Welcome to the HiiKER watch app! This guide will help you get set up and make the most of navigation and tracking directly from your wrist.
Compatibility
The HiiKER watch app is available for:
- Android: Wear OS compatible smartwatches
- iOS: Apple Watch (all compatible models)
Your watch must be paired with your phone running the HiiKER mobile app for full functionality.
Installing the Watch App
For Android (Wear OS):
- Open the Google Play Store on your smartwatch
- Search for “HiiKER”
- Tap “Install” to download the app
- The app will automatically sync with your HiiKER mobile app
For iOS (Apple Watch):
- Update to the latest version of the HiiKER app on your iPhone
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone
- Scroll down to find HiiKER in the list of available apps
- Toggle “Show App on Apple Watch” to ON (or tap “Install”)
Once installed, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that your HiiKER mobile app is running for the best experience.
How do I view the map on my watch?
When you open the HiiKER watch app, the map will automatically load and display your current location. Your position is shown with a blue dot on the map, making it easy to see where you are at a glance.
The map view provides:
- Real-time GPS location tracking
- Your current coordinates displayed at the top of the screen
- Map scale
How do I get back to my current location?
Need to revert back to your current position?
- Tap on the coordinates bar at the top of the map screen
- The map will recenter on your current GPS location
- This is particularly useful if you’ve been exploring the map and want to quickly return to viewing your position
How do I start recording?
- Start a recording on your HiiKER mobile app as usual
- The recording will automatically sync to your watch
During a Recording
While recording, your watch displays essential information and controls:
Viewing Stats:
- Tap the arrow button (<>) to the right of the map screen
- Swipe down to view:
- Distance traveled
- Duration
- Current elevation
- Speed/pace
- Other recording metrics
Recording Controls: Access the recording controls by navigating through the stats pages:
- Pause: Temporarily stop recording (great for breaks)
- Resume: Continue recording after a pause
- Finish: End your recording
How do I finish a recording?
When you’ve completed your hike:
- Navigate to the final recording page by tapping arrow right
- Tap “Pause” to stop recording
- Tap “Finish” to end the recording
You now have two options:
Quick Save on Watch:
- Tap “Quick Save” directly on your watch
- Your recording will be saved with default settings
- Perfect for quick saves when you’re tired or in a hurry
Add Details in Mobile App:
- Return to the HiiKER mobile app on your phone
- Add a title, description, photos, and other details
- Provides more control over how your hike is saved
Navigating the Map
The HiiKER watch app supports intuitive map navigation:
Dragging/Swiping:
- Swipe or drag your finger across the screen to pan the map
- Explore the area around you or view upcoming sections of your route
Pinch to Zoom:
- Use a two-finger pinch gesture to zoom in and out
- Get detailed views of terrain or zoom out to see the bigger picture
Double Tap + Drag Zoom
- Double tap on the map and hold on the second tap
- Drag up to zoom in, drag down to zoom out
- This is a handy one-handed zoom method when you’re on the move
Viewing PRO+ Maps on Watch (Android Only)
Android Wear OS users with HiiKER PRO+ subscriptions have access to premium maps directly on their watch.
Changing Map Styles:
- Open the HiiKER mobile app on your phone
- Select your preferred map style (OS Maps, topographic maps, satellite imagery, etc.)
- The map style change will automatically sync to your watch
- Open the watch app to see your selected premium map
Note for iOS Users: Apple Watch users currently have access to a base map. We’re actively working to bring premium maps to watchOS and will update the app as soon as this functionality is available.
