Using an Android Rugged Phone for Motorcycle Navigation and GPS (Throw away your Garmin!)

This is a quick overview of how I am using an Umidigi Bison GT Android rugged phone as my primary motorcycle GPS. These are only $250 on ebay and have amazing buid quality compared to normal cell phone store phones.
I have been using my daily driver flagship phones (Samsung) as my primary navigation device for on and off road for years but it was just beating up nice phones from riding off road and in bad weather and they don't work with gloves on.
I have always had a Garmin GPS of some sort as a backup on the bike but the Garmin software is clunky and slow and awkward to use. I can't stand Basecamp and trying to build a route on the device itself is a terrible experience. There are much better software options these days for mobile devices.
I am using a variety of android apps to make this work. Anyone with moderate skill can set up a similar device quickly.
Gaia GPS is my primary navigation software. I also use Avenza maps, Osmand+, MyRouteApp, and Google Maps.
The launcher app I built the interface with is called Square Home. It's very customizable and it'll blow your balls off.

[@ykphil]

Very good video. I was actually shopping for a dedicated GPS and almost ordered a $500 Garmin but what you did is a lot better and more versatile. Plus I already have a cheap Chinese BlackView ruggedized, waterproof, shockproof, dustproof phone that I got for $120 that wasn't working with the 4G network in Mexico so I was going to junk it, but it now has a new life as my GPS!

[@AffyNoX]

Cool, I am using an old iphone 7+ and Samsung A10s to do navigation. The iphone 7+ is my main navigation without any data plan and the A10 s don’t even have a sim card. Usually I use data plan from my main phone which kept safe in my pocket. The Nav function on these phones is great, better than any garmin. The search function with google map is something great for me as a solo rider. I might look at a rugged phone next, it’s good that you had make this video.

[@AffyNoX]

Updates, I had since purchased an android rugged phone with huge battery capacity, I no longer need USB outlet on my bike since the battery lasted a long time. However I still takes along a spare Samsung A7 just incase. I do my route planning on Google Doc now with hyperlink to Google Map & Waze location, this way I can open the route or share it with ride buddies easily anywhere and edit on the fly.

[@philgoogle1535]

Thanks for you video Greg. I nearly went the same way you did. These days I have OsmAnd+ running on a cheap 7" Lenovo M7 tablet (AUD $79) mounted using the Quadlock mounting system. I also went for the vibration isolator. Another small feature I used was the magnetic USB connection cable. The plug stays in the device, plugging it so no dust gets in but the main reason is that the USB port doesn't get worn out. My setup has been rock solid for 2 years so far. Cheers, Phil

[@Galvoflysoz]

That's and awesome connection idea. As Ai was thinking the connection and plugs would crap out quickly on the rough stuff. You just solved that. Thanks.

[@amkaplan]

I bought an Umidigi Bison off Amazon and it's great! I must confess, Android has come a long way and is somewhat refreshing from iOS, but I'm still getting used to it. The phone is excellent, good build quality, and seems to do well so far. It is heavy, but I figure that's from the ruggedizing and big battery - it will last a couple of days, at least. I find the phone just fits perfectly in one of the $30 nav mounts made for the BMW R1200s off Amazon. My maiden voyage is tomorrow, and I hope to see about its brightness, assuming it's not too cloudy.

[@sorryociffer]

I did the same thing. I bought a used OnePlus 9 Pro 6.7" Android phone on EBAY. It has a 120hz AMOLED display and 1500Nit peak display brightness. And.... FACTORY rated IP68! Installed it in a FoxWolf adapter that click into the OEM BMW Garmin mount... It also wireless charges the phone! WINNING!

[@brians1116]

Great content, I've been using Android based rugged phone and various gps apps as well and I always appreciate seeing what "style" and rigs others are using. Thank you for the upload.

[@dhirajv.a9798]

Excellent work...sir can you explain how to setup mobile with bike key on...when you on bike then how your smartphone will on ??

[@dingoniner5528]

Hey that's a really nice setup. Very clean and simple. Congratulations.

