Follow and recenter
The map follows your position. If you move it, use the recenter control to return to your current location.
The beacen field guide
Plan the way.Follow the line.
From GPX file to confident navigation.
From file to trail
Bring the route
Import one or more GPX files in beacen, open them from Files, Mail or another app through the share sheet, choose a saved or Library route, then review it before you leave.
Choose forward or reverse navigation and start directly on iPhone. Apple Watch can join when you want the route on your wrist.
Watch optional
Prepare before leaving
Once a route is on your iPhone, send it directly to your paired Apple Watch. The transfer is local—no internet or mobile coverage is required. Open beacen on the Watch, choose the transferred route and start navigation.
Keep beacen ready when you raise your wrist
- Apple Watch
- Settings
- General
- Return to Clock
- beacen
- After 1 Hour or While in Session
Transfer locally. No internet required.The route moves directly from your iPhone to the paired Watch once it is already available on the phone.
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.
Prepared beyond the signal
Beyond the signal
Imported GPX navigation can continue without a network connection once the route is already available on the device you are using.
Map detailUncached map tiles may still need connectivity. Cache the areas you need before heading out.
Connected servicesApple Maps directions to the trailhead and optional private iCloud sync may require a network connection.
Field notes
Field answers
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 once the route is available on the device you are using. Uncached 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 share links work?
Creating a share link publishes a sanitised route snapshot to beacen’s public CloudKit database. Anyone with the unlisted link can view the preview and download the GPX, so treat the link as public rather than as a password.
How do I share a route?
Open the route’s sharing controls. Choose Copy Link to create or copy its public share link, or choose Share GPX File to send the file directly without creating a public link.
How do I stop sharing?
Use Stop Sharing for that route. This removes its public CloudKit record and makes the share link and GPX download unavailable.
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.
Ready for the trail?
Take the route with you.
Bring a GPX to iPhone, keep the line close and add Apple Watch only when a glance is enough.
Get beacen