Aster is available as a mobile app (iPhone and Android) and as a website at astertrack.app that works in any browser. They share the same account and the same data, but they're suited to different jobs.
Our marketing pages — what Aster is, pricing, and the like — live on aster-track.com; the app itself sits on astertrack.app. Open astertrack.app while signed out and you'll see the sign-in screen, which also carries the install links and a link across to the marketing site; a shared watch link takes you straight into the app, no account needed.
Use the mobile app to be tracked
If you're going to ride or run and be tracked, use the app. Only the native app can keep recording your GPS position reliably in the background — while your phone is in your pocket, the screen is off, or you've switched to another app. The app also powers:
- Offline starting and finishing (no signal needed).
- Background GPS recording for hours, with battery modes to match the length of your day.
- The persistent "tracking" notification so you know it's still running.
- Crash detection, which can start an Alert countdown if you hit the ground.
If you open the tracking screen (Go Live) in a browser, you won't see a live map — you'll see an orientation page instead, since GPS tracking simply isn't possible from a browser tab. It walks through the three steps for race day (install the app, sign in, open Go Live and tap Start on the day — for an event, a meet-up or a Just Ride), leads with a Download the app button, and offers a Watch a live event instead link for anyone who isn't racing.
Installing the app
Aster is on both public app stores:
- iPhone and iPad — on the App Store (iOS 15 and later).
- Android — on Google Play (Android 7 and later).
Install options are also shown on the website whenever you try to start tracking in a browser — open Go Live on astertrack.app — and on the dedicated Get the app page any "get the app" link points to, which always offers both stores (so a shared or scanned link works no matter which phone opens it) and shows a QR code on desktop that opens the same page on your phone with the right store button already picked.
Use the website for everything else
The website covers everything that isn't live GPS recording:
- Watching events and shared rides live — the map, trails and live standings all work in a browser, no app and (for public events and share links) no account required.
- Checking results, watching replays, and comparing athletes.
- Reading and posting to event feeds, and following athletes and teams.
- Managing your profile, settings, privacy and account.
- The full organiser dashboard — creating events, uploading routes, managing registrations, monitoring race day and handling Alerts.
- Club and team pages and management.
Good to know: browsers can't record your location once you switch away or lock the screen, so the website is never used to track your own ride. If you try, you'll be shown the app install options instead.
Which should a spectator use?
Either. The website is the quickest way to open a shared link and watch — nothing to install. Notifications (for example, when an athlete you follow starts or finishes) are available in the app and in most desktop and Android browsers; see Push notifications and devices.