Plan Routes – iOS iPhone Multi-Stop Route Planner App

Route4Me’s iPhone Route Planner provides seamless continuity throughout the entire process of multi-stop route planning, optimization, navigating, and completing routes. With Route4Me, you can sequence fast and profitable delivery driver routes, field service routes, sales routes, and other last mile routes. Then, you can navigate routes using integrated navigation, Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, etc. Also, you can collect proof of delivery (POD), proof of visit (POV), or proof of service (POS), track route progress, lower CO2 emissions, and much more. In this guide, you can learn how to add and import addresses, plan, schedule, and sequence multi-address routes, route optimization types, travel modes, GPS route navigation, and more.

Download Route4Me multi-stop route planner app with in-app route navigation. Collect proof of delivery, proof of service, proof of visit.

NOTE: Depending on your account settings, you can have a different set of features available on your iPad and iPhone Route Optimization app. To enable specific features, please Contact Route4Me’s Support Team. Additionally, learn more about the difference between Route4Me’s Mobile and Marketplace Subscriptions and the features they support.

 

 

Plan, Schedule, Optimize, and Complete a Multi-Stop Route

To plan a new route on your iPhone Multi-Stop Route Planner, open the app’s main menu and tap the “Add New Route” button. Alternatively, go to “Routes” from the app’s main menu and then tap the “Add New Route” button.

Next, you can name the route, schedule the route for a preferred date and time, and specify the route’s optimization settings. After that, tap the “Enter Start Address” field to add the route’s start depot and then add route addresses.

Planning a new route on Route4Me's iPhone Route Planner app and adjust the multi-stop route optimization settings.

 

Specifically, you can enter addresses with address autocomplete, use the OCR address scanner, import addresses from Google Drive or Dropbox, etc. Furthermore, you can add additional address details to each stop (i.e., floor, apartment, etc.) and set the stop’s Alias, Phone Number, Stop Type, and Visit Duration (Service Time) from your iPhone Route App.

After adding addresses, tap and hold the “Hold to Plan Route” button to sequence the stops and optimize the route.

Adding route addresses with autocomplete and geocoding on Route4Me's iPhone Route Planner app.

 

After optimizing, you can start, navigate, and complete the route. First, tap and hold the “Hold to Start Route” button. Next, tap the stop you want to visit from your current location and tap the “Navigate” button. Then, select “In-App Navigation” to use Route4Me’s In-App Voice-Guided Navigation.

Additionally, you can navigate routes with Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, and other GPS navigation apps.

Starting and navigating routes using Route4Me's iPhone Multi-Stop Route Planner app.

 

As you navigate the route, you can set statuses on route stops and collect proof of visit, delivery, or service. To do so, tap the “Arrived” button next to the stop, and then tap the “Set Status” button. After that, you can select the preferred stop status and attach electronic signatures, text notes, images, photos, videos, and other data to the stop. When you finish your route, Route4Me will automatically provide detailed route statistics and the KPIs of the completed route.

Set stop statuses, attach proof of visit, and complete routes using Route4Me's iPhone Multi-Address route planning app.

 

 

Set Route Settings, Optimization Types, and Travel Modes

To start planning a new route, specify the preferred route and optimization settings. Specifically, you can name your route, schedule the route, enable or disable Route Optimization or stop sequencing, select the preferred optimization type, travel mode, and more. For your convenience, you can adjust your route settings and re-optimize already planned routes at any time.

 

Schedule Multi-Stop Route – Route Start Time and Date

To plan a new route on your Route4Me iPhone Multi-Stop Route Planner, tap the “Add New Route” button in the app’s main menu. Alternatively, go to “Routes” from the app’s main menu and then tap the “Add New Route” button.

Next, tap the “Route Name” field and then enter a name for your route. After naming your route, tap the “Start Time” buttons to schedule the route for the preferred start time and start date.

Planning and scheduling a new multi-address route using Route4Me's iPhone Multi-Stop Route Planner app.

