Google Maps offers a feature that allows you to download maps for offline use. This can be a lifesaver when you need reliable navigation without access to data or Wi-Fi.
Whether you’re planning a trip to a remote location or simply want to save data while navigating in the city, knowing how to download Google Maps offline can be incredibly useful. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through several methods to ensure that you always have the maps you need, regardless of your internet connection.
This guide will walk you through the steps to manually and automatically download offline maps on your Android or iPhone, as well as how to optimize your settings for the best offline navigation experience. Whether you’re an Android or iPhone user, following these steps will help you seamlessly use Google Maps even when you’re offline.
How to Download Offline Google Maps for a Specific Location or Region
Downloading Google Maps offline manually gives you the flexibility to choose the specific areas you want to save, ensuring you have access to the maps you need most.
- Open Google Maps and search for a location
Begin by opening the Google Maps app. In the search bar, type the name of the location you want to download for offline use.
- Access the location details
Once the location appears, swipe up to bring up the details menu at the bottom of the screen. This menu contains additional options related to the selected area.
- Open the menu for more options
Tap on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the screen to open a dropdown menu with additional options.
- Select “Download offline map”
From the dropdown menu, select the “Download offline map” option. This will bring up a preview of the area that will be saved.
- Adjust the area and confirm the download
You can adjust the size of the area to download by zooming in or out. Once you’re satisfied with the area selected, tap the “Download” button to save the map for offline use.
How to Download Offline Google Maps for the Current Location and Region
If you want to download offline maps for the current location or region you find yourself in, you can use this alternative method instead of starting with search.
- Open Google Maps and go to your profile settings
Open Google Maps and tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen to access your account settings.
- Navigate to “Offline maps”
In your profile settings, scroll down and select “Offline maps” from the available options.
- Choose “Select your own map”
In the Offline maps menu, you will see an option to “Select your own map“. Tap on this to start the process of choosing the area you want to save.
- Adjust the area and download
Select the size of the area to download by zooming in or out. Once you’re satisfied with the area selected, tap the “Download” button to save the map for offline use.
How to Download Offline Google Maps Automatically for a Route
Google Maps allows you to save specific directions for offline use, which can be particularly helpful when planning a trip with multiple stops.
- Search for your directions
Open Google Maps and enter the starting point and destination for your journey in the search bar.
- Add your Start and End Location
After entering your start and end locations, confirm the details by tapping on the route option that best suits your needs. You can customize your route by adding stops, choosing alternative routes, or selecting different modes of transportation, such as driving, walking, or cycling. To add a stop, tap on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and select “Add stop“.
- Start Navigation Mode
Once your route is finalized, tap the “Start” button to initiate navigation mode. Before setting off, you’ll notice an option to download the route for offline use. If this option appears, make sure to tap on it. If not, Google Maps will automatically download the necessary map data as you proceed, provided you have an internet connection at the time. This ensures that even if you lose connectivity during your journey, the map and directions will still be available.
How to Automatically Update Offline Maps on Google Maps
Google Maps can automatically update your offline maps, ensuring that you always have the most recent version without manual intervention.
- Open Google Maps and access your profile settings
Tap on your profile picture in the Google Maps app to access your settings.
- Navigate to “Offline maps”
Scroll down and select “Offline maps” from the list of options.
- Go to “Settings”
Within the Offline maps section, tap on “Settings” to access additional configuration options.
- Enable automatic updates
In the settings menu, toggle on the option for automatic updates. This will allow Google Maps to periodically refresh your saved maps with the latest data. Optionaly you can let Google tell to “Auto-download recommended maps“, based on your locations and movements. If your device has plenty of space, this a a great way to have always the most important maps on your device.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Offline Maps in Google Maps
How long do offline maps stay downloaded on my device?
Offline maps remain on your device for up to one year unless you choose to update or delete them beforehand. Keep the automatic update feature enabled to ensure your maps are always current.
What should I do if the offline map download fails?