[@ignaciomartinez9252]

Hello, how did you manage to turn on the phone just by turning the key? thank you

[@nathanlawless7903]

Hey Greg, I’ve been looking at this same type of set up. It’s been two years since you’ve made this video. Are you still happy with the phone and its navigation, particularly off-road? I have an iPhone for my daily phone so it’s great to see the customization you did with your Home Screen. Very cool. Happy trails! Thanks!

[@Kadiuc_Charly]

Hello and sorry for the inconvenience. I loved the video and thanks for the explanation regarding the applications you use. I would like to know what applications you have used, in order to have the same configuration as you on my mobile. Thank you

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Great video. I want to do something similar, but I'm finding that nearly all rugged android phones (that I can find anyway) have miserably low brightness (well under 500 nits). That makes them basically unreadable in bright sunlight, particularly in open desert country. But the brighter alternatives are all proprietary GPS units (no Android and app customizability) or non-rugged phones that won't hold up to extended use off road or in inclement conditions. I'm kind of at a loss here. Have you had issues seeing your screen in the sunlight? Any ideas on brighter rugged ootions?

[@wenetresults]

This is a great video for the alternatives to Garmin Zumo. If I ever need to use the internet on it, I could connect it to my regular phone's hotspot and use my data plan. Definitely will check out this phone as an option on my bike trips. What is the best phone mount for this phone on your bike?

[@kee7678]

How is it holding up now? I was looking at the Galaxy Active 3...but not sure I want one tha'ts so big. How is the vibration and are you able to see it wel in the sunshine...and with vibration?

[@austinroberts5255]

Awesome video I just came across searing “motorcycle off-road gps” I’ve thought about using a phone but you made it look better then I thought. Originally I was leaning towards the trial tech Voyager pro or a garmin of some sort. Now I’m leaning toward the phone for reasons like different map layers and multiple apps to go off of, thanks for the knowledgeable video.

[@GregDiBernardo]

You're welcome. I've been through many GPS units and this is by far the best way to do it.

[@littl3jackal]

Thanks for this, Greg! I was considering buying a bespoke GPS since I wasn’t convinced my iPhone wasn’t getting its circuits scrambled, even with the quadlock vibration mount. This is such a more palatable option. Sourced a used android phone from a buddy and now I have a rainproof, wirelessly charged GPS and music console that tethers data from the good phone in my pocket or tank bag. Can you talk about how you wired the phone in so it turns on with the bike? I’m not an Android guy so I was really thankful for the details you provided on the launcher - very easy. If I can make the launching process just as easy, that’ll be the icing on the cake.

[@GregDiBernardo]

Glad it was helpful. My GPS phone is just plugged into my bike's USB which is switched on with the ignition. You can change the power management settings on the phone but I only turn the phone off manually at the end of the day. When the phone gets power via USB and it's on, it will wake and the screen will come on. I have no lock screen or security.

[@littl3jackal]

@@GregDiBernardo Perfect, that’s what I figured but just wanted to verify. Should be easy to get going now! Much more appealing than spending $1000 on the OEM BMW navi! Thanks again :)

[@starlordstarlordman8489]

Great video. Exactly what I was looking for. I was wondering how this would work as I'm hoping to do some riding out west out of cell service and was just looking for someone to give a straightforward accounting. Thanks a lot.

[@SathishMenonAtlanta]

Greg, awesome video. Thank you for the great information and ideas. How do you turn the launcher to landscape mode? I have auto rotate on the phoen but home square would not switch to landscape mode. And also how do you get the launcher screen to come on as soon as you turn on the phone?

[@russmartin4936]

Thanks Greg! I just ordered a phone and am anxious to try this out!

[@tonysilva5558]

Great video, thank you! I've been looking for a rugged smart phone for navigation on my new Tenere, how is it in bright sunlight? I know this video is almost 2 years old so hopefully you will get this and answer...

[@krazed0451]

There are a few decent homebrew handlebar controls for DmD kicking about now ;-)

[@TheFoxyt2]

Finally. Love it. I use Gaia gps for years. But keep in my pocket after braking camera. I dock would be nice that charges the phone. I think all Garmin suck. Gaia and google maps.

[@thomaskavanagh1209]

Do you just unplug it if it is raining? Does it have a plug to cover the charging port? Does the screen lock so the rain doesn't mess with the display?

