Geocaching® app & GPS

Home → Geocaching® app & GPS → Printer Friendly Version

Geocaching® app & GPS

While we've worked with many different companies to develop apps, right now we only support the official Geocaching apps for Android and iPhone. If you have questions about any other apps, including c:geo, CacheSense and Geocache Navigator, please contact the app's creators.

1. Geocaching® app
2. GPS

1. Geocaching® app

1.1. Get started

Plan your geocaching adventures, find geocaches, and log your finds in the field with the Geocaching® app.

Find a cache

Tip: Can’t find the cache? Contact the cache owner or another player for help via the Message Center to ask for a hint.

Log your find

Tip: Add a photo or Favorite point to your logs.

Plan your cache outing

Tip: Plan your cache outing easily with Premium membership features.

1.2. Geocaching® app: Premium vs. Basic membership features chart

Feature	Available to all users
Search	Search for: GC codes Locations Landmarks Neighborhoods
GeoTours	Search for GeoTour caches by GT code Access to GeoTour caches of all cache types and D/T ratings (normally a Premium feature)
Trackables	Search for trackables Log trackables View trackable inventory

Feature	Basic membership	Premium membership
Geocache types	Traditional Caches Event Caches	All geocache types Adventure Lab® starting locations
Difficulty/Terrain (D/T)	D2/T2 and below	All D/T ratings
Map types	Street Satellite Terrain (Android only) Hybrid	Street Satellite Terrain (Android only) Hybrid Trails map
Driving directions	Yes	Yes
Logging	Add photos	Add photos Add Favorite points
Draft logs	Yes	Yes
Personal cache notes	No	Yes
Message Center	Yes	Yes
Premium-Only geocaches	No	Yes
Sort search results	Results are sorted by distance.	Sort by: Geocache name Distance Favorite points
Filtered search	No	Filter for: Type Size Difficulty Terrain Filter out found and owned geocaches 29 unique attributes Minimum Favorite points
Lists	No	Add/edit Lists Auto-sync of Lists and Pocket Queries
Offline features	No	Offline Lists Offline maps
Experimental features	No	Test out beta features

1.3. Navigate to a geocache

Navigate to the posted coordinates of a geocache in the Geocaching® app:

Select a cache and open the cache page.
Select Navigate.
Face the direction of the tracking line to find your way, or select the compass icon in the top right corner for the compass view.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Tip: Find out how to enter solved coordinates for a Mystery Cache.

Compass view

To navigate to a geocache in compass view, follow the orange compass needle until the distance units are close to zero.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Track up vs. north up mode

The default navigation style is “track up navigation mode.” To change to north up mode:

Select Profile on the bottom left of the navigation bar.
Select the gear icon.
Select Navigation.
Toggle Keep map north up.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.4. Add a photo or Favorite point

Add a photo to a log

Write your log.
Select the camera icon in the lower left.
Select Choose From Library or Take Photo.
Select Post in the top right.

Add a Favorite point

Write your log.
Select the heart icon in the lower left to turn it green.
Select Post in the top right.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.5. Draft logs

Save your logs as drafts in the Geocaching® app and finish them later. Drafts automatically sync to your drafts page on Geocaching.com.

Add a draft log

Select Log.
Select Found It.
Toggle Draft in the lower right.
Select Save in the top right.

Tip: Add a photo or Favorite point to your draft.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Access and edit a draft

Select Profile in the bottom left of the navigation bar.
Scroll to the bottom and select Drafts.
Select the title of the draft to edit your log.
Edit your log.
Toggle Draft off in the lower right.
Select Post in the top right.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.6. Add a waypoint

From the cache details, scroll down and select Waypoints.
Select the + icon in the top right.
Enter the coordinates for your waypoint.
Select Add in the top right to save your waypoint.

Tip: Find out how to enter solved coordinates for a Mystery Cache.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.7. App settings

Change distance units (miles/kilometers)

Select Profile in the bottom left of the navigation bar.
Select the gear icon in the top right.
Select Navigation.
Toggle Use metric system.

Cache proximity notification

Select Profile in the bottom left of the navigation bar.
Select the gear icon in the top right.
Select Navigation.
Toggle Vibrate when close to geocache.

North up navigation

Select Profile in the bottom left of the navigation bar.
Select the gear icon in the top right.
Select Navigation.
Toggle Keep map north up.

(If your device has no compass, the default is north up and cannot be changed)

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.8. Favorite point indicator

The most-Favorited cache indicator enables you to find caches with high Favorite points in your area. The indicator highlights the top 10% of the most-Favorited caches right on the map. To enable/disable the Favorited cache indicator:

From the map view, select the map settings icon.
Select Favorites under Map details on the Map settings page.
Select Done.

