Wherigo on Android?

[+tbhaile21]

Dear friends,

 

I have been trying for months (off and on) to get my Android phone to work Wherigo caches. I can't get it to work. 

1) There is no link on the geocaching info page for the cache to tap on to get to the page to download the Wherigo cartridge.

2) When I type in the url into the browser on my phone (taken from the browser address on my PC), I am able to download the cartridge. However, despite watching like eight videos and following the steps in seven more how-to sites/questions & answers, I cannot move the downloaded file to somewhere that Wherigo can find it.

   2a) I can find the download in my "Files" app. When I click on the file, I get a Move to Safe Folder, but no other MOVE action.

   2b) In the Wherigo app, I go to Settings > Global > Wherigo folder to select the folder to find the cartridge. I tap on the open folder four times to get to all the folders, then tap on download. It shows  

          ALL the other files I have downloaded to my phone, but not the cartridge file. 

 

This is very disconcerting. I would like to do these kinds of caches, but....

 

Please help.

[+Tungstène]

10 hours ago, tbhaile21 said:

There is no link on the geocaching info page for the cache to tap on

Could you please share the info page address or the cache code (GCxxxxx)?

[+The_Jumping_Pig]

16 hours ago, tbhaile21 said:

Dear friends,

 

I have been trying for months (off and on) to get my Android phone to work Wherigo caches. I can't get it to work. 

1) There is no link on the geocaching info page for the cache to tap on to get to the page to download the Wherigo cartridge.

2) When I type in the url into the browser on my phone (taken from the browser address on my PC), I am able to download the cartridge. However, despite watching like eight videos and following the steps in seven more how-to sites/questions & answers, I cannot move the downloaded file to somewhere that Wherigo can find it.

   2a) I can find the download in my "Files" app. When I click on the file, I get a Move to Safe Folder, but no other MOVE action.

   2b) In the Wherigo app, I go to Settings > Global > Wherigo folder to select the folder to find the cartridge. I tap on the open folder four times to get to all the folders, then tap on download. It shows  

          ALL the other files I have downloaded to my phone, but not the cartridge file. 

This is how I do it. I don't really know what the steps you are taking are, but these are mine, on an android app, Geooh Go. I don't know what you mean by the 'Wherigo app'. As far as I am aware, there are two mobile apps for Wherigo caches on androids. The first one is WhereYouGo, which I've never gotten to work for me and considering the 1.4/5 star average on google play I can't say that many people have it work for them.

 

The second app is the one that I use, Geooh Go, which cost $5.99 USD. I bought it almost exclusively for Wherigo caches and a few other functionalities but it is also a good geocaching app you can use in general, although I prefer to stick with the official app. You simply select/create a folder in your phone, which you specify in the app to be for Wherigo functions, and the rest the app does for you. Anytime you load a Wherigo, you press a button to download the cartridge, and then you can start playing.

 

[+tbhaile21]

https://www.Wherigo.com/cartridge/download.aspx?CGUID=ba1a1bb4-2bcf-4904-818d-c2fde4b1be51

[+tbhaile21]

5 minutes ago, The_Jumping_Pig said:

The second app is the one that I use, Geooh Go, which cost $5.99 USD. I bought it almost exclusively for Wherigo caches and a few other functionalities but it is also a good geocaching app you can use in general, although I prefer to stick with the official app. You simply select/create a folder in your phone, which you specify in the app to be for Wherigo functions, and the rest the app does for you. Anytime you load a Wherigo, you press a button to download the cartridge, and then you can start playing.

 

Thanks!! I saw the really low ratings, but I'm a completionist. I want to be able to find/do ALL the caches in my area. I'm okay paying a one-time fee of $6 to be able to do that.

[+CCFsmile]

On 7/6/2024 at 8:13 AM, tbhaile21 said:

Thanks!! I saw the really low ratings, but I'm a completionist. I want to be able to find/do ALL the caches in my area. I'm okay paying a one-time fee of $6 to be able to do that.

 

I came to check on this. It turns out there is no longer ANY option for Android users EXCEPT to pay for a Wherigo app.

 

THIS IS NOT OK. I refuse to pay for an app when I already pay for premium here.

