You can download Google Maps to your phone and use it without internet by saving specific areas ahead of time
Google Maps lets you save a map region to your phone's storage so you can view it, search for places, and get directions even when you have no cell signal or data connection. The download stays on your device until you delete it, and you can have multiple areas saved at once. This works on both Android and iPhone, though the steps differ slightly between them.
The offline map shows you the same streets, landmarks, and business locations as the online version, but some features don't work without internet — you can't get real-time traffic updates, see current business hours, or use voice navigation. For most navigation purposes, though, an offline map is reliable enough to get you where you need to go.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Maps, search for the area you want to save, and tap the location name at the bottom to access the download option.
- Offline maps take up storage space on your phone — a typical city area uses 50 to 200 MB depending on size and detail level.
- Downloaded maps expire after 30 days and must be refreshed by opening Google Maps online and updating them.
- You can search for addresses and landmarks in your offline map, but you won't see real-time traffic, current business hours, or voice-guided directions.
- Android and iPhone have slightly different menu layouts, but both let you manage your downloads from the app's main settings.
How to download a map on Android
Open Google Maps and search for the city, neighborhood, or region you want to save. You can type a place name, address, or use the search box to find a specific area. Zoom in or out to show the exact region you want — the download will cover whatever area is currently visible on your screen.
Tap the name or address of the location at the bottom of the screen. A card will pop up with information about that place. Look for the three-dot menu icon (⋮) in the top right corner of the card and tap it. Select "Download" from the menu. Google Maps will ask you to confirm the area size — it will show you roughly how much storage space the download will use. Tap "Download" again to start saving the map to your phone.
The download happens in the background, and you can close Google Maps while it's working. You'll see a notification when it's complete. If the area is large, the download may take several minutes depending on your internet speed.
How to download a map on iPhone
Open Google Maps and search for the area you want to save, just as you would on Android. Zoom to show the exact region you need. Tap the name or address at the bottom of the screen to open the location card.
On iPhone, look for the three-dot menu icon (⋮) at the top right of the card and tap it. Select "Download" from the options. Google Maps will show you the storage size and ask you to confirm. Tap "Download" to save the map. The process works the same way as Android — the download happens in the background and you'll get a notification when it's done.
Managing your offline maps and storage space
To see all your downloaded maps, open Google Maps and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Offline maps" from the menu. This screen shows every map you've saved, how much storage each one uses, and when it was last updated. You can tap any map to view it or delete it if you no longer need it.
Offline maps take up real storage on your phone — a typical city area might use 50 to 200 MB, while a larger region or entire state could use 500 MB or more. If you're running low on phone storage, deleting offline maps you don't actively use is a straightforward way to free up space. You can always download them again later.
Google Maps automatically deletes offline maps after 30 days without an update. If you want to keep using a map after that time, open Google Maps while connected to the internet, go to your offline maps list, and tap the map you want to refresh. Google Maps will update it and reset the 30-day timer.
What works and what doesn't in offline mode
When you're using an offline map, 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. The map shows streets, parks, water features, and landmarks just as it does online. You can zoom in and out, and pan around the map freely.
Features that require an internet connection won't work offline: you won't see real-time traffic conditions, current business hours, or live transit information. Voice-guided navigation doesn't work offline either — you'll see written directions but no spoken turn-by-turn guidance. Reviews, photos, and phone numbers for businesses also require internet access.
If you need voice navigation or real-time traffic, you'll need to use Google Maps online. For basic navigation and finding your way around a city you've already downloaded, offline maps are fully functional.
Choosing which areas to download
Think about where you'll actually need offline maps. If you're traveling to a city you've never visited, download that city and the surrounding area. If you're going on a road trip, download the regions you'll drive through — you can save multiple maps at once. For everyday use in your home city, you might download your neighborhood and nearby areas where you frequently travel.
Start with smaller areas if you're unsure how much storage you can spare. You can always add more maps later. If you're downloading a very large region — like an entire state — expect the download to take longer and use significantly more storage. For most purposes, downloading a city and a 10 to 15-mile radius around it is enough for navigation and exploration.
Troubleshooting offline map downloads
If the download button doesn't appear, make sure you're tapping the location card at the bottom of the screen, not just searching for a place. Some locations — particularly very small towns or rural areas — may not have offline map data available. In that case, Google Maps simply won't offer a download option.
If a download fails or gets stuck, close Google Maps completely and try again. Make sure you have enough free storage space on your phone — if your device is nearly full, the download may not complete. Check your phone's storage settings to see how much space is available.
If your offline map isn't showing up in your offline maps list, it may still be downloading. Wait a few minutes and refresh the list by closing and reopening Google Maps. If it still doesn't appear after 10 minutes, delete the partial download and try again with a smaller area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use offline maps for navigation while driving?
Yes, you can get turn-by-turn directions using an offline map. However, you won't have voice guidance or real-time traffic updates. You'll see written directions on the screen and can follow the route visually. For safety, set up your route before you start driving or use a phone mount so you can see the screen clearly.
How long does an offline map stay on my phone?
Offline maps expire after 30 days without an update. When you open Google Maps while connected to the internet, you can refresh the map from your offline maps list, which resets the timer. If you don't refresh it, Google Maps will delete it automatically after 30 days.
What happens if I run out of storage space?
Your phone will stop you from downloading new maps if storage is critically low. Delete offline maps you don't need, clear your Google Maps cache, or remove other apps and files to free up space. You can always re-download maps later when you have more storage available.
Can I share my offline maps with someone else?
No, offline maps are stored on your individual device and can't be transferred to another phone. Each person needs to download their own maps using their own Google account and device.
Do offline maps work without a Google account?
You need a Google account to use Google Maps and download offline maps. If you don't have one, you can create a free account at google.com. Once you're signed in, you can download and use offline maps normally.