 

Optimization Types and Travel Modes on Multi-Stop Route Planner App

After naming and scheduling the route, you can enable or disable Route Optimization (automatic route address sequencing). To enable Route Optimization, tap “Route Optimization” and then switch on the “Enable Route Optimization” toggle.

Accordingly, when Route Optimization is enabled, Route4Me will automatically sequence your addresses for the most optimal visitation order based on the specified optimization settings.

Enable route optimization and address sequencing on Route4Me's iPhone Multi-Stop Route Planner app.

 

After enabling Route Optimization, you can select the preferred route end option, optimization settings, and travel mode. After specifying the preferred settings, tap the “Done” button in the top right corner to proceed to add addresses and stops.

Below, you can learn more about the available optimization settings and travel modes.

Specifying route optimization settings, travel mode, and other routing settings on Route4Me's Multi-Stop iPhone Route Planner app.

SettingsOptimization EnabledOptimization Disabled
Route End
Round TripOptimize route and sequence route addresses, starting and ending the route at the same address.Plan the route with the exact same sequence of addresses as added or imported, starting and ending the route at the same address.
End AnywhereOptimize route, sequence route addresses, and end the route at the most optimal address.Plan the route with the exact same sequence of addresses as added or imported, ending the route at the last added or imported address.
Lock Last DestinationOptimize route and sequence route addresses, ending the route at the last added address or the last address in the imported file.Plan the route with the exact same sequence of addresses as added or imported, ending the route at the last added address or the last address in the imported file.
Optimizations Settings
Shortest TimeOptimize route and sequence route addresses for the shortest travel time possible, not accounting for current traffic conditions.Generate directions for the manually sequenced route with the shortest travel time possible, not accounting for current traffic conditions.
Shortest DistanceOptimize route and sequence route addresses for the shortest travel distance possible, not accounting for current traffic conditions.Generate directions for the manually sequenced route with the shortest travel distance possible, not accounting for current traffic conditions.
Shortest Travel Time with TrafficOptimize route and sequence route addresses for the shortest travel time possible, accounting for current traffic conditions.Generate directions for the manually sequenced route with the shortest travel time possible, accounting for current traffic conditions.
Travel Mode
DrivingGenerate driving route directions for a vehicle, regardless of the route’s stop sequence.Generate driving route directions for a vehicle, regardless of the route’s stop sequence.
BicyclingGenerate bicycling route directions for a bicycle, regardless of the route’s stop sequence.Generate bicycling route directions for a bicycle, regardless of the route’s stop sequence.
WalkingGenerate walking route directions for a pedestrian, regardless of the route’s stop sequence.Generate walking route directions for a pedestrian, regardless of the route’s stop sequence.

 

Add and Import Addresses to Plan and Sequence Multi-Stop Routes

After specifying route and optimization settings, you can start adding route addresses. You can add addresses individually or import addresses in bulk. Specifically, you can add addresses with autocomplete, use the OCR address scanner, dictate addresses with voice search, import addresses from iPhone, iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox, etc.

Moreover, you can add and import additional addresses into already planned and optimized routes at any time.

 

Current Location – Use Your Location as Route Start or Route Stop

For your convenience, you can add your current location as the route’s start point. To do so, tap the “Enter Start Address” field. Next, tap “Current Location“, select the suggested address, and add a custom start-stop Alias.

Accordingly, Route4Me will automatically pick the nearest address to your current location. Alternatively, you can use other methods for adding the route’s start address or insert your current location as another route stop.

Adding your current location as a route stop or route start depot on Route4Me's Multi-Stop Route Optimization app.

 

Address Autocomplete – Enter Addresses with Autocomplete and Address Geocoding

To manually type in addresses, tap the “Enter Address” field and then start entering a full or partial address. Route4Me will automatically validate and suggest available autocompleted and geocoded address options.

After selecting the preferred address, you can add more stop information, such as additional address details (i.e., floor, apartment, etc.), set the stop’s Alias, Phone Number, Stop Type, and Visit Duration (Service Time).

Adding multiple addresses with address auto-complete and geocoding on Route4Me's iPhone Multi-Stop Route Planning app.