Tip: Premium members can filter out their finds to only see the top 10% of most-Favorited unfound caches.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.9. Log trackables

Trackables are geocaching game pieces that move from geocache to geocache. Log a trackable from your inventory through the Geocaching® app.

Log a trackable from your inventory

On your profile, select Trackable inventory.
Select Log to the right of the trackable.
Select from Drop, Visit, or Write Note.
For Drop and Visit, select a geocache from the map.
Write your log and (optionally) upload a photo.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Log a trackable from a geocache

From the cache details, scroll down to select Trackables.
Select Geocache at the top.
Select Log to log a trackable.
Enter the tracking code, then select from the log types Retrieve, Discover, Grab, or Write Note.
Write your log and (optionally) upload a photo.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Search for a trackable to log

Select the magnifying glass icon in the top left.
Select Trackable to search for a trackable.
Enter the tracking code and select Search.
Select Log Trackable.
Select from the log types Retrieve, Discover, Grab or Write Note.
Write your log and (optionally) upload a photo.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.10. Create, edit, and delete Lists

Premium members can create Lists to organize their geocaching adventures. Lists on the Geocaching® App automatically sync with your Lists on Geoaching.com.

Add a cache to a (new) List

Select a cache.
Select the (⋮) icon on the top right corner.
Select Add to list.
Select a List or select + to create a new List.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Add multiple caches to a (new) List

Filter and select search.
From the map view or List view, select the (⋮) icon on the top right corner.
Select Add all to list.
Select Continue (this will only appear if Adventure Lab® Locations are on the map).
Select a List or select + to create a new List.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Delete a List

Select Lists from the bottom of your screen.
Select the (...) icon and select Delete List.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.11. Offline Lists

Offline Lists are a Premium feature in the Geocaching® app. Download your Lists and use the Trails map to navigate to geocaches without an internet connection.

Download offline Lists

Geocache details and offline map tiles are saved to your device when you download an Offline List. To download Offline Lists:

Go to the Lists section in your Geocaching® app.
Tap the (...) icon next to the List that you want to download.
Select Download Offline Data.

Tip: Offline maps are saved in the Trails map type. When you’re geocaching without an internet connection, switch to Trails to see your offline maps.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Refresh offline Lists

When you edit a List on Geocaching.com, refresh the List on your Geocaching® app to sync the changes.

Tip: Offline map tiles do not update automatically after you refresh your List. To get the most up-to-date offline tiles, remove offline data for the related List and download it again.

Remove offline Lists

To delete the downloaded data from an offline List, follow these steps:

Go to the Lists section in your Geocaching® app.
Select the (...) icon next to the List that you want to remove.
Select Remove Offline Data.

WiFi and cellular data

The Geocaching® app uses offline maps before it tries to pull data from the internet. But offline maps are not designed to replace an available internet connection. If you don’t want the app to use cellular data, switch to WiFi or Airplane Mode.

Tip: To save cellular data, switch to WiFi before you download a geocache List!

1.12. View photos from a geocache page

View photos uploaded by the cache owner

Select a cache and open the cache page.
Scroll down and select Photos.
Swipe to the left to see more photos.

Tip: The cache owner may add helpful photos to the cache description. Check out Web View to find out

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

View log photos

Select a cache and open the cache page.
Select Activity.
Scroll to a log with a photo attached.
Select View photo and swipe left to see additional photos.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.13. Web View

Web View allows you to see the geocache description as it appears on our website. It includes photos and HTML styling that is not optimized for mobile applications. Web View can provide important information for Mystery Caches or Multi-Caches.

Select a cache and open the cache page.
Select Description.
Select Web.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

1.14. Message Center

The Message Center makes it easy to chat with other geocachers and geocache owners while you’re out adventuring.

Select Messages from the bottom navigation bar.
Select New to start a new message.
Enter a username and select the geocacher you want to contact.
Write your message and select the paper airplane icon to send.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Block another geocacher

To block another player you must go through our website:

On Geocaching.com select the Message icon in the header.
Select (...) icon next to the player's username.
Select Block.
The selected player can no longer contact you.

If you hide a message via Geocaching.com, those messages will still appear in the Mobile app.

1.15. Find a GeoTour

GeoTours are a collection of self-guided themed tours around historic sites, parks, cities, and more. GeoTours are often sponsored by local tourism boards, historical associations, or national park services where local experts pick out the best places to hide new geocaches.

Search the GeoTour directory

From the map view, select the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen.
Select GeoTour.
Enter a GT code or select See all GeoTours.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Discover a GeoTour from the map

A cache that is part of a GeoTour will say “GEOTOUR” above the cache name. Follow these steps to see the full GeoTour:

Select a GeoTour cache from the map.
Open the cache detail page.
Select VIEW GEOTOUR.
Select a cache.

