Garmin to Strava: How to Manually Re-upload Activities & Troubleshoot Sync Issues

How do I re-upload Garmin to Strava?

Re-uploading a Garmin activity to Strava, particularly if the initial automatic sync failed or if you deleted an activity in Strava, typically involves manually exporting the activity file from Garmin Connect and then importing it directly into your Strava account.

Understanding the Garmin-Strava Integration

For most users, Garmin Connect and Strava are seamlessly integrated, meaning activities recorded on a Garmin device automatically sync to Garmin Connect, and then from there, push directly to Strava. This automatic process is the most convenient way to manage your training data. However, there are scenarios where this integration might falter, necessitating a manual re-upload.

Why You Might Need to Re-Upload

While the automatic sync is generally reliable, several reasons might prompt a manual re-upload:

• Initial Sync Failure: An internet connectivity issue, server glitch, or temporary API problem might prevent an activity from syncing automatically from Garmin Connect to Strava.
• Accidental Deletion on Strava: You might have inadvertently deleted an activity from your Strava account, but it remains preserved in Garmin Connect.
• Editing Discrepancies: Sometimes, edits made in Garmin Connect (e.g., cropping, changing activity type) might not perfectly reflect or trigger an update on Strava, leading you to prefer re-uploading the finalized version.
• Historical Data Migration: If you're consolidating old data or moving from a different platform where Garmin data was previously stored, you might need to manually upload older files.

Method 1: Manual Export from Garmin Connect and Import to Strava

This is the most reliable and common method for ensuring an activity from Garmin Connect appears on Strava when the automatic sync has failed or is undesirable.

Step-by-Step: Exporting from Garmin Connect

1. Access Garmin Connect: Go to the Garmin Connect website (connect.garmin.com) and log in to your account. This process is generally easier on a desktop or laptop computer.
2. Navigate to Activities: From the dashboard, click on "Activities" in the left-hand navigation menu. Then select "All Activities."
3. Select the Desired Activity: Scroll through your list of activities or use the search/filter functions to locate the specific activity you wish to re-upload. Click on the activity to open its detailed view.
4. Export the File:
   • In the detailed activity view, look for a gear icon or a three-dot menu (often located in the top-right corner of the activity data block).
   • Click on this icon to reveal a dropdown menu.
   • Select "Export Original" or "Export to TCX/GPX/FIT." The .FIT (Flexible and Interoperable Data Transfer) file format is generally the most comprehensive and preferred for fitness data, including advanced metrics. If .FIT isn't an option, .TCX (Training Center XML) or .GPX (GPS Exchange Format) are also commonly accepted, though they might contain less detailed data.
   • Save the file to a location on your computer where you can easily find it (e.g., your Downloads folder or a dedicated "Garmin Exports" folder).

Step-by-Step: Importing to Strava

1. Access Strava: Open your web browser and go to strava.com. Log in to your Strava account.
2. Locate the Upload Button: In the top-right corner of the Strava dashboard, find the plus (+) icon or the "Upload Activity" button. Click on it.
3. Choose "Upload from File": A menu will appear. Select "Upload from file" (or similar wording, usually represented by an arrow pointing upwards).
4. Select Your Exported File: Click the "Choose files" button. Navigate to the location where you saved the Garmin activity file (.FIT, .TCX, or .GPX) from the previous steps. Select the file and click "Open."
5. Review and Save: Strava will process the file and display a preview of the activity. Review the details (activity type, name, description, privacy settings). Make any necessary edits.
6. Save Activity: Click the "Save & View" or "Save Activity" button. Your activity will now be visible on your Strava feed and in your training log.

Method 2: Forcing a Sync (Less common for re-upload, but relevant for missed syncs)

If an activity failed to sync initially and you haven't deleted it from Strava, sometimes simply refreshing the connection can prompt a delayed sync. This method won't re-upload an activity you've manually deleted from Strava.

Checking Connection Status

• On Strava: Go to your Strava settings (hover over your profile picture in the top right, then select "Settings"). In the left-hand menu, click "My Apps." You should see "Garmin Connect" listed under "Connected Accounts." Ensure it shows as connected.
• On Garmin Connect: While Garmin Connect doesn't explicitly show Strava as a connected app within its direct settings, you can often see the sync status for individual activities.

Disconnecting and Reconnecting

If the connection appears active but an activity isn't syncing:

1. Disconnect Garmin from Strava: In Strava settings > My Apps, find "Garmin Connect" and click "Revoke Access" or "Disconnect."
2. Reconnect Garmin to Strava: Navigate back to the "My Apps" section or the Strava upload page and follow the prompts to reconnect your Garmin Connect account. You will be redirected to Garmin Connect to authorize the connection again. This process often triggers a re-sync of recent activities that might have been missed. Be aware that this might also re-sync all recent activities, potentially creating duplicates if some had already synced.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during the re-upload process:

• File Format Issues: Ensure the file you exported from Garmin is a standard format like .FIT, .TCX, or .GPX. Strava does not accept proprietary or unusual formats.
• Data Corruption: Rarely, the exported file itself might be corrupted. Try exporting it again from Garmin Connect. If the issue persists, the original activity data on Garmin's servers might be problematic.
• Server-Side Delays: Occasionally, Strava's servers might experience high traffic, causing a delay in processing uploaded files. Give it some time (15-30 minutes) before trying again.
• App Updates: Ensure both your Garmin Connect app (if using mobile for viewing) and Strava app (if using for viewing) are updated to their latest versions. Browser issues can sometimes be resolved by clearing cache and cookies or trying a different browser.
• Duplicate Activities: If you force a re-sync or manually upload an activity that later automatically syncs, you might end up with duplicates. You can easily delete one of the duplicates from Strava.

Optimizing Your Data Flow

To minimize the need for manual re-uploads:

• Maintain Stable Internet: Ensure your device and Garmin Connect have a stable internet connection during and after activity uploads.
• Regularly Check Sync Status: Periodically check your Strava feed after an activity to confirm it has synced.
• Avoid Excessive Editing: While editing is necessary, be mindful that significant alterations in Garmin Connect might sometimes interfere with the automatic Strava sync for that specific activity.

Conclusion

While automatic synchronization streamlines the process of sharing your Garmin activities with Strava, understanding how to manually re-upload provides a crucial backup. By following the straightforward steps of exporting the activity file from Garmin Connect and importing it into Strava, you maintain full control over your training data, ensuring every hard-earned effort is properly recorded and celebrated on your preferred platform.