 

Voice Dictation – Add Route Stops Using Voice to Text and Dictating Addresses

To add addresses using voice dictation or speech-to-text, tap the “Enter Address” field and then tap the Microphone Icon. Next, dictate a full or partial address, and Route4Me will automatically suggest available geocoded and autocompleted address options.

After that, select the preferred address option, and then you can add more stop information, such as additional address details (i.e., floor, apartment, etc.), set the stop’s Alias, Phone Number, Stop Type, and Visit Duration (Service Time).

Using voice dictation to add auto-completed addresses to routes on Route4Me's Multi-Stop Route Planner app for iPhone.

 

OCR Address Scanner – Scan Address with Optical Character Recognition Scanner

To quickly add addresses without having to enter each one manually, you can scan addresses using Route4Me’s Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Address Scanner. First, tap the “Enter Address” field and then tap the Camera Icon. Next, point your camera at the address and then tap the Camera Icon to capture the recognized address.

After that, you can adjust the scanned address, add more stop information, such as additional address details (i.e., floor, apartment, etc.), set the stop’s Alias, Phone Number, Stop Type, and Visit Duration (Service Time).

Using optical character recognition address scanner or OCR for adding addresses to routes on Route4Me's Multi-Stop Route Planner app.

Phone Contacts – Add Route Addresses Using iPhone or iPad Contacts

To add addresses from your iPhone or iPad contacts list, tap the “Enter Address” field and then tap the “Connect Contacts” button. After that, you can start entering addresses or contact names from your phone book, and Route4Me will automatically suggest the respective available contact addresses. NOTE: To use your iPhone or iPad contacts for adding route addresses, make sure your contacts have valid addresses in your phone book.

After selecting the preferred contact, the app will automatically add the contact’s Address, Alias (name), and Phone Number. Additionally, you can adjust and add more stop information, such as additional address details (i.e., floor, apartment, etc.), set the stop’s Alias, Phone Number, Stop Type, and Visit Duration (Service Time).

Using iPhone contact addresses for adding route stops on Route4Me's iPhone Multi-Stop Route Optimization app.

 

Import Addresses – Upload Spreadsheets from iPhone, iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox

To quickly import multiple addresses, you can upload CSV, XLS, or XLSX spreadsheets with route addresses. First, tap the “Enter Address” field and then tap the “Import Addresses” button. After that, tap the “Browse” button, and then you can upload an address spreadsheet from your iPhone or iPad, iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

Once you import a spreadsheet, Route4Me will automatically geocode and autocomplete your addresses. Then, tap the “Done” button to add the imported addresses. Additionally, learn more about Route4Me’s Spreadsheet Formatting Requirements.

Importing a CSV or XLS spreadsheet with route addresses from Google Drive, iCloud, and cloud storage apps into Route4Me's Route Planning app.

 

Plan Route and Sequence Added and Imported Route Addresses

To plan or optimize the route, tap and hold the “Hold to Plan Route” button on your iPhone Route Planning App. Accordingly, if Route Optimization is enabled, Route4Me will optimize the route and automatically sequence all addresses based on your settings. If Route Optimization is disabled, Route4Me will plan the route, and addresses will remain in the same sequence as they were added or imported.

After planning or optimizing the route, tap the route’s header to check the route duration, distance, number of stops, and other details. Next, you can start, navigate, and complete the route.

Optimizing multi-address route and sequencing multiple stops on Route4Me's iPhone Route Planning app.

 

After planning and optimizing the route, you can seamlessly start, navigate, and complete your route. For your convenience, you can navigate routes using Route4Me’s Integrated GPS Voice-Guided Navigation. Additionally, you can navigate Route4Me-sequenced routes using other GPS navigation apps such as Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, CoPilot, and even Uber.

As you navigate your route, you can add statuses to stops for tracking route progress and completing the route. Furthermore, you can attach signatures, photos, notes, and other data to stops as proof of visit, delivery, or service. Additionally, learn more about Starting and Navigating Routes, Setting Stop Statuses, and Collecting Proof of Visit.