 

Groundspeak, what can you say about this? 

[+Tungstène]

On 9/6/2024 at 7:34 PM, CCFwasG said:

It turns out there is no longer ANY option for Android users EXCEPT to pay for a Wherigo app.

 

You don't have to pay for the WhereYouGo app and this app is a valid option for Android.

[+Tungstène]

Since somebody reacted to my previous post with a surprised Signal, here is the proof.

 

I long pressed the link provided by tbhaile21 and chose "open link with an external app". Since WhereYouGo claims Wherigo.com links, it appeared in the external apps' list and I tapped it.

 

I then tapped "Télécharger" (i.e. Download) and it downloaded it without any problem.

I then tapped on "Démarrer" (i.e. Start) and here we went!

 

I tapped Start again and the game began...

 

What else could I say? WhereYouGo is working in Android, it runs Wherigo cartridges, it is free. That's it.

Edited September 10, 2024 by Tungstène
Typo

[+CCFsmile]

1 hour ago, Tungstène said:

 

You don't have to pay for the WhereYouGo app and this app is a valid option for Android.

 

As someone already said upthread, I think, this app no longer works. I have tried. It also is no longer included in the Wherigo instructions here on the official pages. Will add screenshot.

[+CCFsmile]

One app listed on GC for Android. Not a free app. Here's the screenshot:

 

 

[+CCFsmile]

52 minutes ago, Tungstène said:

Since somebody reacted to my previous post with a surprised Signal, here is the proof.

... clip ...

 

What else could I say? WhereYouGo is working in Android, it runs Wherigo cartridges, it is free. That's it.

 

It may work for some, but it does not work for the OP and does not work for me. And is not listed as an official partner app any more, per my proof above... so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[+1in7]

I have a one page google site that I link to on my Wherigo caches that helps newer cachers set up their smart phone for Wherigo caches.

 

Wherigo Set Up

 

The whereyougo app works well for me on my Samsung S24, which I set up in 2023.  Previously it worked equally well on my LG.  If you follow the steps outlined, you should be able to download cartridges direct from the cache page into the app, without having to move files around, etc.  I also helped someone in the field with setting up their andriod this past month, so I know it was working very recently.

 

In case you don't like clicking on links, I've pasted the Android section below:

 

Android:

Depending on the age of the phone they set up may vary slightly from the outline below.

Login (or authenticate) using your regular geocaching account details in your browser on the Wherigo.com website.

In the Whereyougo app settings, update the login credentials to your geocaching account name and password.

Lastly, navigate to your phone settings > app management (apps) > Whereyougo > Set as default > 

a) Open supported links:  Set to 'in this app', or toggle to activate.

b) Supported web addresses: toggle to activate

 

 

[+geodarts]

Everything worked for me with whereyougo but the offline maps.  
 

The website states that you have to use mapforge v. 3.  The first hurdle was finding the map.  I eventually found an option to download them in OpenAndroMaps.  Once I downloaded the maps, however, the maps were not recognized by the whereyougo player.

 

I have locus 4 installed as my regular caching app, but it is not compatible.   I downloaded Locus 3 but the whereyougo did not recognize it.  I don’t know of it would have worked has I uninstalled version 4, but the whereyougo site states that locus is no longer compatible.

 

Some people say they have gotten the maps to work using Mapforge version 5.  All I know is that nothing worked for me.  I thought it might be due to the newest version of Android in a Pixel, but the same thing happened on two other Android devices.

 

I have used both Geeoh Go and GC Droid successfully, although Geeoh Go strumbled on one cartridge.   

 

 

[+CCFsmile]

On 11/8/2024 at 3:59 AM, 1in7 said:

I have a one page google site that I link to on my Wherigo caches that helps newer cachers set up their smart phone for Wherigo caches.

 

Wherigo Set Up

 

The whereyougo app works well for me on my Samsung S24, which I set up in 2023.  Previously it worked equally well on my LG.  If you follow the steps outlined, you should be able to download cartridges direct from the cache page into the app, without having to move files around, etc.  I also helped someone in the field with setting up their andriod this past month, so I know it was working very recently.