[@jbar28]

Back when everything had Micro USB charging ports I ruined two Garmin car GPS units with the vibrations from the charging cable on the bike. The units weren't made for that, my fault, but wonder if you've seen any of this in your setup? Maybe C cablese are sturdier? I see options for wireless charging of rugged phones on handlebar mounts now which seems even better? Thanks for the video, good info, especially the multiple layer maps. Ride safe.

[@analnikolik6407]

where is waze navigation? so many speed traps everywhere, so this is my primary navigation

[@huikastong]

Hi there. Thanks for the great video. Please tell me what app or setting did u use for the phone to activate when turning the ignition on?

[@GregDiBernardo]

When the USB port gets power, the phone wakes up. No special setting.

[@richardlasalle4128]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. I'll see how Steve Harrison's phone works on the SM500 next week.

[@ftk2432]

Great vid. I'm thinking of going with a similar setup on a Tenere 700. I saw you had Nimblewill Church listed in your files, that's less than 2 miles from where I live

[@1Selous]

Wow loving this video. I have a few Spare Android Phones. My Tomtom Rider Mk2 can't be used now so this looks like a great idea.

[@DuckingAround58]

Enjoyed your video. What data plan did you end up using?

[@sergiovasques5730]

Dear Greg, Thanks for your excellent videos. I have found this one on the Umidigi rugged phone particularly interesting. I am currently using my old Samsung s8 as a gps, and it requires a waterproof holder. With hard rain or high humidity the transparent plastic fogs up and you can’t see the screen. Another problem is exposure to direct sunlight, which makes the image too weak to see. This is where a dedicated GPS is undoubtedly superior. I am now seriously considering purchasing a rugged phone. I have just one concern about its brightness. In your experience, is it sufficiently bright to solve the direct sunlight exposure issue and compare with a dedicated GPS (e.g., Garmin or TomTom) in this respect? Alternatively, could you please recommend another rugged phone whose brightness is adequately high? Many thanks in advance, Sergio

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Same question here. I've been reading through the ADVRider forums and it seems like this is the major issue.

[@xaxabat1]

Hi Greg thanks for the informative video. Just was wondering what custom launcher you are using?

[@GregDiBernardo]

It's called Square Home

[@dancheatham5106]

Ok, so lots of questions. Was gonna get xt, but 500 bucks to go offroad is steep! I downloaded your app for the trial on my galaxy s8. But like you, want a dedicated gps device. using an older garmin something that works, but not the way I like. I will list my questions in order 1. phone your using, does it work with verizon sim card to download guia and your app onto it, then unplug and put back in galaxy? 2. Google seems to manage everything. I have an older s3, but cannot get it to work seamlessly because of google looking for my service. Will the phone you have be the same way???dont wanna spend almost 300 bucks and be dissapointed. 3. guess thats it for now, I do not see much hope with my s3 for making a dedicated gps. Pluse played with tonight and it is very, very slow.... Thank you and great video. Thought I saw your number somewhere to call and chat.....But didnt see again so the long message here.

[@chrismharthart]

Thanks for the vid. How much memory does that phone have? Is there a problem with memory and downloading the maps? Done with my Garmin too.

[@obliviondio]

What is the annual prepaid plan that you bought? There is nothing that is 1gb a month for $30 a year.

[@kee7678]

find anything ?

[@obliviondio]

@@kee7678 Nothing. Everything that sounds nice has a short cutoff period where if you don't use the data then you lose the data. Nothing rolls over, nothing stays on your account. There are plans that give you 1 year but you are getting a limit amount of data for each month that doesn't roll over. These plans are very costly and give you virtually nothing for data. Ultra mobile has a 1yr plan for $120 and you get a mere 3gb 5g each month. That is insane. The best thing to do that I've found out that works quite efficiently is to take your normal phone along with the GPS phone and Bluetooth tether them together. Hope that helps

[@RealRonTV]

Will Gaia or any of the other apps like your speedometer app work without a cell plan?

[@cbbeme5881]

Great video Greg, thx. I've been using my Pixel 4 XL in a QuadLock but it's a bit of a pain when I want to snap a quick photo, also like the idea of waterproof/shock proof. Reviews on Amazon reference battery drain/issues but sounds like this wasn't an issue for you in initial review. Any changes/update re battery issues in the last cpl months?

