Compatibility with Garmin GLO2 Receiver

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mreitsma

I am interested in upgrading the GPS capability of my iPhone/iPad for off road driving. I'm looking at the Garmin GLO2 receiver as it seems to be an ideal solution. I just wanted to verify that the GAIA GPS app would be able to leverage the (Garmin) device's enhanced GPS data once it has been paired with my iOS device via Bluetooth connection. Or, is the GAIA GPS app only designed to accept GPS input directly from the iPhone built-in GPS system?

Thanks for your feedback!

Michael

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    Jay
    • Edited

    Hi Michael,

    You should be able to use the Garmin Glo 2 with your iOS device. Gaia GPS doesn't interface directly with the external GPS receiver, but you pair the receiver to your phone and Gaia GPS will use that signal.

    Here are the steps to pair the Garmin Glo 2 with your iOS device:

    Here is some additional information on using external GPS devices with Gaia GPS:

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    iwrk2ski

    The original question was would it work with ios not andrioid.  Does it?

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    mreitsma

    Thanks for your comment iwrk2ski. Spot on, the answer provided by GAIA GPS staff did not specifically address the context of my original question. As far as my personal experience goes, I can only say that the Garmin GLO2 does seem to successfully pair with my iPhone via Bluetooth. Notwithstanding that observation, I can not definitively confirm that the GAIA app is using the GPS data from my Garmin device. It would be useful if the GAIA staff could readdress my question after reading it more carefully...

    Cheers,

    Michael

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    Jay

    Hello mreitsma,

    My apologies for the error in my previous response (which I have edited). The steps to pair the GLO2 with your iOS device are here:


    The device will switch back and forth between the internal and external GPS, based on whichever source has the best signal. Here is how to view the location accuracy:

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    milorisen

    Hi Jay,

    I have the same question but for an Android device. I have a Samsung SM-T800 and it pairs well with the GLO 2 and seems to work until I click the "Layers" button. Once I do that Gaia freezes. Do you know if there is an issue between the two? I have activated the Mock mode but it still does it.

     

    Thanks,

    Gene A.

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    Ryan McElroy

    Hi Gene, 

    I'm sorry for the trouble using Gaia GPS with your Garmin GLO 2. 

    While we have verified that Gaia GPS works well with some Bluetooth-enabled GPS receivers, the app isn't actually designed for it. The app is only intended to be used with the phone's built-in location services, so using a Bluetooth receiver can be hit or miss. 

    That said, this support article from Garmin may offer a solution: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=1BEq2yXIPj5SdcTfdXrdd6

    While untested, you may want to try their suggestion to force your Android device to use only the Garmin GLO 2: 

    Once connected to the Garmin GLO, you can completely disable the internal GPS receiver of your Android device. You can change this in the settings on your phone. The exact steps may vary by phone: 

    1. Open "Settings" on your Android device. 
    2. Locate your option for "Location", "Privacy and Security" or something similar. 
    3. Most phones will have 3 options - use GPS and networks, networks only and GPS only. Select the option for network only . This will effectively disable the GPS on the phone.


    The article also notes: "not every third-party Bluetooth GPS application will work properly for the Garmin GLO."

    If you have any further questions, please contact Support here.

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    milorisen

    Hello, thanks for the response. I got it to work well by turning off the mock gps option. That did the trick and it works great now.

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    chad.glasgow89

    Hello. I've been messing with the Garmin glo 2 for about 6 months now. Works well with phone, using Bluetooth app, mock provider etc. I used Samsung S8+ and now Samsung s20. But....that's all fine. It will not work with Samsung tablet A 2019, which has gps no compass gyro unless connected to wifi etc.. When the location is turned off on the tablet I get no navigation data from the glo 2 to the tablet. Other than Google maps, the only offroad app that works with the cheaper tablets Samsung Tab A's, and glo 2 has been Locus maps. They have a bluetooth connection option in the settings. Why the others don't, like Gaia pro and backcountry pro, the new Caltopo app,, I have no clue. A free app that can connect flawlessly to the garmin but not these guys. It's very limited to maps, but the scanned ones work good enough, at least I have GPS, Glonass, Galileo reception on my tablet. Maybe they'll figure it out someday.

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    Ninrode Dulserafel

    Hey guys,
    I read this posts and bought the GARMIN GLO2 this year.
    I’m using with my iPad Pro (1st generation).
    Did simple connection with Bluetooth and Gaia GPS automatically improved the accuracy of the gps reception in the app in 15 seconds.
    The standard accuracy was +-35m before the GLO2
    and switched to +-5m almost immediately.
    I did tests turning off the Bluetooth of the iPad, and after turning on again, the connection was automatic.
    Works fine!
    Very good improvement for a peace of old technology.🙃🦾

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