Screenshots are from the Geocaching® app on iPhone. It will look slightly different on Android devices.

Tip: Both Basic and Premium members can find and log GeoTour geocaches of all types and D/T ratings! See the Premium vs. Basic membership features chart.

1.16. Report a bug—Geocaching® app

The best way to report a bug is in the forums.

First, see if someone else has already reported this issue.
Add new information to an existing thread.
Start a new thread if no one has reported the bug yet. Be sure to use a specific topic title and description. For example: "Caches not showing on the map"

Tip: You can also find reports of fixes and temporary solutions to known issues in the forums.

Include information and repro steps

We will get to the bottom of a bug much quicker if you include these details:

Specific steps to reproduce the bug.
The area of the app causing the issue (Example: the Map page, List page, etc.).
Your type of mobile device, Android or Apple iOS.
Your current app version (found in the app under More > Version info).
GC code if the bug occurred on a cache page.
Additional information that can help, including screenshots.

If you are not able to get your answer in the forums or need specific follow up, please contact us.

2. GPS

2.1. Download geocaches to GPS device

There are several ways to download geocache details to your GPS device. Each GPS device is different, so instructions may vary.

Download from cache pages

Below the listed coordinates of a cache select the Download GPX button to download the geocache to your computer or GPS.

Download from map preview

Search for a cache on the map, toggle a geocache, and select the Download GPX button from the map preview to download the cache to your GPS or computer.

GPX file

This file type is available to both Premium and Basic members.

The file contains:

Cache title
Description (Attributes, Type, Size, Difficulty, Terrain)
Public additional waypoints (such as parking coordinates)
Hints
20 most recent logs

Send to Garmin

This functionality is available only to Premium members. Instructions how to use it can be found here.

Download via Pocket Query

Premium members can download groups of up to 1000 geocaches via Pocket Query. If you download a cache via Pocket Query, 5 logs will be included. Learn more about Pocket Queries.

*If you have specific questions, please contact the manufacturer of your GPS device.

2.2. Upload drafts (field notes)

Follow these steps to upload drafts from your GPS device or computer to Geocaching.com:

Connect your GPS device to your computer.
Go to your Dashboard.
Select Drafts on the left hand side.
On the Drafts page, select Upload drafts.
Select the drafts file from your GPS or computer to upload.

Tip: Follow the directions for your GPS device to locate the correct drafts file. Drafts files have a .txt file extension, for example: geocache_visits.txt.

2.3. Garmin Express

Thanks to a partnership between Geocaching HQ and Garmin, Premium members can send geocaching Lists to their supported Garmin GPSr .

Initial setup

Download Garmin Express Version 6.7.1 or higher.
Select Add a Device to add your Garmin GPSr .

Tip: If you run into questions while setting up Garmin Express, visit Garmin’s Help Center.

Send a List to your Garmin GPSr

Visit My Lists.
From the (...) menu on the right, select Send to Garmin.
Go geocaching!

2.4. GPS buyer guide

You don’t need an expensive or elaborate GPS device for geocaching. Your device should be easy to use, accessible, and durable. You can browse GPS units at Shop Geocaching and other online retailers.

Tip: Many geocachers use their smartphones instead of or in addition to GPS units. If you have an iOS or Android phone, download the Geocaching® mobile app.

GPS features

The features below are important to consider before you buy a GPS unit.

Basemaps	Basemaps are included with some units. They usually consist of major highways and coastlines. They are good for overall orientation, but not much else.
Add-on maps	Some units allow you to install add-on maps. You can buy map packages for specific regions from GPS manufacturers and third-party websites. Some third-party maps are even free.
GLONASS compatible	Some units are compatible with GLONASS (Russia’s satellite navigation system). This allows you to pick up GLONASS signals as well as GPS signals.
Memory	Memory allows you to load additional maps and waypoints onto the device. Higher-end devices usually accept a memory card for storage.
Power source	Your device should support external power, such as a cigarette lighter power cable. It should also support standard batteries (AA or AAA) for easy replacement on the trail.
Waterproof	Your device should be water-resistant or have an IPX7 designation.
Geocaching features	An increasing number of devices have specific features for geocaching. Look for a device that can store pocket queries and Drafts (field notes).

2.5. GPS Help

Geocaching HQ does not produce GPS units or provide customer service on GPS unit issues, however we have collected some resources that may be helpful.

Refer to your GPS unit owner's manual.
Contact your GPS unit manufacturer's support center:
Ask your question or find an answer to it in our GPS & Technology forum.

2.6. Garmin Communicator Plugin no longer supported

Most browsers no longer support plugins.

To send geocaching information to your GPS device, select one of the following options:

Use Garmin Express.
Select GPX file from any cache page and save the file to your GPS device.

How can we help?