[@GregDiBernardo]

No battery issues to report but I do only run it plugged in.

[@User124-b2g]

@@GregDiBernardoyou are a freak

[@definefreedomfdm-travels1008]

Great video. Are you still using the phone? Is it still working?

[@analnikolik6407]

I have always used my phone for navi and once I bought newer, the old one became only navigation and stayed on the bike all the time. But then battery died, could not recharge..so I had to use primary phone again. Just now I got again the old and new phone scenario and thinking to completely build in the phone as navi. Never thought of specially getting brand new phone for that though 😂

[@GintarasStrazdas]

Hi, looks really promissing cost effivient setup. I just wander how that works in rain - the charging part I mean as phone is waterproof? With adventure bike any weather is a good weather:)

[@kliderskope3662]

Hi, just looking to do this myself. I know the video is a couple of years old now but just wondering what custom launcher you use in the video please.

[@michaelbmw1931]

How do you make it in landscape mode friend? Thanks Nice video

[@harishsharma787]

How to wire it with ignition, like how u turned it on with keys?

[@radumvaduva]

Interested in this as well :)

[@McBasharit]

Any idea how you managed to have the landscape view for square home? Mine seems to be locked to portrait view !

[@OsadabwaMoto]

Very cool. I converted to phone for navigation and threw my Garmin so far it's in orbit near Elon's Roadster. I must be too dumb to figure it out, but how did you get Square Home to launch in horizontal mode? I'll kick myself it's so easy, but thought I'd ask anyway. I'm off on a ride to the top of a volcano now to test it out. Cheers

[@333ayk]

Hi, great work. I wonder is there any app for ios?

[@ArtyomMOTOMTB]

looks like 790 or 890 ktm, which mount are you using? I actually want to use similar setup for my 890 and for mountain biking. Also use Gaja for mtb already.

[@ollewitting965]

Curious about the screen brightness. Is it readable in direct sunlight? How does it compare to the zumo xt?

[@GregDiBernardo]

I have not had a problem viewing the screen in the sun at all. Even in the desert.

[@theflyingkiwi4803]

Thanks Greg, really helpful video.👍

[@amoredifferentS]

Thanks for the video Greg, can you tell me how good the touch interface is with thick motorbike gloves on? The only reason I would be getting the Zumo XT is that it clearly works with gloves on (not just the phone friendly gloves). My regular Samsung has a setting to turn up touch sensitivity for when you have gloves on etc and it makes it a bit better but it is far from good and so touching the screen once I am underway is pretty much useless.

[@GregDiBernardo]

It has a different screen than a Samsung. This works with heavy gloves on. Just used it like on Sunday here.

[@Poshgoondas]

Great video, Greg. Thanks for sharing. Do you have a link to the sim card on eBay?

[@GregDiBernardo]

Just look for Red Pocket SIM card and there are lots of options.

[@Poshgoondas]

@@GregDiBernardo Much thanks!

[@michaelbmw1931]

Why simcard?

[@Mircone1996]

it is bright enought? can you clearly see in the sun? i am looking for a rugged phone but they seem to have a very low brightness

[@joepoudendijk1104]

What app laucher did you use? Great video, bought the phone!

[@GregDiBernardo]

Its called Square Home

[@Umbaharo]

Hi Greg, what cell plan are you using with the phone? I heard something about $30/year.

[@ernieduncan5857]

Hi Greg.... Thanks for the great video... well done !! Now where do In find that “launcher” and how do I get it into the phone. My phone is on its way from eBay, and I wähnt to be ready.... THANKS again !!

[@GregDiBernardo]

Glad you liked it. Here's a link to the launcher play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ss.squarehome2

[@Albion_21]

Greg, nice video, what is the RAM Mount you are using? Thanks

[@GregDiBernardo]

I use a RAM Quick Grip XL. Works great for this phone...

[@daniellindstrom9002]

Still Working good? Looking to do this same thing on my adventure bike.

[@ExMAB4]

Easy to use your data plan phone to hotspot its data connection to this rugged phone on bike. Saves using a dedicated new simm card 👌

[@jeremylucas6771]

This is great. I'm assuming you have to have maps downloaded for this to work since there's no data service, correct? For example, could you open Google Maps and punch in an address without data service?