 

Start and Navigate Multi-Address Routes on iOS iPhone Route Planner

To start and navigate your route, tap and hold the “Hold to Start Route” button. Then, tap the “Navigate” button next to the route stop where you want to navigate from your current location. After that, select “In-App Navigation” to use Route4Me’s in-app navigation. Additionally, learn more about Route4Me’s Integrated Voice-Guided GPS Navigation.

Start and navigate sequenced multi-address routes using Route4Me's Mobile Route Optimization app for iPhone.

 

Apple Maps Route Planner GPS Navigation for Route4Me-Sequenced Routes

To use Apple Maps Route Planner Navigation, tap the “Navigate” button next to the preferred stop and then select “Apple Maps“. Route4Me will automatically send the stop’s address to the Apple Maps navigation app. Next, you can preview your Apple Maps route and start the navigation.

Using Apple Maps route planner GPS navigation for navigating Route4Me iPhone Route Optimization app sequenced routes.

 

Google Maps Route Planner GPS Navigation for Route4Me-Sequenced Routes

To use Google Maps Route Planner navigation, tap the “Navigate” button next to the preferred stop and then select “Google Maps“. Route4Me will automatically send the stop’s address to the Google Maps navigation app. Next, you can preview your Google Maps route and start the navigation.

Using Google Maps route planner GPS navigation for navigating Route4Me iPhone Route Optimization app sequenced routes.

 

Set Stop Statuses and Collect Proof of Visit, Delivery, and Service

Further, as you navigate your route and arrive at stops, you can set stop statuses and collect proof of visit, delivery, and service. To do so, tap the “Arrived” button and then the “Set Status” button next to the preferred stop. Then, you can select the preferred stop status and attach an electronic signature, photo, video, text note, and other types of data. Additionally, learn more about Route Stop Statuses and Proof of Visit Types.

Setting stops statuses and attaching electronic proof of visit and delivery to route stops using Route4Me's iPhone Route Optimization app.

 

Complete Route – End Route and Check Route Statistics and KPIs

After visiting all stops on your route, Route4Me will automatically prompt you to end the route. To manually end your route, tap the “End Route” button at the bottom of the Stops List. If there are stops without a status (unvisited stops), you can add statuses to those stops to end the route. Furthermore, once you finish the route, the app will provide a detailed route summary with route performance KPIs. In detail, the route summary shows the total route duration, traveled distance, actual route start and end times, the ratio of completed and failed stops, etc.

Completing optimized and sequenced multi-address routes on Route4Me's iPhone Route Planning app.

 

Mobile App to Web Platform Real-Time Route Data Synchronization

Furthermore, Route4Me’s Marketplace Subscriptions support real-time route data synchronization between the iPhone Multiple Stop Route Planner and Route4Me’s Web Platform. In detail, when you plan a new route using your Route4Me iOS Route Planning app, this route can be accessed and managed using Route4Me’s Web Platform in real-time, and vice versa.

Moreover, when you make route changes, insert addresses, set stop statuses, attach proof of visit to stops, and make other updates, you can automatically synchronize changes in real-time across all connected Route4Me accounts and devices. Additionally, learn more about Route4Me’s User Types and how to Dispatch Routes from the Web Platform to Mobile Driver Apps.

Real-time route data synchronization across multiple devices and accounts between Route4Me's iPhone Route Planner app and Web Platform.

 

Route4Me’s iOS Free Route Planner Unlimited Stops Test Drive

Use Route4Me’s Free Route Planner trial to check what benefits you can get before investing in a paid subscription. Simply start Route4Me’s free route planner trial and get 7 days Free Route Planner Unlimited Stops and Unlimited Tasks test drive right away!

 

 

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About Route4Me

Route4Me has over 40,000 customers globally. Route4Me's Android and iPhone mobile apps have been downloaded over 2 million times since 2009. Extremely easy-to-use, Route4Me's apps create optimized routes, synchronize routes to mobile devices, enable communication with drivers and customers, offer turn-by-turn directions, delivery confirmation, and more. Behind the scenes, Route4Me's operational optimization platform combines high-performance algorithms with data science, machine learning, and big data to plan, optimize, and analyze routes of almost any size in real-time.