Troubleshooting
The Watch App Won’t Install
Android (Wear OS):
- Ensure your watch is running Wear OS 3.0 or later
- Check that your watch has sufficient storage space
- Try restarting your watch and attempting installation again
- Verify that your watch is connected to Wi-Fi or your phone’s internet connection
iOS (Apple Watch):
- Ensure your Apple Watch is running watchOS 10 or later
- Check that your iPhone has the latest HiiKER app version installed
- Restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch
- Try toggling “Automatic App Install” in the Watch app settings
The Watch App Won’t Connect to My Phone
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices
- Check that the HiiKER mobile app is running on your phone (it can be in the background)
- Try force-closing and reopening both apps
- Restart both your watch and phone
- Ensure both apps are updated to the latest version
GPS Location Not Showing
- Verify that location permissions are enabled for HiiKER on your phone
- Check that GPS is enabled on your watch (some watches have independent GPS settings)
- Try stepping outside if you’re indoors—GPS signals can be weak inside buildings
- Wait 30-60 seconds for GPS to acquire a signal, especially on first use
- Restart the watch app
Recording Not Syncing Between Devices
- Ensure Bluetooth connection is active between your phone and watch
- Check that the HiiKER mobile app is running on your phone
- Try pausing and resuming the recording
- If the recording appears stuck, save it on your phone and start a new recording
- Ensure both devices have sufficient battery (low battery can affect Bluetooth performance)
Map Not Loading or Appearing Blank
- Check your internet connection (for initial map downloads)
- Verify that location permissions are granted
- Try zooming out to see if map tiles load at different zoom levels
- Restart the watch app
- If using offline maps, ensure they’ve been downloaded in the mobile app first
Premium Maps Not Showing on Android Watch
- Confirm your PRO+ subscription is active in the mobile app
- Try changing the map style in the mobile app and changing it back
- Ensure the watch app has synced recently (open it while near your phone)
- Restart both the watch app and mobile app
- Check that your watch has adequate storage for map data
Battery Draining Quickly
- GPS and constant screen usage will drain battery faster than normal watch use
- Consider reducing screen brightness
- Use the watch app intermittently rather than keeping it constantly open
- Pause recordings during extended breaks
- Ensure your watch battery is healthy (older batteries may not hold charge as well)
App Crashes or Freezes
- Ensure you’re running the latest version of the watch app
- Try uninstalling and reinstalling the watch app
- Clear the app cache (Android: Settings > Apps > HiiKER > Storage > Clear Cache)
- Restart your watch
- Report persistent crashes to customer-support@hiiker.co with details about when the crash occurs
Coordinates or Stats Not Updating
- Check that GPS is actively acquiring your location (look for GPS icon)
- Try the “Go to Location” feature by tapping the coordinates bar
- Restart the recording if stats appear frozen
- Ensure your watch hasn’t entered power-saving mode
- Check that the mobile app is still recording if you started there
Can’t See Recording Controls
- Tap the arrow buttons (< >) to navigate between stat pages
- Swipe left or right to cycle through different views
- Ensure a recording is actually active (check the mobile app)
- Try force-closing and reopening the watch app
Best Practices for Watch App Use
Battery Management:
- Charge your watch fully before long hikes
- Consider bringing a portable charger for multi-day treks
- Use airplane mode when you don’t need notifications to save battery
GPS Accuracy:
- Allow 30-60 seconds for GPS lock before starting your hike
- Keep your watch on your wrist rather than in a pocket for best GPS reception
- In areas with poor GPS (dense forest, canyons), your position may drift slightly
Recording Tips:
- Start recordings from your phone for offline routes you’ve pre-loaded
- Use the pause feature during lunch breaks to maintain accurate distance tracking
- Quick save on your watch, then add photos and details later from your phone
Map Usage:
- Download offline maps in the mobile app before heading into areas without cell service
- Preview your route on the mobile app, then use the watch for quick reference
- Remember that premium maps (Android) require more storage and battery
Need More Help?
If you’re experiencing issues not covered in this guide:
- Email us at customer-support@hiiker.co
- Include your device model, operating system version, and a description of the issue
- Screenshots or screen recordings are helpful for troubleshooting
We’re continuously improving the HiiKER watch app based on user feedback. Share your experiences and suggestions with us—your input helps make HiiKER better for everyone!
Happy hiking!
The HiiKER Team
