Navigation and GPS

How do I follow a route while walking?

Short answer

Start the walk with a route selected and put the phone in your pocket. Walkable speaks each turn shortly before you reach it and vibrates, so you do not need to look at the screen to stay on the route.

Updated · 2 min read

Guidance while you walk: “Turn right in 95 m”, with 155 m walked and 5.05 km to go, and the route drawn ahead of you on the map.
Guidance while you walk: “Turn right in 95 m”, with 155 m walked and 5.05 km to go, and the route drawn ahead of you on the map.

Designed for a pocket, not a hand

Walking with a phone held out in front of you is a worse walk. Guidance is spoken and felt for exactly that reason: the instruction arrives before the turn, with a vibration, and the screen can stay off the whole way.

If you do look at the screen

The map shows the route line, your position along it, and what is coming next. The distance remaining updates as you go.

Step by step

  1. Choose a routeA loop of a chosen length, or a route to a destination.
  2. Start the walkGuidance begins from where you are.
  3. Pocket the phoneTurns are announced and felt. Keep the volume audible or use headphones.
  4. WalkIf you drift off the line, Walkable finds a way back without scolding you.

What happens next?

Walkable records your actual path the entire time, whether or not you stay on the planned route. When you finish, the walk saved is the one you walked.

Common problems

I cannot hear the directions

Check the phone's media volume and that Walkable is allowed to speak. With headphones connected, audio follows them.

The instruction came too late

Usually a delayed GPS fix in a built-up area. See 'How can I improve GPS accuracy?'.

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