You can save a map area to your phone so you can view it without internet
Google Maps lets you download a section of any map to your device so you can see streets, locations, and directions even when you have no cell signal or WiFi. The downloaded map stays on your phone until you delete it, and you can have multiple maps saved at once. This works on both Android and iPhone, though the steps differ slightly between them.
The offline map shows you the same street layout and location markers as the online version, but some features like real-time traffic, business reviews, and route planning do not work without internet. You can still search for addresses within the downloaded area and see where they are on the map.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Maps, find the area you want to save, and tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner to reach the menu.
- Select "Offline maps" from the menu, then tap the plus sign and drag the box to cover the area you need.
- Downloaded maps use storage space on your phone — the size depends on how large an area you select.
- Offline maps expire after 30 days and must be refreshed by downloading them again to keep them current.
- You can name each offline map so you remember which area it covers, like "Downtown Portland" or "Lake Tahoe."
Steps to download a map on Android
Open Google Maps and navigate to the area you want to save. Zoom in or out until the map shows roughly the region you need — you can adjust the exact boundaries later. Tap your profile picture or the initial circle in the top right corner of the screen.
From the menu that appears, tap "Offline maps." On the next screen, tap the plus sign (+) in the bottom right corner. A box will appear on the map showing the area that will be downloaded. Drag the corners and edges of this box to cover exactly what you need. The box shows you the approximate size of the download in megabytes at the bottom of the screen.
Once the box covers your target area, tap "Download" at the bottom. Google Maps will ask you to name this offline map — use something you will recognize, like a neighborhood name or landmark. Tap "Save" and the download will begin. Depending on the size of the area, this can take a few minutes to several minutes. You can close the app while it downloads.
Steps to download a map on iPhone
Open Google Maps and navigate to the area you want to save. Zoom to show roughly the region you need. Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner and select "Offline maps" from the menu.
Tap the plus sign (+) to start a new offline map. A box will appear on the screen showing the download area. Pinch and drag to adjust the box boundaries until it covers what you need. The screen shows the file size in megabytes as you adjust the box.
Tap "Download" when the box is positioned correctly. Name your offline map with something descriptive, then tap "Save." The download will start immediately. You can use other apps while the download happens in the background.
How much storage space offline maps use
The size of a downloaded map depends entirely on how large an area you select and how detailed the map data is for that region. A small neighborhood might use 10 to 50 megabytes, while a large city or county could use 200 megabytes to over 1 gigabyte. The app shows you the file size before you download, so you can see exactly how much space it will take.
Check how much free storage your phone has before downloading large maps. On Android, go to Settings > Storage to see available space. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If you are running low on space, delete old offline maps you no longer need by opening Google Maps, tapping your profile picture, selecting "Offline maps," and swiping left on the map name to delete it.
Refreshing offline maps so they stay current
Offline maps expire 30 days after you download them. After 30 days, the map will no longer work and you will need to download it again. Google Maps does not automatically refresh them — you have to do it manually.
To refresh an offline map, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, and select "Offline maps." Find the map you want to refresh and tap it. A screen will appear showing when it expires. Tap "Update" to download the latest version. This is useful if you want to make sure you have the most recent street changes or new locations in your saved area.
What you can and cannot do with offline maps
With an offline map, you can view streets, see location markers for businesses and landmarks, and search for addresses within the downloaded area. You can also see your current location on the map if your phone has GPS turned on — GPS works without internet.
You cannot use turn-by-turn navigation, see real-time traffic, read business reviews, check hours or phone numbers, or get route suggestions. If you need any of these features, you will need an internet connection. Some third-party navigation apps like Maps.me offer more complete offline navigation if you need directions without internet.
Troubleshooting offline map downloads
If a download fails or gets stuck, close Google Maps completely and try again. On Android, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and close the app. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom or swipe left from the left edge to close it. Wait a few seconds and reopen the app.
If you see an error message saying the map cannot be downloaded, check that you have a stable internet connection — downloads need WiFi or strong cell signal to complete. If the download keeps failing, try selecting a smaller area. Very large maps sometimes fail on slower connections. You can also try downloading at a different time if your network is congested.
If an offline map is not showing up in your offline maps list, make sure you are signed into the same Google account on your phone that you used to download it. Offline maps are tied to your account, not your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use offline maps for turn-by-turn navigation?
No. Offline maps show you the street layout and your location, but Google Maps cannot provide directions or voice navigation without an internet connection. If you need offline navigation, consider Maps.me or similar apps that include full routing without internet.
What happens if I go outside the area I downloaded?
The offline map will stop working once you move beyond the boundaries of the downloaded area. You will see a message saying the map is offline and you will need internet to view areas outside your saved region. Download a larger area if you plan to travel beyond your current map.
Can I share an offline map with someone else?
No. Offline maps are saved to your individual device and tied to your Google account. Other people cannot access your downloaded maps. They would need to download the same area on their own device.
Do offline maps update automatically?
No. Offline maps expire after 30 days and do not refresh on their own. You must manually download the map again to get the latest version. Set a reminder on your calendar if you use the same offline map regularly.
How many offline maps can I save at once?
You can save as many offline maps as your phone's storage allows. Each map takes up space based on its size, so very large maps or many maps at once can fill your storage quickly. Delete maps you no longer need to free up space.