Follow and recenter
The map follows your position during navigation. If you move the map, use the recenter control to return the view to your current location.
From file to route
beacen guide
Everything you need to import a route, prepare your Apple Watch and navigate with beacen.
01 / Setup
Getting started
Import your GPX
Select one or more GPX files in beacen, or open them from Files, Mail or another app using the share sheet.
Select a route
Open the route you want from your library and review its direction before you send it.
Send it to Apple Watch
Use the route transfer control on iPhone to place the selected route on your Watch.
Choose a direction
Choose forward or reverse navigation for the route you are about to follow.
Start on the Watch
Open beacen on Apple Watch, choose the transferred route and start navigation.
02 / Prepare
Before your first ride
Set Apple Watch to return to beacen so the route is ready when you raise your wrist. Menu wording may vary slightly with watchOS updates.
- Apple Watch
- Settings
- General
- Return to Clock
- beacen
- Choose After 1 Hour or While in Session
Workout recording stays separate. beacen does not start or record a workout. Start Apple Workout, Strava, WorkOutDoors or another fitness app separately when you want one.
Prepare for poor coverage. Send the route to Apple Watch before travelling somewhere without a reliable network connection.
04 / Offline
Offline use
Imported GPX route navigation can work without a network connection when the route is already transferred to Apple Watch. Map tiles may need connectivity if they are not cached, and Apple Maps directions to the trailhead may also require a connection. Optional iCloud sync requires network access.
05 / Answers
Frequently asked questions
Why does beacen not record a workout?
beacen is intentionally a navigation companion. Start your preferred workout app separately when you want to record an activity.
How do I keep beacen visible when raising my wrist?
On Apple Watch, open Settings, then General, Return to Clock and beacen. Choose After 1 Hour or While in Session. Menu wording may vary slightly by watchOS version.
Why does a route say it is already in my library?
beacen has recognised that the route is already stored and avoids creating an unnecessary duplicate. Open the existing route from your library.
Can I navigate a route in reverse?
Yes. Choose reverse navigation before starting the route.
Does beacen work offline?
Imported GPX navigation can work without a network connection when the route is already on your Watch. Map detail and Apple Maps directions may still require connectivity.
What happens when I leave the route?
beacen moves through warning and confirmed off-route states, then provides direct rejoin guidance and breadcrumbs. It does not automatically calculate a new road route.
Can I use beacen with Apple Workout or Strava?
Yes. beacen is designed to navigate alongside Apple Workout, Strava, WorkOutDoors and other fitness apps.
How do I share a route?
Open the route and use the standard iOS share sheet to export its GPX file. You choose the person or app that receives it.
Does beacen require an account?
No. beacen does not require a beacen account.
Where are my routes stored?
Routes remain stored locally on your devices unless you enable optional private iCloud sync through your Apple account.
Why is a map temporarily missing detail?
The route can still be available while map tiles are not. Map detail may need a network connection when tiles have not already been cached.
How do I recenter the Watch map?
Use the recenter control on the navigation map to bring the view back to your current location.
Need more help?
Contact support
Email support@beacen.app, visit beacen support, or read the privacy policy.