Download a map area before you lose signal

Google Maps lets you save a map region to your phone so you can use it without internet. Once downloaded, you can search for addresses, get directions, and see street view in that area even when you have no signal. The download stays on your phone until you delete it, and you can save multiple areas.

The process takes about five minutes and works on both Android and iPhone. You need the Google Maps app installed and enough free storage space — a typical city-sized area takes 50 to 200 megabytes depending on the zoom level you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Maps, search for the area you want, then tap your profile picture and select "Offline maps" to start the download.
  • You choose the zoom level before downloading — higher zoom means more detail but takes more storage space.
  • Downloaded maps work for about 30 days before Google Maps refreshes them automatically, then you can use them again.
  • Offline maps show you where you are and let you search for places and get directions, but they do not provide real-time traffic or transit schedules.

Steps to download a map on Android

Open the Google Maps app and search for the city or area you want to download. You can type a city name, an address, or zoom in and out on the map until you see the region you need. Once the map shows what you want to save, tap your profile picture in the top right corner.

Tap "Offline maps" from the menu. On the next screen, tap "Select your own map." The app will show you a rectangle outline on the map — this is the area that will download. Drag the corners and edges of the rectangle to adjust the size until it covers everything you need. The app shows you the download size at the bottom of the screen as you adjust.

Tap "Download" and give the map a name so you can find it later. The download starts immediately. Depending on the size and your internet speed, it may take a few minutes to an hour. You can close the app while it downloads — the process continues in the background.

Steps to download a map on iPhone

Open Google Maps and search for the area you want to save. Tap your profile picture in the top right, then tap "Offline maps." Tap the plus sign to add a new offline map.

Drag and pinch the map to frame the area you want to download. Unlike Android, iPhone does not show you a rectangle — you simply position the map so the area you need is centered and visible at the zoom level you want. The app displays the download size at the bottom. Once the area is framed correctly, tap "Download" and name your map.

What offline maps can and cannot do

Offline maps show your location using your phone's GPS, so you always know where you are. You can search for addresses and business names within the downloaded area, and you can get turn-by-turn directions from one place to another. Street view works for most locations, and you can see saved places and starred locations you marked before downloading.

Offline maps do not show real-time traffic, public transit schedules, or ride-sharing options. You cannot search for things outside the downloaded area, and you cannot get directions that leave the map region. If you need directions that cross into unmapped territory, you will need to download a larger area or wait until you have internet again.

Managing your downloaded maps

Each offline map stays on your phone for 30 days. After 30 days, Google Maps automatically marks it as expired, but the map file stays on your device. When you open the expired map, the app asks if you want to refresh it — tap yes and it downloads the latest version. You do not have to delete the old one first.

To see all your offline maps, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, and select "Offline maps." This screen shows every map you have downloaded, how much storage each one uses, and when it expires. To delete a map and free up space, swipe left on it (iPhone) or long-press it (Android) and tap delete.

You can download as many maps as your phone's storage allows. If you are running low on space, delete maps you no longer need. Maps of major cities typically use 100 to 300 megabytes, while smaller towns use 20 to 50 megabytes.

Troubleshooting common download problems

If the download fails or gets stuck, close Google Maps completely and try again. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection — downloading over cellular data can be slow and may time out. If you see a message that the area is too large, make the rectangle or frame smaller and download in sections.

If you cannot find the "Offline maps" option, check that you are using the latest version of Google Maps. Open your phone's app store, search for Google Maps, and tap "Update" if one is available. Offline maps require Google Maps version 9.0 or newer on Android and version 5.0 or newer on iPhone.

If your offline map shows outdated information or missing streets, the 30-day refresh window may have passed. Open the offline maps list, find the expired map, and tap refresh. The app downloads the latest version and replaces the old file.

When to download maps before you travel

Download maps for any area where you expect to have no signal or want to save cellular data. This includes rural areas, national parks, countries where you do not have a data plan, and places where you will be underground or in buildings with poor reception. Download before you leave home or while you still have good internet.

If you are traveling internationally, download maps for each country or region you will visit. This saves you from paying roaming charges and works even if your phone cannot connect to a local network. Download the maps while you are still in an area with reliable internet, not after you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use offline maps without turning on location services?

No. Offline maps use your phone's GPS to show where you are, so location services must be on. GPS works without internet, but your phone needs permission to access the GPS chip. Go to Settings, find Location or Privacy, and make sure Google Maps has permission to use your location.

Do offline maps use data once I have downloaded them?

No. Once the download finishes, the map works completely offline. Searching, directions, and viewing the map use no data. However, if you tap a business listing to see hours or reviews, your phone will try to load that information from the internet if it is available.

What happens if I travel outside the area I downloaded?

The offline map stops working once you leave the downloaded region. Your phone will show a message that you have left the offline area. If you have internet, Google Maps switches to the online map automatically. If you do not have internet, you will see only the offline map and cannot navigate outside it.

Can I share an offline map with someone else?

No. Offline maps are stored on your phone and cannot be transferred to another device or person. Each person must download the maps they need on their own phone using their own Google account.

How much storage space do offline maps use?

It depends on the area size and zoom level. A small town at standard zoom uses 20 to 50 megabytes. A large city uses 100 to 300 megabytes. Very detailed maps with high zoom levels use more space. The app shows you the exact size before you download, so you can decide whether to proceed.