How to Use Google Maps Offline (Save Maps Without Internet)
Travelling to the mountains, driving between cities, or visiting another country? Mobile signal can disappear when you need directions most. Google Maps lets you download areas for offline use.
Download an offline map
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture.
- Tap Offline maps → Select your own map.
- Adjust the blue box to cover the area you need.
- Tap Download.
You can also search for a city and tap Download from its information panel.
Using offline maps
When you lose signal, Google Maps automatically uses downloaded maps. You can:
- See the map and your location (GPS works without internet).
- Get driving directions within the downloaded area.
- Search for places in the area.
Offline, you won't get live traffic, alternate routes, or walking and transit directions in many areas.
Manage offline maps
- Offline maps expire after some time unless updated. Turn on Auto-update offline maps.
- Choose to download only over Wi-Fi in offline map settings.
- Delete old maps to free storage.
- On Android, you can store maps on an SD card if supported.
Storage size
Large areas can take hundreds of MB or more. Download only what you need, like a route corridor or a city.
Save places in advance
Star your hotel, destinations and petrol stations before travelling. Saved places remain visible offline.
Save battery on long trips
Turn on airplane mode while keeping GPS active to save battery when there's no signal anyway. Carry a power bank or car charger.
Other options
Apps like Organic Maps or maps.me use OpenStreetMap data and offer full offline navigation, including walking trails.
More Google Maps tips for travellers
- Share your trip progress: during navigation, share your live location and ETA with family.
- Lists: create lists of places to visit, eat or stay, and share them with travel companions.
- Timeline: if you enable location history, Timeline records places you've visited. Review privacy settings if you'd rather not keep this history.
- Avoid tolls or motorways in route options.
- Parking location: tap the blue dot to save where you parked.
- Street View helps you recognise your destination before arriving.
Travelling in mountains and remote areas
- Download maps for the whole route plus a margin around it.
- Save the locations of hotels, hospitals and fuel stations.
- Carry a paper map or printed directions as backup.
- Tell someone your route and expected arrival time.
- Keep a power bank charged; GPS and cold weather drain batteries quickly.
- Check weather and road conditions before setting off.
Accuracy tips
For better location accuracy, turn on Location accuracy (Google Location Accuracy on Android) and calibrate the compass if the blue direction beam looks wide.
Frequently asked questions
Does GPS work without internet?
Yes. GPS uses satellites; internet only downloads the map.
Why can't I download maps for some areas?
Offline maps are unavailable in a few regions due to contractual or legal restrictions.
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