Sorry but this doesn’t work.
The XT is not compatible with the Garmin Explore app and on delving I found this explanation:
The zumo XT model comes pre-installed with Garmin Explore information. It is not compatible with the Garmin Explore smartphone app. Explore data is synced with the Garmin Drive smartphone app.
So I’m still no wiser how to simply plan a route on an iPad/iPhone and sync easily with the XT.
Yes, it does work. I think the issue is the use of the term 'Explore' to describe a number of different things.
The Explore App for smartphones which ahs additional functionality for other devices.
The Explore App on the Zumo XT which is already installed, you don't need to install another.
The Explore Website.
The Explore App that I was talking about is the one that can be downloaded for Android or Iphones.
This has similar functionality the the Explore website -
https://explore.garmin.com. And yes - Garmin do say that it is not compatible with the Zumo - but we are not using it to talk to the Zumo directly - we are using it to talk to the Explore website. (or the database used by the explore website).
Both of the App and the Website provide a maps to produce routes, tracks and waypoints. Both of them access exactly the same data. I have just done it to confirm to myself that this is what happens.
I loaded a stored route on the explore.garmin.com website.
I loaded the same route on my Android Phone using the Garmin Explore App for Androids
I edited the route on the Android phone
I refreshed the page at explore.garmin.com on my PC and it now showed then changes that I made on the Android.
I turned on my XT - which communicates with the website - it does this using the Drive App which is installed on my Android.
Clicked Where To->Explore->Routes - and loaded the route that I had just edited.
It obtained the recently edited version.
So, yes - it does work - and you have been mislead because there are three different things referred to by Garmin As 'Explore'. I think that for some other devices, the Explore app will synch the data from the map in to another device. So yes, that part of it will not work with the Zumo XT. To synch the data from the Explore App you need to have the Drive App installed on the smartphone to take carry out all communication between the phone and the XT. (So it handles weather, traffic, text messages, alert, etc etc, as well as the Explore data).
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So - On your phone. Install the Garmin Drive App. Pair it with the XT. When it is running, you will see a 'd' shaped symbol drawn in double lines as if it was a 270 degree bend in a road.
On your phone, install the Explore App. Make sure you set up an account with Garmin.
(You can check this if you wish on a PC or iDevice. explore.garmin.com - it does the same thing)
Create a route on your phone (Explore App)
or on the website.
Load the route into the XT. (Where to->Explore) It gets it from the website, using your phones data via the drive app.
I'm not saying that this is a brilliant solution from Garmin, but it does work.
If you need a video or illustrated instructions, I'll do one. But give it a go first - cos you'll have to wait. Decorators are in and I my internet connection is down during the day.