Google Offline Maps is a feature within the Google Maps app that allows users to download and store map data for specific areas on their devices, enabling them to access and navigate those areas offline or without an internet connection.
This functionality is particularly useful for travelers, hikers, or anyone venturing into areas with limited or no internet connectivity. To use Google Maps offline, you will need to follow the steps provided in this article to download and save the specific areas. But, before that let us consider some of the benefits of using the offline map.
Benefits of Using Google Offline Maps
The following are excellent points highlighting the key benefits of using Google Offline Maps. They are as follows:
1. Access maps and navigation without an internet connection:
- This is the primary benefit of Google Offline Maps. By downloading map data for specific areas, you can access maps and get turn-by-turn navigation even when you don’t have an internet connection or cellular data available. This is particularly useful for hikers, travelers, or anyone venturing into remote areas with limited connectivity.
2. Save on mobile data usage when traveling or in areas with poor connectivity:
- Downloading maps for offline use means you don’t have to rely on a constant internet connection or cellular data to access maps and navigation. This can help you save on mobile data charges, especially when traveling or in areas with poor network coverage.
3. Ensure reliable navigation even in remote locations or areas with limited cellular coverage:
- With offline maps, you can rest assured that you’ll have access to maps and navigation even in the most remote locations or areas with limited or no cellular coverage. This can be a lifesaver when exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations or embarking on outdoor adventures.
4. Avoid unexpected roaming charges when traveling internationally:
- When traveling abroad, using mobile data can quickly rack up expensive roaming charges. By downloading offline maps for your destination before your trip, you can navigate and explore without worrying about incurring costly roaming fees from your mobile carrier.
In addition to these benefits, Google Offline Maps can also provide peace of mind and a sense of security, knowing that you’ll always have access to essential mapping and navigation tools, even in areas where internet connectivity is unreliable or unavailable.
How to Use Google Maps Offline on Android
Here are the steps to use Google Maps offline on your Android device:
Step 1: Download Google Maps Offline Areas
- Open the Google Maps app and search for the area you want to download for offline use.
- Once the area is visible, tap on the place name at the bottom of the screen to open the info sheet.
- Scroll down and tap the “Download” button to download that area for offline use.
- You can adjust the area you want to download by zooming in or out on the map.
Step 2: Access Offline Maps
- Once the download is complete, you can access the offline maps by opening the Google Maps app, even when you don’t have an internet connection.
- Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select “Offline maps”.
- Here, you’ll see a list of all the areas you’ve downloaded for offline use.
- Tap on the area you want to navigate to load the offline map.
Step 3: Navigate with Offline Maps
- With the offline map loaded, you can search for locations and get turn-by-turn directions within the downloaded area.
- Your device’s GPS will track your location, even without an internet connection.
- You can also save places and get directions to saved destinations within the offline area.
Step 4: Manage Offline Maps
- To update an existing offline map, tap on the menu icon, select “Offline maps”, and tap the “Update” button next to the map you want to refresh.
- To delete an offline map, tap on the menu icon, select “Offline maps”, and tap the “Delete” button next to the map you want to remove.
Limitations of Offline Maps
- Offline maps have limited functionality compared to online maps.
- You won’t have access to live traffic updates, transit directions, or up-to-date business information.
- Certain features like Street View and satellite imagery may not work offline.
- Your offline maps will expire after a certain period (typically 30-60 days), and you’ll need to update or re-download them.
After downloading offline maps on your Android device, you can continue to use Google Maps for basic navigation, even when you don’t have an internet connection or cellular data available.
How to Use Google Maps Offline on iPhone
Here are the steps to use Google Maps offline on your iPhone:
Step 1: Download Google Maps Offline Areas
- Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone.
- Search for the area you want to download for offline use.
- Once the area is visible, tap on the name of the place at the bottom of the screen to open the info sheet.
- Scroll down and tap the “Download” button to download that area for offline use.
- You can adjust the area you want to download by zooming in or out on the map.
Step 2: Access Offline Maps
- After the download is complete, you can access the offline maps by opening the Google Maps app, even when you don’t have an internet connection.
- Tap the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
- Select “Offline Maps” from the menu.
- Here, you’ll see a list of all the areas you’ve downloaded for offline use.
- Tap on the area you want to navigate to load the offline map.
Step 3: Navigate with Offline Maps
- With the offline map loaded, you can search for locations and get turn-by-turn directions within the downloaded area.
- Your iPhone’s GPS will track your location, even without an internet connection.
- You can also save places and get directions to saved destinations within the offline area.
Step 4: Manage Offline Maps
- To update an existing offline map, tap the menu button, select “Offline Maps”, and tap the “Update” button next to the map you want to refresh.
- To delete an offline map, tap the menu button, select “Offline Maps”, and tap the “Delete” button next to the map you want to remove.
Limitations of Offline Maps
- Offline maps have limited functionality compared to online maps.
