Where to download maps and what each service offers

The most common way to download a map is through Google Maps, Apple Maps, or a dedicated mapping app like Offline Maps or Maps.me. Each service stores map data differently — some let you download entire regions, others only specific areas. Google Maps works on Android and iPhone; Apple Maps on iPhone and iPad only; Maps.me and Offline Maps work on both platforms.

Before you download, decide what you need the map for. Navigation apps like Google Maps let you download a city or region and use it without internet. Hiking apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS download topographic maps for outdoor trails. Driving apps like Sygic download turn-by-turn navigation maps. The steps and file sizes differ depending on which app you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Maps.me all let you download map regions to use without internet, but the process and storage limits differ by app.
  • Downloaded maps in Google Maps expire after 30 days and must be refreshed; other apps like Maps.me keep maps indefinitely until you delete them.
  • File size varies widely — a single city might be 50 MB to 500 MB depending on the region and the app's detail level.
  • You need enough storage space on your device before downloading, and maps use data the first time you download them.

How to download a map in Google Maps

Open Google Maps on your phone and search for the city or area you want to download. Tap your profile icon in the top right, then select "Offline maps." Tap the plus sign and drag the box on the screen to cover the area you need. Google will show you the file size before you confirm. Tap "Download" and wait — the time depends on file size and your internet speed.

Your downloaded map stays on your phone for 30 days. After that, Google Maps will ask you to refresh it by downloading again. This refresh requires internet but only takes a few minutes. You can have multiple offline maps stored at once, but each one counts against your phone's storage space. To delete a map, go back to "Offline maps," find the one you want to remove, and tap the trash icon.

How to download a map in Apple Maps

Apple Maps offline download works only on iPhone and iPad. Open the app, search for a city or region, and tap the name at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Download." The app will show you the file size and ask you to confirm. Tap "Download" again and wait for it to finish.

Unlike Google Maps, Apple Maps offline maps do not expire — they stay on your device until you manually delete them. To remove a downloaded map, open Apple Maps, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to "Downloaded Maps," find the map you want to delete, and swipe left, then tap "Delete."

How to download maps in Maps.me

Maps.me is a free app available on iPhone and Android that specializes in offline maps. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, then open it and search for a city or country. Tap the download icon next to the place name. The app will show you the file size and let you choose between a standard map and a detailed version. Tap "Download" and the map will save to your device.

Maps.me maps do not expire and stay on your phone indefinitely. The app includes search, navigation, and bookmarks that all work offline. To delete a map, open the app's menu, go to "Downloaded Maps," find the map you want to remove, and tap the trash icon next to it.

Storage space and data use when downloading maps

Map files range from 50 MB for a small town to 500 MB or more for a large city or entire region. Before you download, check how much free space your phone or computer has. Most phones show storage in Settings under "Storage" or "About Phone." If you are low on space, delete old photos, videos, or unused apps first.

Downloading a map uses your mobile data or Wi-Fi the first time. After that, the map works without internet. If you are on a limited data plan, download maps while connected to Wi-Fi. Refreshing an expired map (like Google Maps after 30 days) also uses data, so plan ahead if you know you will need the map offline.

Downloading maps on a computer or tablet

Google Maps does not let you download maps on a computer — you can only download on a phone. However, you can download maps on a tablet using the same steps as a phone. Apple Maps works on iPad the same way it works on iPhone. Maps.me works on both tablets and phones across iOS and Android.

If you need maps on a computer, use a web-based tool like Google My Maps to create and view custom maps, or download a desktop app like QGIS if you work with geographic data. These are not the same as offline navigation maps, but they let you view and organize map information on a larger screen.

What to do if your map will not download

If a download fails or gets stuck, close the app completely and try again. Make sure you have a stable internet connection — Wi-Fi is faster and more reliable than mobile data for large files. Check that you have enough free storage space; if your phone is nearly full, the download may fail partway through.

Some regions are too large to download as a single map. If Google Maps or Apple Maps tells you the area is too big, try downloading a smaller section instead. You can download multiple overlapping maps to cover a larger region. If the problem continues, restart your phone and try downloading a different region to see if the issue is specific to that area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a map and use it without any internet?

Yes. Once downloaded, maps work completely offline on your phone. Navigation, search, and routing all function without internet. However, you need internet the first time you download the map, and to refresh it if it expires (Google Maps refreshes every 30 days; other apps keep maps indefinitely).

How long does it take to download a map?

Time depends on file size and your internet speed. A small town map (50 MB) might take 1 to 2 minutes on Wi-Fi. A large city (300 MB) could take 5 to 10 minutes. Mobile data is slower than Wi-Fi, so expect longer times if you download over cellular.

Can I share a downloaded map with someone else?

No. Downloaded maps are stored on your device and cannot be transferred directly to another phone. The other person must download the same map using their own app. You can share a location or route by sending a link through text or email, but not the offline map file itself.

What happens if I delete a downloaded map by accident?

You can download it again using the same steps. The map data is stored on the app's servers, so deleting it from your phone does not remove it permanently. Just search for the location again and download it once more.

Do downloaded maps use battery faster than online maps?

Offline maps use slightly less battery than online maps because they do not need to constantly connect to the internet or use GPS as intensively. However, the difference is small — battery drain depends more on screen brightness and how long you use the app.