You can download a map in Google Maps to use when you don't have internet, but the process differs between phones and computers

Google Maps lets you save a map area to your phone or tablet so you can view it, search for places, and get directions even when you're offline or in an area with poor signal. You cannot download maps on a computer — only on Android phones, iPhones, and iPads. The downloaded map stays on your device for 30 days before it expires and needs to be refreshed.

The steps are straightforward and take less than a minute once you find the map area you want to save. The size of the area you can download depends on your device and how much storage space you have available.

Key Takeaways

  • Downloaded maps expire after 30 days and must be refreshed to keep using them offline.
  • You can only download maps on phones and tablets, not on computers or the web version of Google Maps.
  • The download size varies based on the area — a city neighborhood might be 50 MB, while a larger region could be several hundred MB.
  • Downloaded maps work for viewing, searching for places, and getting directions, but some features like real-time traffic and business reviews require an internet connection.

How to download a map on iPhone or iPad

Open Google Maps and search for the city, neighborhood, or landmark you want to download. Zoom in or out until the map shows the area you want to save — you can download a region as small as a few blocks or as large as an entire state, depending on your device storage.

Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner, then tap Offline maps. Tap the plus sign (+) at the bottom right. Google Maps will automatically select the area currently visible on your screen. Tap Download and wait for the process to finish — this usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the map size and your internet speed.

Once downloaded, the map appears in your Offline maps list. You can rename it by tapping the three dots next to the map name and selecting Rename. To use it, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, select Offline maps, and tap the map you want to view.

How to download a map on Android

Search for the location you want to download in Google Maps and adjust the zoom level to show the area you need. Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right, then tap Offline maps. Tap Select your own map.

Drag and zoom the map to outline the area you want to download. The size in megabytes appears at the bottom — if it's too large, zoom in further to reduce the area. Tap Download and wait for the process to complete. The map will then appear in your list of offline maps.

What you can and cannot do with a downloaded map

Downloaded maps let you view streets, search for specific addresses or business names, and get turn-by-turn directions. You can zoom in and out, pan around, and see saved places you marked before downloading. Street View is available if you downloaded it before going offline.

Features that require an active internet connection do not work offline: real-time traffic conditions, current business hours or phone numbers, restaurant reviews and ratings, and the ability to book rides or make reservations. If you need this information, you must be connected to the internet.

Managing storage and refreshing expired maps

Each downloaded map takes up storage space on your device. A typical city neighborhood might use 50 to 100 MB, while a larger region like an entire county could use 500 MB or more. Check how much space each map uses by opening your Offline maps list — the size appears next to each map name.

Maps expire 30 days after you download them. When a map is about to expire or has already expired, a message appears in your Offline maps list. Tap the map and select Update to refresh it for another 30 days. You can update a map while offline if you have already downloaded it, but the update itself requires an internet connection.

To delete a downloaded map and free up storage space, open your Offline maps list, tap the map you want to remove, and select Delete. You can download the same area again at any time.

Troubleshooting common download problems

If a download fails or gets stuck, check that you have a stable internet connection and enough free storage space on your device. Close other apps that might be using bandwidth, then try downloading again. If the map area is very large, try zooming in to download a smaller region first.

If you see a message that the map is too large, your device does not have enough storage space available. Delete other apps or files, or download a smaller area of the map. Some regions, particularly in countries with limited Google Maps coverage, may not be available for offline download — if this happens, the download button will not appear.

If a downloaded map is not showing up in your Offline maps list, make sure you are signed into the same Google account on your device. Offline maps are tied to your account and do not transfer between accounts or devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a map on my computer?

No. Google Maps offline downloads are only available on Android phones, iPhones, and iPads. The web version of Google Maps does not support downloading maps. If you need offline maps on a computer, you would need to use a different mapping service or take screenshots before your trip.

How long does a downloaded map stay on my phone?

Downloaded maps expire 30 days after you download them. You will see a notification when a map is about to expire. Tap the map and select Update to refresh it for another 30 days. The update requires an internet connection, but you can use the map offline while waiting to update it.

Will I be charged data if I use a downloaded map offline?

No. Once a map is downloaded, viewing it and using directions does not use any data. However, some features like real-time traffic and business information require an internet connection and will use data if you turn it on.

Can I download multiple maps at once?

Yes. You can download as many map areas as your device storage allows. Each download is separate, so you can have maps of different cities or regions saved at the same time. Manage them all from your Offline maps list.

What happens if I run out of storage space?

Your device will not let you download a new map if there is not enough free space. Delete unused downloaded maps, clear your app cache, or remove other files to make room. You can always download the map again later when you have more space available.