashes and reliability issues (app closes on launch; crashes during sync; laggy).
- Poor UI/UX with non-intuitive organization and inconsistent behavior (inconsistent zoom/UI) .
- Maps/offline data quality and reliability problems (names not showing, offline data inaccessible, map details unreliable).
- Data loss risks such as waypoints being deleted or not syncing properly.
- Subscription price/value concerns and recent updates that remove features or degrade functionality (e.g., messenger, weather).

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.explore)