We understand battery drain is a concern on longer trips. Here are a few things you can do to increase the battery life of your device and conserve battery if you are in the backcountry:
- Lower the brightness
- Restrict iOS location services so that only Gaia GPS pulls your location while you are using the app
- Record your hike in Airplane Mode to block your device from searching for cellular data
-
Collapse the compass band: The app will not use location services to find your compass direction
- Tap Settings > Map Layout > Toggle Compass Off
Apple has a useful site that lists ways to preserve battery life. Additionally, Adventure Alan has a very informative website that explains how to use the iPhone as a GPS tracking device, including detailed information on reducing battery loss.
Note: external links may contain outdated product and pricing information.
Preserving Battery Life with the Device Hub
Through the device hub, you have the option of connecting an external device and creating tracks on Gaia GPS without needing to open the app and record directly on Gaia GPS. Recording tracks via a Garmin device can significantly conserve battery life, and you have the option to automatically sync tracks to your Gaia GPS account. Read more about connecting to the device hub and managing your device sync settings here.