Download a route by saving a map area first

Google Maps does not let you download a single route the way you might download a file. Instead, you download the map area that contains your route, then use that offline map to navigate. The process takes two steps: first you save the map region, then you open your saved route and navigate using the offline data.

You can only download maps on the mobile app — the desktop version of Google Maps does not support offline downloads. The downloaded map stays on your phone for 30 days before it expires and needs to be refreshed. This approach works whether you are planning a road trip, preparing for travel in an area with spotty cell service, or simply want to avoid using data while navigating.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Maps stores offline maps on your phone for 30 days, then you must refresh them to keep using them.
  • You download the map area containing your route, not the route itself, using the mobile app on Android or iPhone.
  • Offline maps work for navigation but do not include real-time traffic, transit schedules, or restaurant information.
  • The downloaded map takes up storage space on your phone — a typical city-sized area uses 50 to 200 megabytes.

Steps to download a map area on Android

Open Google Maps and search for the location or route you want to download. Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner, then select Offline maps. Tap the plus sign (+) to add a new offline map.

A box appears on the screen showing the area that will download. Drag and zoom to adjust the boundaries until the map covers your entire route. The app shows you the file size at the bottom — tap Download. The download runs in the background and can take several minutes depending on the area size and your internet speed.

Once downloaded, the map appears in your offline maps list. When you navigate using that area later, Google Maps automatically uses the offline version instead of streaming data. You can have multiple offline maps saved at once, which is useful if you travel between different regions regularly.

Steps to download a map area on iPhone

Open Google Maps and find the location or route you need. Tap your profile picture in the top right, then tap Offline maps. Tap Select your own map.

Zoom and drag the map to frame the area containing your route. The app displays the download size at the bottom of the screen. Tap Download and wait for the process to finish. On iPhone, the download happens in the foreground, so keep the app open until it completes.

The offline map will then appear in your list of saved maps. You can manage multiple offline maps from the same menu, making it easy to switch between different regions you have downloaded.

What offline maps can and cannot do

Offline maps show streets, landmarks, and saved locations, and they work with turn-by-turn navigation. You can search for addresses and see your saved places. However, offline maps do not include real-time traffic conditions, public transit schedules, or current business information like hours and phone numbers.

If you need traffic data or transit information, you must have an internet connection. Offline maps are most useful for driving in areas where you expect poor cell service, or for saving data when traveling internationally. They also work well for hiking or exploring areas where you want to reference the map without draining your battery on data streaming.

Refreshing a map before it expires

Your offline map expires 30 days after you download it. Before it expires, open Google Maps, go to Offline maps, find the map in your list, and tap the three-dot menu next to it. Select Update. The app downloads the latest version of that map area.

If you do not refresh before the 30 days pass, the map becomes unusable and you must download it again from scratch. Set a reminder on your phone if you plan to use the same offline map regularly. Refreshing takes less time than the initial download since Google Maps only updates changed areas rather than re-downloading everything.

Deleting offline maps to free up storage

Offline maps take up phone storage. A typical city area uses 50 to 200 megabytes, while a larger region can use 500 megabytes or more. If you need storage space, you can delete offline maps you no longer need.

Open Google Maps, go to Offline maps, tap the three-dot menu next to the map you want to remove, and select Delete. The storage space is freed immediately. You can always download the map again later if you need it. Deleting is useful if you are traveling through multiple regions and want to keep only the maps you are currently using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a route without downloading the whole map area?

No. Google Maps requires you to download a rectangular map area. You cannot select just the streets along your route. Download a region large enough to cover your entire route, then navigate within that offline map.

Will my offline map show traffic and transit information?

No. Offline maps do not include real-time traffic, bus schedules, or train times. They show the street layout and your saved locations, but you need an internet connection to see current conditions or transit options.

What happens if my offline map expires?

After 30 days, the offline map stops working and you cannot navigate with it. You must download the map area again. Refresh your maps before they expire if you plan to use them regularly.

How much storage space do offline maps use?

A typical city area uses 50 to 200 megabytes. Larger regions or areas with more detail use more space. Check the file size before downloading — Google Maps shows it on the download screen.

Can I download maps on the desktop version of Google Maps?

No. Offline map downloads only work on the mobile app for Android and iPhone. The desktop website does not support offline downloads.