 

In case you don't like clicking on links, I've pasted the Android section below:

 

Android:

Depending on the age of the phone they set up may vary slightly from the outline below.

Login (or authenticate) using your regular geocaching account details in your browser on the Wherigo.com website.

In the Whereyougo app settings, update the login credentials to your geocaching account name and password.

Lastly, navigate to your phone settings > app management (apps) > Whereyougo > Set as default > 

a) Open supported links:  Set to 'in this app', or toggle to activate.

b) Supported web addresses: toggle to activate

 

 

 

Look, I see you want this to work and I wish it did, but the app doesn't work. I followed all the instructions in the app, won't open a downloaded cartridge. I followed your instructions, which don't match my (Motorola, new in 2023) phone. But there are similar choices and I know my way around a phone and files and software. I told the app in settings what folder the cartridge was stored in. All the permissions were set (though different, again) and still nothing. I checked the app for updates, none exist. LITERALLY I cannot use it. I attach the two screenshots I got while attempting (after following every little setting etc.). Note the one *in* the app for files and media doesn't mention files and there is no way to change it. Media might include the cartridge, I don't know, but regardless it does not and will not work. The last screenshot happens each time I actually close the app. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

But TRULY the bottom line is what I said before: WhereYouGo is NOT supported by Groundspeak any more. I cannot say why, obviously I don't know. The ONLY app they support for Android and Wherigo caches is a pay-to-play app. So, yup, done... cannot do Wherigo caches, which really stinks. 

 

Edited December 11, 2024 by CCFwasG

[+CCFsmile]

On 7/5/2024 at 6:20 PM, tbhaile21 said:

 

   2a) I can find the download in my "Files" app. When I click on the file, I get a Move to Safe Folder, but no other MOVE action.

   2b) In the Wherigo app, I go to Settings > Global > Wherigo folder to select the folder to find the cartridge. I tap on the open folder four times to get to all the folders, then tap on download. It shows  

          ALL the other files I have downloaded to my phone, but not the cartridge file. 

 

I didn't multi-quote since I only re-read the OP after posting prior answer. I have the same issues except I *can* move the .gwc file to any folder I want. I tried it in two different folders and each time selected the appropriate folder in the WhereYouGo app "global" settings and it still refuses to find the file. I also renamed it, as suggested somewhere, leaving the extension. That too failed. (I would bet my life savings that even if one of the people here who insist it works was to take my phone and attempt to get a cartridge opened, they too would fail.) Not all Android phones have the same OS. Perhaps some Andriod OSs are just plain not compatible. And maybe that's why Groundspeak doesn't have it as an accepted app.

[+Goldenwattle]

4 hours ago, CCFsmile said:

cannot do Wherigo caches, which really stinks. 

Same for me. Wherigo doesn't work on my Andriod. Most of my logs for Wherigo were done while with another person, with them using their phone.

It wouldn't work on my previous Android at all, but initially it would work on my present one, but then one day it just wouldn't work. I wonder if there was a system's upgrade or something. I did enjoy the few caches I was able to do, but now Wherigos don't exist for me, as it won't work.

[+SpiritGuide]

6 hours ago, CCFsmile said:

 

But TRULY the bottom line is what I said before: WhereYouGo is NOT supported by Groundspeak any more. I cannot say why, obviously I don't know. The ONLY app they support for Android and Wherigo caches is a pay-to-play app. So, yup, done... cannot do Wherigo caches, which really stinks. 

 

 

Groundspeak has never had an Android app for wherigos. WhereYouGo was created by an independent developer a long time ago and they stopped development several years ago (most likely because of no incentive when there is no pay-to-play). The latest Android OS versions have stricter security that apps must follow or they won't work properly which finally stopped WhereYouGo from working on newer Android phones/releases.

 

The only Wherigo app Groundspeak supports is their own iOS app (redeveloped by the independent Cachly developer). They list (not support) a 3rd party API partner Android app (Geooh GO) that has a built-in Wherigo player. GCGroid (another 3rd party API partner app) also has a Wherigo player, but it is subscription based which is even more pay-to-play than a one-time purchase. WhereYouGo is not an API partner app which is why it's not listed on the website.

