Heading to the great outdoors? Perhaps a different country or an area where the internet connection might be spotty? Be sure to download your Google Maps for offline use before you step out. Once you have offline maps, you can use them to find your way, complete with turn-by-turn navigation, even when your GPS can’t connect to mobile data networks.
How to download offline maps before your trip
Google lets you preemptively download maps for any area from around the world, so no need to stick to places that are nearby. You can download multiple maps, too, and keep them on your device for a year.
Open the Google Maps app and search for the city, area, or country that you’ll be visiting. Then, select your choice to get to the details screen.
On Android, swipe up on the menu; on iOS, swipe to the end of the options. Here, tap the Download button. If you’re viewing the details screen in full-screen mode, tap the three-dot Menu button in the top-right corner and choose the Download offline map option.
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You’ll see a preview of what you’re about to download. You can pinch in or out to expand the area. Once you’re happy, tap the “Download” button. If you’re on mobile data, you might be asked to confirm the download based on your phone and app settings.
How to download offline maps for current locations or areas
While you can download directions for anywhere from anywhere else, Google Maps has a separate feature for downloading offline maps for your current area. This is helpful if you’re already out in the area, you’re having trouble finding connection, and you’ve just found a place with Wi-Fi.
Open the Google Maps app and tap your Profile icon in the top-right. Go to the Offline Maps section and choose the Select your own map option.
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Select your area, then tap the Download button. In a few moments, the map will be downloaded for offline use.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
To manage your offline maps, go to Profile > Offline Maps and tap the three-dot menu button next to the map you want to manage. From here, you can update, rename, or delete the map.
Tweak these Google Maps offline settings before you go
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Now that you’ve downloaded a couple of custom maps, you should tweak a couple of settings to make the experience even better. From your Profile picture menu, go to Offline maps. Here, you’ll see a list of all maps. Tap the three-dot Menu button on any map to get options to Update or Rename it. I recommend renaming your downloaded maps so they are easily recognizable.
While you’re here, take some time to also enable the auto-update feature for Maps, as it’ll keep your downloaded maps up to date in the background. Tap the Gear icon in the top-right corner of the Offline Maps page, then switch on the Auto-update offline maps feature. You can also enable the Auto-download recommended maps option to let Google automatically download new maps for you.
Before leaving this page, use the Download preferences menu to switch downloads to Over Wi-Fi only, which will help you save on data charges (especially when you’re traveling).
