Download a map area before you go offline

Open Google Maps on your phone or tablet, search for the place you want to save, then tap its name at the bottom of the screen. Tap the three dots next to the name, then select "Download" or "Save to offline maps" — the exact wording depends on your device and app version. Google Maps will download that area to your phone's storage, and you can use it without an internet connection.

The downloaded map stays on your device until you delete it. You can search for locations, see street names, and get turn-by-turn directions using the offline map, though some features like real-time traffic and business information won't work without a connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Search for a location in Google Maps, tap its name, then tap the three dots and select "Download" to save that area offline.
  • Downloaded maps work for navigation and searching street names, but traffic updates and business details require an internet connection.
  • Each downloaded area takes up storage space on your phone — larger areas use more space, and you can delete them anytime.
  • Offline maps expire after 30 days and must be re-downloaded, so refresh them before a trip if you saved them weeks earlier.
  • Google Maps offline download is built into the app on Android and iPhone; you do not need a separate tool or subscription.

How much storage space you need

A small city neighborhood might use 50 to 100 megabytes of storage. A larger city like San Francisco or Chicago can take 500 megabytes to over 1 gigabyte. An entire state or region can use several gigabytes. Check your phone's available storage before downloading a large area — go to Settings, then Storage (on Android) or iPhone Storage (on iPhone) to see how much free space you have.

If your phone is running low on storage, delete old offline maps you no longer need. Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture in the top right, go to "Offline maps," and tap the map you want to remove, then tap "Delete."

Downloading maps on Android

Open Google Maps and search for a city, neighborhood, or landmark. When the location appears on the map, tap the name or address at the bottom of the screen to open its details panel. Tap the three-dot menu icon and select "Download" or "Save to offline maps." A box will appear showing the area that will be saved — you can zoom in or out to adjust the size, then tap "Download" to confirm.

The download starts immediately and shows a progress bar. Once it finishes, the map is ready to use without internet. You can download multiple areas, and each one appears in your offline maps list. If you need to update an offline map, open it in the offline maps list and tap "Update" if a newer version is available.

Downloading maps on iPhone

Search for a location in Google Maps and tap the name or address at the bottom. Tap the three-dot menu, then tap "Save to offline maps." A preview of the area appears — adjust the zoom level if you want a larger or smaller area, then tap "Save." The map downloads to your phone and appears in your offline maps collection.

On iPhone, the process is nearly identical to Android, though the menu layout may look slightly different depending on your app version. If you do not see the "Save to offline maps" option, make sure your Google Maps app is up to date by checking the App Store.

What works and what does not work offline

With an offline map, you can search for street names, see landmarks and building outlines, and get turn-by-turn navigation with voice directions. You can also see saved places and starred locations if you saved them before going offline. However, you cannot see real-time traffic, search for specific businesses by name, or get updated business hours and phone numbers without an internet connection.

If you need to find a restaurant or gas station while offline, you must know the street name or general area — you cannot search "pizza near me" and get results. Some third-party navigation apps like Osmand or Maps.me offer more detailed offline search, but Google Maps offline is designed mainly for navigation on routes you already know.

Offline maps expire and need refreshing

Google Maps automatically deletes offline maps 30 days after you download them. If you plan a trip more than a month away, download the maps again a few days before you leave. Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, go to "Offline maps," find the map you want to refresh, and tap "Update" if the option appears.

If the 30-day expiration has passed, the map no longer appears in your offline list. You will need to search for the location again and download it fresh. This system keeps your phone from filling up with old maps you no longer use, but it means you should refresh maps for upcoming trips before the expiration date.

Troubleshooting offline map problems

If a map will not download, check that you have enough free storage space and a working internet connection. Large areas sometimes fail if your connection drops during the download — try again on a stable Wi-Fi network. If the download still fails, try downloading a smaller area or a different neighborhood first to confirm the feature is working.

If an offline map is not showing up in your list, make sure you are signed into the same Google account on your phone. Offline maps are tied to your account, so if you switch accounts, your downloaded maps may not appear. You can also try closing and reopening Google Maps, or restarting your phone if the map still does not show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Google Maps for my entire country or state?

Yes, but it uses significant storage — an entire state can take several gigabytes. Start by downloading just the regions you plan to visit. If you need statewide coverage, check your phone's available storage first and consider whether you actually need every area or just the routes you will travel.

Do I need Wi-Fi to download a map, or can I use mobile data?

You can use either Wi-Fi or mobile data to download. Wi-Fi is faster and does not count against a data plan, so it is the better choice for large areas. If you must use mobile data, download maps on a stable connection and avoid downloading during a trip when your signal may be weak.

What happens if I lose internet in the middle of navigation?

If you are already navigating with an offline map and your connection drops, navigation continues working. Voice directions and turn-by-turn guidance use the downloaded map data. However, if you need to search for a new destination or see updated traffic, you will need to reconnect to the internet.

Can I share a downloaded map with another person?

No, offline maps are stored on your device and tied to your Google account. Another person would need to download the same area on their own phone. You can send them the location link through Google Maps, and they can download it themselves.

Does Google Maps offline work internationally?

Yes, you can download maps for any location worldwide before traveling. Download maps for your destination before you leave, since international data plans can be expensive. Make sure you have enough storage space, especially if you are visiting multiple cities or regions.