 

Yes, geocaching can cost money depending on your caching habits. You don't have to drive (pay for gas) to go to some caches and you don't have to find Wherigo caches using a trivial pay-to-play purchase.

Edited December 12, 2024 by SpiritGuide

[+CCFsmile]

On 12/11/2024 at 10:05 PM, SpiritGuide said:

 

Groundspeak has never had an Android app for wherigos. WhereYouGo was created by an independent developer a long time ago and they stopped development several years ago (most likely because of no incentive when there is no pay-to-play). The latest Android OS versions have stricter security that apps must follow or they won't work properly which finally stopped WhereYouGo from working on newer Android phones/releases.

 

The only Wherigo app Groundspeak supports is their own iOS app (redeveloped by the independent Cachly developer).

...

 

Yes, geocaching can cost money depending on your caching habits. You don't have to drive (pay for gas) to go to some caches and you don't have to find Wherigo caches using a trivial pay-to-play purchase.

 

I only downloaded WhereYouGo because it was listed on the website the way Geooh GO is now... (not 100% certain but a good 99% that they did list it!). ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I get that geocaching costs $$ but it's the principle of this whole mess that bothers me most. Actually, two principles: (1) they do not make you pay for the official app, or for the Ad Lab app, so WHY only offer a pay to play app for Wherigos?!, and (2) how lopsided is it that they DO have an app for iPhone people but not Android?!?! To me personally that's just plain discriminatory. If you have an iPhone, well... lucky you. I don't want one. I have used both types (computers and phones) since the 80s and - again personally - never again will I use an iPhone. 

 

[Edit to add: perhaps it would be remiss of me not to add that I can do reverse Wherigos without the app, of course, so if I find any these days it is that type. If I ever log another normal Wherigo then it will be, like @Goldenwattle , because a friend has an iPhone and takes me along.]

 

Edited December 30, 2024 by CCFsmile

[+Goldenwattle]

7 hours ago, CCFsmile said:

how lopsided is it that they DO have an app for iPhone people but not Android

Especially looking at stats. % varies a little depending on link, but of those I clicked on the trend was similar.

 https://backlinko.com/iphone-vs-android-statistics

"According to the latest data, Android dominates the global smartphone market with a 71.42% share, while iPhone (iOS) has a 27.93% market share."

 

Maybe HQ is mainly catering for the US market here. Perhaps the US programmers have iPhones, like 56.63% in their country.

 

Edited December 31, 2024 by Goldenwattle

[+barefootjeff]

On 12/31/2024 at 5:48 AM, CCFsmile said:

I get that geocaching costs $$ but it's the principle of this whole mess that bothers me most. Actually, two principles: (1) they do not make you pay for the official app, or for the Ad Lab app, so WHY only offer a pay to play app for Wherigos?!, and (2) how lopsided is it that they DO have an app for iPhone people but not Android?!?! To me personally that's just plain discriminatory. If you have an iPhone, well... lucky you. I don't want one. I have used both types (computers and phones) since the 80s and - again personally - never again will I use an iPhone. 

 

To be fair, Groundspeak don't have any in-house Wherigo apps, the iphone app was created by the Cachly developers who don't do Android stuff.

 

There are no Wherigos in my region so I didn't bother getting anything to play them until a friend in Newcastle put one out, which is when I paid a few dollars for Geooh Go. Since then, that friend's one been the only Wherigo I've successfully completed. On the other two I've started, the physical cache had been muggled and they've since been archived, but I don't think I can rightly blame the app for that.

 

I'm just glad there's an app available supporting Wherigo for Android even if it isn't free. I don't think I'd be willing to buy an iphone just to do one cache, even if the CO is a friend.

[+Goldenwattle]

2 hours ago, barefootjeff said:

I'm just glad there's an app available supporting Wherigo for Android even if it isn't free.

Questions :

How much is this?

Is this a one off fee?

And link please.

[+barefootjeff]

14 minutes ago, Goldenwattle said:

Questions :

How much is this?

Is this a one off fee?

And link please.

 

$ US 5.99, one-off, geooh-go.com .