Handy GPS FAQ (iOS version)

Last updated Jul 2025


Why won't HandyGPS get a location fix ?
Make sure that under your phone settings in the Privacy > Location Services section, HandyGPS is enabled. Also check that the status at the top of the main page is "Recording". GPS updates are not received by the app in "Paused" mode.


How should I manage my waypoints and tracklogs ?
The best way to use this app is to clear all the loaded data and reset the odometer before each new walk. Remember to export your current data first if you haven't already though! The app is not intended to store tracklogs for more than one walk. If you never clear the tracklogs, the map rendering will eventually become sluggish.


Why has the tracklog stopped recording ?
If you're using the free version of the app, only 20 tracklog points will be recorded. With the default tracklog spacing of 25 metres (82 feet), this corresponds to a tracklog of about 500 metres (1640 feet). The paid version does not have this limitation.


Why can't I share my current data via email ?
If you can't share data from the app via email, you might not have correctly configured the Apple Mail app. To do this, press the settings icon on your iPhone and choose Apps > Mail > Mail accounts and check you have at least one email account. If not, press the "Add account" button and add an existing email account. Once you've done that the option to email your current data on Handy GPS should work.


I have a KMZ file. Can I load this in HandyGPS ?
HandyGPS will only import KML and GPX files, however a KMZ file is just a zipped file, so change it's extension from .kmz to .zip on a Windows PC and then open it in Windows Explorer. Usually, a .kmz file contains one or more .kml files. Simply extract these and then you can import them into HandyGPS in the usual way.


Does HandyGPS support offline maps ?
Yes, the paid version has the ability to download small areas of maps from map tile servers for use later when you have no cellular data connection.


Back to main Handy GPS page