How to Download Maps to Use Without Internet

Google Maps and Apple Maps let you download areas of the map in advance so you can navigate without cell service or Wi-Fi — perfect for travel or rural areas.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Download an offline map in Google Maps (recommended)
2.Use the offline map when you have no signal
3.Download an offline map in Apple Maps
4.Keep your offline maps updated

Download an offline map in Google Maps (recommended)

~39s

Open Google Maps on your phone. Search for a city or region you want to download. Tap the name of the city that appears in the panel at the bottom. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper right of the panel → "Download offline map." A box appears showing the area that will be downloaded — pinch or drag to adjust the area. Tap "Download." The map saves to your phone (typically 100-400MB per city). Once downloaded, it appears in your profile → Offline maps.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Download offline maps at home over Wi-Fi before your trip — the map files can be large and will eat into your phone data if downloaded on a cellular connection.

Use the offline map when you have no signal

~22s

When you are in an area with no cell service, Google Maps automatically uses the downloaded offline map. Search for an address or tap a destination as normal — it works the same as when online. Turn-by-turn navigation, street names, and points of interest all work offline. Real-time traffic data and public transit directions are not available offline, but basic navigation works well.

Download an offline map in Apple Maps

~34s

On iPhone (iOS 17 and later): open Maps → tap your profile picture → "Offline Maps" → "Download New Map." Zoom the map to the area you want, adjust the selection box, and tap "Download." Downloaded maps appear in the Offline Maps section of your profile. Note: Apple Maps offline is available in select countries and regions — check if your destination is supported.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Apple Maps offline maps are available starting with iOS 17 (iPhone 8 and newer). If you don't see the Offline Maps option, check that your phone is running iOS 17 or later: SettingsGeneralSoftware Update.

Keep your offline maps updated

~23s

Offline maps can become outdated — roads change, new businesses open, and old ones close. Google Maps automatically updates your offline maps when you are connected to Wi-Fi (you can confirm this in the Offline Maps settings). Apple Maps also updates offline maps over Wi-Fi. Check your offline maps before a trip to make sure they are current. You can delete and re-download any map to force a fresh update.

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Driving or walking in an area with poor cell service is frustrating when your map app keeps loading. The solution: download a section of the map in advance when you have Wi-Fi, and Google Maps or Apple Maps will work offline — no internet required.

This is especially useful for road trips through rural areas, international travel where you don't want to use data, areas with known dead zones, and National Parks or remote locations. Both Google Maps (Android and iPhone) and Apple Maps (iPhone, macOS Ventura and later) support offline downloads. Google Maps has had this feature longer and is generally more reliable for offline use.

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