[@conorl95Conorlynn]

you can download areas on google maps for offline use think i have a 50mile radius from my home but can save more.

[@himydad1499]

is that a waterproof connection for charging this phone ? Doesn't look standard.

[@bfaith40]

Hi Greg, thank you for sharing this! I'm missing an important point. My understanding is that dedicated gps devices like Garmin will work when mobile coverage can't, like in the mountains. How does this setup work in mountains and other areas with no mobile service? Thanks in advance.

[@GregDiBernardo]

Any cell phone will with just fine as a GPS without cell signal. This is no different. GPS signal is ever present no matter where you travel. Almost all of the better navigation apps have some means of downloading maps locally to the device. A Garmin GPS is no different other than it has default maps pre loaded. With GAIA you would download any maps (areas) before you head out while you have internet access. TLDR you don't need cell service!

[@bfaith40]

@@GregDiBernardo that makes sense. Its making more and more sense and I'm drawn to the increased savings! Thank goodness you made this video, it seemed like a dedicated gps was the most logical way to go because I didn't want to ruin my phone. Having a rigid phone looks like the best of both worlds. Much gratitude. Cheers!

[@chrismharthart]

Hi. Been trying for a long time how to get the app in to landscape mode. Any clue? Thanks

[@alexgemma7]

Great video, now i also have a NavPhone rugged but...i installed square home app but i can't view it horizontally ......

[@benwichser2991]

I had this issue as well at first. The phone itself and the Square Home app each have a setting that needs to be set to allow for landscape layout.

[@alexgemma7]

@@benwichser2991 I found it, thanks!

[@giovannivellusi8585]

ciao come fai a collegare due telefoni su un solo interfono?

[@12masterr]

Hey greg,what the mount you used?

[@getslimdad]

how have you mounted the phone

[@frostbitevinnie]

Good info! Thanks!

[@Galvoflysoz]

Mate this is awesome I waa looking at the ouketel wp19 . Hows this phone in miday sun or sun shining on the screen. ?

[@tbalcome]

What sim card are you using?

[@drainmonkeys385]

Get the Galaxy active3 it’s a rugged phone android.. cant get at Best Buy., but can off Amazon…and it’s the bomb for rugged tablets. Or better yet get the carpe iter

[@savage22bolt32]

I wish you lived in my neighborhood, I'd invite you over for dinner and ask for a 1 on 1 lesson! When I was working, in aerospace manufacturing, I broke my desktop computer so often, the company president wanted to rent me out to Bill Gates so I could teach Microsoft how to make an idiot proof machine! In otherwords, I'm a computer idyit. People keep telling me I _need_ a ZUMO XT to ride a BDR, but I do not want another electronic device! I discovered "rugged phones" and have read a lot of reviews. Currently, the decision making part of my brain is paralyzed with excess information. I'll check out some of your other vids and maybe learn something! Thanks for posting! Edit: I see you like motorcycles, firearms and aircraft. My kinda guy!

[@local378]

I can't find anything like that sim card deal on ebay. Gotta link?

[@GregDiBernardo]

You can get any pre paid sim card. Even from Walmart... www.ebay.com/itm/5-Mo-Red-Pocket-Prepaid-Wireless-Phone-Plan-Kit-100-Talk-100-Text-500MB-/133058476404?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

[@juliannotrindade]

Hello. Can you send the link of smartphone mount? Thanks

[@GregDiBernardo]

There are 3 mounts I'm using on my 790. 1) Vanache Mount that mounts to the bike 2) I 3D printed an adapter plate to eliminate RAM mount to connect the phone holder to the Vanache mount but you could just use a RAM Amps mount with a 1" ball 3) phone is held by the RAM Quick Grip XL

[@henrietn]

The problem with phones/smartphones i found is always glare. it just doesn't work in the sun. how does this fare?

[@GregDiBernardo]

It works just fine. No issues for me.

[@ruckedupg9166]

None of this matters if you can't see the screen in the sunlight, I did not hear mentioned if this unit is not just good but excellent in the direct sun lite. Anyone ?

[@martyn_g]

Hey! How solid is that mount? I’m thinking of a lanyard to attach to it, as an extra precaution - do you feel that mount is that solid, that a lanyard isn’t required?

