Live tracking that works with my GPS watch or bike computer

If you mean letting someone follow your ride or workout on a live map, the best option depends on your watch/computer:

• Garmin watch or Edge: Garmin LiveTrack shares your live location and ride stats. Many setups need your phone nearby with a data connection. (support.garmin.com)
• Wahoo ELEMNT bike computer: Wahoo Live Track shares a link, but the computer needs to stay connected to the ELEMNT app on your phone, which needs internet access. (support.wahoofitness.com)
• Strava Beacon: Works with the Strava phone app and, for subscribers, certain Apple Watch, Wear OS, and Garmin devices. Garmin compatibility depends on LiveTrack autostart support. (support.strava.com)

Tell me the brand and model of your watch or bike computer—and whether you’ll carry your phone—and I can point you to the right setup.

Your best option depends on your device. Here are the main choices as of late October 2026:

• Wahoo ELEMNT (ROAM, BOLT, ELEMNT): Wahoo's built-in Live Track works with these units. It creates a shareable link through the companion app that you can send to friends and family. You choose the sharing window, such as a link that expires at the end of the day. Wahoo's newer subscription tiers still include live tracking and sharing with the head unit.
• Garmin Edge or Garmin watch: Garmin's LiveTrack is the equivalent. Per one source, family and friends can track a rider's real-time location with LiveTrack. A caveat from a forum user: the phone app is not required for recording, but features like live tracking, group information and other sometimes nifty features won't be available without it. So keep the Garmin Connect app paired and running.
• BikeOtter (Wahoo, with Garmin in beta): This is a companion app that connects directly over Bluetooth rather than through the maker's cloud. Its developer says live tracking are free. Coros and Hammerhead support is planned but not yet available.
• Phone-based apps (if you want one app for everything):
  • Cyclemeter works on iPhone and Apple Watch, and offers live tracking for safety: share your real-time location, path and stats with friends and family.
  • CheckMyRide is iPhone-only and includes live location sharing.
  • Komoot's premium subscription unlocks additional features, such as a multi-day planner and live tracking.
  • Trailforks includes live tracking for mountain biking.

Tell me which watch or bike computer you have and whether you use an iPhone or Android, and I can narrow this to one or two options.

Most modern GPS watches and bike computers have built-in "Live Tracking" features that allow you to share your real-time location with friends and family without needing a separate app to record your ride.

1. Built-in Manufacturer Features (Recommended)

The most seamless way to use live tracking is through your device's native software. These features work by connecting your device to your smartphone via Bluetooth; the phone then uses its cellular data to update your location on a web map.

• Garmin (LiveTrack): Available on most Edge bike computers and newer GPS watches. You can set it to "Auto Start" so that as soon as you begin a ride or run, a link is automatically sent to your chosen contacts via email or text.
• Wahoo (Live Track): Works similarly to Garmin; you enable it in the Wahoo Companion app, and it can automatically share your location whenever you start a ride.
• Hammerhead Karoo: Uses a "Live Tracking" feature that requires a connection to the Hammerhead Companion app or a mobile hotspot/SIM card to broadcast your position.

2. Strava Beacon

If you prefer using Strava, you can use the Beacon feature. This is particularly useful because it integrates with many dedicated GPS devices, meaning you don't have to record the activity on your phone—you just use your watch or computer as usual.

• How it works: You enable "Beacon" in the Strava app on your phone. If you have a compatible Garmin device, you can set it to "Auto Start" so that your phone automatically sends a tracking link to your safety contacts the moment you press "Start" on your GPS device.
• Requirement: This generally requires a Strava subscription and a Bluetooth connection between your phone and your GPS device.

3. Third-Party & Alternative Options

If your device does not support built-in tracking or you want a different experience, there are other methods:

• Ride with GPS: Offers live tracking features and is a popular platform for cyclists who want to share their progress.
• Google Maps/Apple "Find My": If you always carry your phone, you can simply use the location-sharing features built into your phone's operating system. While these don't provide "activity-specific" data (like heart rate or distance remaining), they are highly reliable for letting loved ones see exactly where you are.

Key Tips for Success

• Phone Connectivity: Regardless of which service you use, you must have your smartphone with you with cellular service. The GPS device records the data, but the phone acts as the "transmitter" to send that data to the web.
• Test Before You Go: Before relying on these for a long or solo trip, perform a quick test at home to ensure your contacts receive the link and that the tracking updates as expected.
• Battery Management: Live tracking can increase battery drain on both your phone and your GPS device. Ensure both are well-charged before starting a long activity.

A few good options, depending on your device:

• Garmin watch or Edge bike computer: Garmin LiveTrack. Share a link so friends or family can follow your location during an activity. Most setups require your Garmin paired to your phone, with cellular coverage; some LTE-capable models can connect without the phone’s data connection if the required service is active. Check that your specific model supports LiveTrack. ⁵⁷
• Wahoo ELEMNT computer: Wahoo Live Track. Share a live link from the ELEMNT app. The computer needs to stay connected to the app, and your phone needs internet and location services. ³
• Strava Beacon: An option for Strava subscribers using supported watches; compatible Garmin devices need LiveTrack with autostart. Set it up in the Strava phone app. ⁴

Quick pick: If you tell me the make and model of your watch or bike computer—and whether you’ll have your phone with you—I can narrow it down. Live tracking depends on a working mobile or supported device connection, so it may stop updating where there’s no coverage. ⁵⁷