Exporting Garmin data: GPX, TCX, FIT and CSV — complete guide

You have thousands of workouts on Garmin Connect and you want to transfer them to Strava, analyze them on a third-party tool, do an independent backup, or simply stop depending on a single proprietary cloud. The data is there — Garmin allows it. But the process isn't always as immediate as you'd hope, and there are important differences between the mobile app and website, and between the various available formats.

Method 1: single activity export from the website

This is the most direct method for extracting a specific activity. It works only from the website — not the mobile app. The Garmin Connect Android and iOS app doesn't have individual export functionality.

1. Go to connect.garmin.com and log in with your credentials.
2. Click 'Activities' in the left sidebar menu.
3. Click on the activity you want to export to open it.
4. In the top right, click the gear icon (⚙) or three vertical dots icon.
5. Select 'Export Original' for the original FIT file, or 'Export as TCX' or 'Export as GPX'.
6. The file is downloaded to your computer.

Export formats: GPX, TCX, FIT, CSV — which to choose

Format choice depends on the final use. Each carries different information and has different compatibility.

For importing a workout into Strava, both TCX and GPX work fine — Strava supports them. For a complete backup that lets you re-import later or analyze with tools like GoldenCheetah or Intervals.icu, the original FIT file is the best choice even if less directly readable.

Method 2: bulk export with Garmin Data Management

To download the entire workout history at once, Garmin has a bulk export function. This is Garmin's equivalent of a 'Google Takeout' — it gives you everything, not just activities.

1. Log in to connect.garmin.com.
2. Click your username in the top right → 'Account Settings'.
3. In the 'Account management' section, find 'Export Your Data'.
4. Click 'Request Data'. Garmin prepares a ZIP archive with everything.
5. Receive an email with the download link within 24-48 hours (longer for large accounts).
6. The archive includes all original FIT files, health data (heart rate, sleep, steps), routes, and device settings.

Method 3: Garmin Connect API (for continuous integrations)

If you need a continuous data flow — not a one-time export but every workout that lands on Garmin Connect automatically sent somewhere — the path is the Garmin Health API or Connect API. But beware: this is not a self-service path.

• •Garmin Connect API: requires an OAuth application approved by Garmin. You can't access your personal data via API directly without being an approved developer with a registered app. The approval process takes time and has evaluation criteria.
• •Already-integrated apps: Strava, Training Peaks, Final Surge and some other platforms already have official integration. You can authorize these apps from Garmin Connect → Connected Apps & Devices → Manage Apps.
• •FitMesh Sync: among the services that support Garmin Connect API integration officially, allowing centralizing data without manual export each time.

Importing Garmin data into Strava: practical steps

Manual import into Strava is one of the most common use cases for Garmin export. There are two paths: direct integration (recommended) or file import (for single activities or batches).

• •Direct integration: from Garmin Connect → Connected Apps → search Strava → authorize. From then on every activity syncs automatically. No manual export needed.
• •Single file import: go to strava.com → '+' menu at top → 'Upload activity'. Supports GPX, FIT and TCX. Note that Strava has a limit of 25 uploads/week for free accounts and some restrictions on power data.
• •Historical batch import: Strava allows importing the full FIT archive if you request it via their support (limited feature, requires direct contact).

Garmin and Health Connect: the current situation

A frequent question: does Garmin write to Health Connect? The current answer (May 2026) is: partially. Garmin Connect for Android has started supporting Health Connect writing for some basic metrics (daily steps, resting heart rate, aggregated sleep data), but not for complete activities with GPS. For full workout data, the path is still Garmin's OAuth API, not Health Connect.

This means apps that use only Health Connect to read Garmin data will see steps and BPM, but not the details of cycling sessions or GPS runs. For those, direct Garmin Connect API integration is needed.