[@GregDiBernardo]

I have several of these mounts and the only time I ever had the phone come out was a 50 mph low side in gravel. It's pretty secure.

[@e.g.8371]

How is your GPS working on this phone? I bought a china phone and the GPS is horrible.

[@GregDiBernardo]

100 percent perfect

[@benwichser2991]

Great video!! I’m a dedicated phone-in-jacket guy, but my new KLR has an accessory bar that is just begging for this use. I set up a new rugged Android phone today very similar to yours. So you have the thanks of this Apple fanboi.

[@GregDiBernardo]

Glad it worked out for you!

[@tomadv]

Interesting. Did you root this phone? Reviews are stating that it has bloatware/adware that can't be disabled. I'm researching the Zumo XT and came across a reddit post linking to your video.

[@GregDiBernardo]

It's not rooted. Does not need to be. I only use this as a GPS. I didn't even look at what other apps are installed because I only use the apps I need and never even open the app tray. Once you create the interface like I show, that's all you really will ever look at. Having the cheapy prepaid SIM is nice to have in case I need to DL something quickly at lunch or whatever. Can do it right on the phone without any additional software. I had a Zumo XT and I got ride of it. This is a MILLION times better, IMO.

[@tomadv]

@@GregDiBernardo Cheers! Thanks for the reply! I've put one in my ebay cart. We'll see

[@miro_s]

What’s the phone then?

[@GregDiBernardo]

Umdigi Bison GT

[@md.kaysarwahid7941]

What is the launcher name?

[@GregDiBernardo]

Square Home is the name of the app

[@randyhale9498]

Until you don’t have cell service. The purpose of a GPS is live mapping everywhere and emergency services

[@GregDiBernardo]

This doesn't require cell service. You are completely wrong. Fake news! Lol

[@Abrnjac]

What ROM is that?

[@GregDiBernardo]

It's not a ROM... just an app called SQUARE HOME

[@brandenmuirhead8988]

Glare, glare, glare, glare. How do you overcome glare???? I mean even in this video in your garage all I see is glare. Outside will be 100 times worse.

[@JordanLedbetter]

Matte screen cover, easy

[@DieTabbi]

Hm this video told me yeah what? One of the most important things was missing, the test in bright sun light. I wait for that 7:53 minutes but nope. Sorry but was a waste of time

[@GregDiBernardo]

I'm sorry my free video sucked. Where do I send your refund?

[@DieTabbi]

@@GregDiBernardo thank you for the offer. Save your money for the next video which shows the important parts. I like that you take it with humor. 😉

[@ruckedupg9166]

@@GregDiBernardo the first rule of NAV club is, how does any unit work in sunshine?! Since phones are notoriously terrible in direct sunlight.

[@User124-b2g]

Freak

[@LanielPhoto]

Let me see.... My Garmin gives me privacy, no one can track me, there are no pop-up adds, no requirement to belong to a "service/client account", no Samsung or Apple or Google listening in to everything, and totally (other than map upgrades) no requirement for the internet. Not even monthly fees or roaming fees and all the other crap with which we have endure with our cellphones. Garmin and other GPS - fully enclosed and independent systems. Totally private and off the grid. Throw away your Phone ! Use a Garmin ! Unless your the type (like many) that have to check their cellphone a million times a day in case you got an e-mail or a text or missed a phone call - you know, the addicts.

[@kalprao]

You didn't pay attention. This guy is using a rugged phone just for navigation, you don't need to install your sim card to your phone to use it as a GPS device.

[@michaelbmw1931]

You have right 👍 for gps and navigation the Best are dedicated devices and Garmin seems to be the king...

[@michaelbmw1931]

The Garmin can have better signal Off-Grid?

[@LanielPhoto]

@@kalprao - Still, a second rate device. Even as a camera....

[@LanielPhoto]

@@michaelbmw1931 - The Garmin never has to go on grid. No internet, no Wi-Fi, no nothing. Natter of fact, it can't even go on grid! The satellites are just up there, sending their signals, and the Garmin intercepts these signals. Totally un-traceable, totally private, totally safe.

[@martinkubelka1032]

What skin do you use?

[@GregDiBernardo]

Square Home

[@martinkubelka1032]

@@GregDiBernardo thx