Check your internet connection to ensure it’s stable and fast enough for downloads. Verify there is sufficient storage space on your device. If problems persist, restart Google Maps or your device, then attempt the download again.
Are there limitations to the size of the area I can download for offline use on Google Maps?
Yes, there are limits to the size of the area you can save at one time to ensure optimal app performance and to manage storage on your device effectively. You may need to download large regions in sections by selecting adjacent areas individually.
Do offline maps work for all types of transportation?
Offline maps support navigation for driving, walking, and cycling. However, transit information may not be detailed or available because real-time transit data requires an internet connection.
What happens if I try to navigate outside the offline map area?
If you navigate beyond the boundaries of your downloaded offline map, Google Maps will be unable to provide detailed directions until you reconnect to the Internet. The map display will also revert to a simplified version without detailed geographic features.
Can I search for places on an offline map?
Searching capability in offline mode is limited. You can view major roads and landmarks within the downloaded region, but searching for specific addresses or establishments won’t be possible without an internet connection.
How can I manage the storage used by offline maps?
To manage storage effectively, navigate to the ‘Offline maps‘ settings within Google Maps to see the storage size of each map and total space used. From here, you can also delete specific maps that are no longer needed, which frees up space.
How do I delete an offline map?
To delete an offline map, open Google Maps, tap on your profile icon, go to Offline maps, and select the map you want to remove. Use the option button provided to delete the map. Confirm the deletion to remove the map from your device.
Are satellite views available in offline mode?
Satellite views are not available in offline mode due to the high storage requirements and the need for continuous data updates. Offline maps only include basic navigation maps with road and essential geographic details.
How do I ensure my offline maps are accurate and up-to-date while traveling?
Regularly connect to Wi-Fi and enable automatic map updates in the offline settings of Google Maps. This will refresh your maps and ensure they include the latest roads and route information. Manually updating maps periodically can also help keep them current.
Can offline maps be used with GPS for location tracking without internet connectivity?
Yes, your device’s GPS can track your location without an internet connection using satellite data. Offline maps will work in conjunction with GPS to provide you with navigation within the downloaded areas.
How do offline map updates impact my data plan?
Offline map updates can consume significant amounts of your mobile data if not set correctly. It’s best to update maps over a Wi-Fi connection. Check your app settings to control data use, especially while roaming or on limited data plans.
Is there a quick way to access all my downloaded offline maps on Google Maps?
To quickly access all your offline maps, tap your profile icon in Google Maps, then select ‘Offline maps‘. This section will display all areas you have saved, allowing easy management and access.
What is the difference between downloading an offline map and using live Google Maps?
Offline maps are pre-downloaded and allow for navigation without an internet connection but lack real-time features such as traffic updates and location-based services. Live Google Maps requires internet access and provides robust features including real-time traffic, transit, and dynamic rerouting.
Can I download entire countries for offline use on Google Maps?
Downloading entire countries is generally not feasible due to the large data size. Instead, Google Maps allows you to download manageable sections of a country. For extensive travels, you may need to plan and download multiple sections appropriately.
Related: How to Plan a Route with More than 10 Destinations in Google Maps
Google Maps is a fantastic tool for online navigation and geographical awareness, but it can start to break down once you try to plan a route with more than 10 destinations without using a workaround. In our other guide, we show you how to add more than 10 destinations in Google Maps using Notepad and a handy URL bar trick.
Related: How to Create a Custom Google Map
Google Maps is among the best tools for route finding, but sadly many of its more advanced features are tucked away. Though it’s not widely advertised, it is possible to create a custom Google map with its own pins, styles, routes, and more. Our other guide shows you how to create a custom Google map, complete with map markers, shapes, routes, and more.
Related: How to Measure Distances and Areas on Google Maps
Google Maps can measure distance in an area or as the crow flies to help you with various decisions and sate your curiosity. One good use of the tool is measure distance walked along footpaths, for example, or to determine the size of a property. In our other guide, we show you how to measure distances in Google Maps, either in an area, along a route, or as the crow flies.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:10 pm CET