- You won’t have access to live traffic updates, transit directions, or up-to-date business information.
- Certain features like Street View and satellite imagery may not work offline.
- Your offline maps will expire after a certain period (typically 30-60 days), and you’ll need to update or re-download them.
After downloading offline maps on your iPhone, you can continue to use Google Maps for basic navigation, even when you don’t have an internet connection or cellular data available. Just remember to plan and download the necessary maps before venturing into areas with limited or no connectivity.
Read: Google Sign In: How to Set Up Your Google Sign In Account
How to Use Google Maps Offline on Desktop
Google offline maps are also available for desktops. Here are the steps to use Google Maps offline on your desktop:
Step 1: Enable Offline Maps in Google Maps Settings
- Open Google Maps in your web browser (maps.google.com).
- Click on the three-line menu icon in the top left corner of the map.
- Select “Offline maps” from the menu.
- Click the toggle switch to turn on “Offline maps.”
Step 2: Download an Area for Offline Use
- With Offline maps enabled, you’ll see a prompt to download an area for offline use.
- Click the “Select Your Own Map” button.
- Use your mouse to pan and zoom the map to the area you want to download.
- Click the “Download” button in the bottom right corner.
- The selected area will start downloading for offline use.
Step 3: Access and Navigate Offline Maps
- Once the download is complete, you can access the offline maps by opening Google Maps in your browser, even without an internet connection.
- The downloaded area will be visible on the map, and you can pan and zoom within that area.
- You can search for locations and get directions within the offline area, but certain features like live traffic updates and transit directions won’t be available.
Step 4: Update or Remove Offline Maps
- To update an offline map, open Google Maps with an internet connection, go to the Offline maps settings, and click the “Update” button next to the area you want to refresh.
- To remove an offline map, go to the Offline Maps settings and click the “Delete” button next to the area you want to remove.
Limitations of the Offline Maps on Desktop
- Unlike the mobile apps, the desktop version of Google Maps offline has limited functionality.
- You can view the map and get basic directions, but features like turn-by-turn navigation, GPS tracking, and saving locations may not be available.
- Offline maps on the desktop may have a shorter expiration period than mobile offline maps.
While the desktop version of Google Maps offline has fewer features compared to mobile apps, it can still be useful for planning trips, getting basic directions, and accessing maps in areas with limited or no internet connectivity on your computer.
Tips for Using Google Offline Maps Effectively
Here are some tips about downloading areas and navigating offline with Google Offline Maps:
1. Make sure to download areas before going offline
- Plan ahead and download the necessary map data for your destination or planned route before losing internet connectivity.
2. Keep your offline maps updated regularly
- Offline maps have an expiration date, typically around 30-60 days. Google Maps will notify you when your downloaded maps are about to expire, so make sure to update or re-download them for the latest data.
3. Use GPS to improve the accuracy of navigation
- While offline, Google Maps relies on your device’s GPS for location tracking and navigation. Ensure that your device’s GPS is turned on and functioning properly for the best experience.
4. Save locations and addresses offline for quick access
- Within the offline map area, you can search for and save specific locations or addresses for quick access without an internet connection.
Conclusion
Google Offline Maps is a powerful tool that allows you to access maps and navigate without an internet connection, making it an invaluable resource for travelers, hikers, and anyone venturing into areas with limited or no connectivity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively download and use offline maps, ensuring reliable navigation and saving on mobile data usage.
We encourage you to start using Google Offline Maps for your next offline adventure, whether it’s a remote hiking trail, a rural road trip, or an international journey.
FAQs
How much storage space do offline maps take up?
The storage space required for offline maps varies depending on the size of the area downloaded. Generally, a small town or city might require a few hundred megabytes, while larger metropolitan areas could be several gigabytes.
How often do I need to update my offline maps?
Offline maps have an expiration date, typically around 30-60 days. Google Maps will notify you when your downloaded maps are about to expire, and you’ll need to update or re-download them to ensure you have the latest data.
Can I get turn-by-turn navigation with Google Offline Maps?
Yes, you can get turn-by-turn driving directions within the downloaded offline map area. However, your entire route must be contained within the downloaded area for navigation to work.
Does Google Offline Maps work without GPS?
While offline maps don’t require an internet connection, they do rely on your device’s GPS for location tracking and navigation. Ensure your device’s GPS is enabled for the best offline navigation experience.
Can I search for places or businesses within offline maps?
Yeah! You can search for places, addresses, or businesses within the downloaded offline map area. However, the results may not be as accurate or up-to-date as when using online maps with an internet connection.
Are transit directions available in Google Offline Maps?
No, transit directions (for buses, trains, or subways) are not available in offline mode, as they require real-time data and an internet connection.
Can I download offline maps for international locations?
Absolutely, you can download offline maps for use in other countries and regions. However, map data availability and accuracy may vary in certain areas.
