You can download maps directly to your iPhone so you can navigate without cell service or Wi-Fi

Apple Maps and Google Maps both let you save map areas to your phone ahead of time. Once downloaded, these maps work anywhere — in tunnels, on flights, in remote areas, or when your data plan runs out. The process takes a few minutes and uses storage space on your phone, but the tradeoff is real navigation freedom when you need it most.

The steps differ slightly between the two apps, and what you can download depends on which one you use. Both are free, and both let you download multiple areas at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Maps and Google Maps both support offline downloads, but you download them differently and they work slightly differently once saved.
  • Apple Maps lets you download entire regions or cities; Google Maps lets you download smaller custom rectangles of the map.
  • Downloaded maps take up storage space on your phone — anywhere from 50 MB to several hundred MB depending on the area size.
  • Offline maps expire after 30 days in Google Maps and need to be refreshed; Apple Maps maps stay available until you delete them.
  • You need an internet connection to download the maps in the first place, but once saved, they work without any connection.

How to download maps in Apple Maps

Open Apple Maps and search for the city or region you want to download. Tap the name of the place at the bottom of the screen to open its details card. Scroll down and tap "Download" — a circle icon will appear showing the download progress. The map is now saved to your phone.

You can download multiple regions this way. To see all your downloaded maps, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, then tap "Downloaded Maps." From this screen you can delete any map you no longer need, which frees up storage space. Apple Maps offline maps do not expire, so they stay on your phone until you remove them.

The offline version includes basic navigation, search within the downloaded area, and traffic information (though traffic data updates only when you have a connection). You cannot download a custom-sized rectangle — Apple Maps downloads the entire city or region you select.

How to download maps in Google Maps

Open Google Maps and find the area you want to download. Tap your profile icon in the top right, then tap "Offline maps." Tap "Select your own map" and use your fingers to draw a rectangle around the area you want to save. The app will show you the storage size before you confirm. Tap "Download" and wait for the process to finish.

Google Maps offline maps expire after 30 days. When they expire, you will see a notification in the app. You can refresh them by opening the offline maps menu, finding the expired map, and tapping the refresh icon. This downloads the latest version of that area.

Unlike Apple Maps, Google Maps lets you choose exactly what size rectangle to download, which is useful if you only need a specific neighborhood rather than an entire city. The offline version includes navigation, search, and basic directions, but some features like real-time transit information will not work without a connection.

Storage space and what gets downloaded

A small neighborhood might take 50 to 100 MB of storage. A whole city can take 200 MB to 500 MB or more, depending on the size and detail level. Before you download, both apps show you the storage size so you know what you are using.

Neither app downloads satellite imagery or street view in the offline version — you get the standard map view only. Roads, landmarks, business locations, and addresses are all included, but the visual detail is simpler than what you see with a live connection.

Using offline maps for navigation

Once a map is downloaded, open either app and search for your destination within that area. Tap "Directions" and choose walking, driving, or transit. The app will navigate you using the offline map. Your location still works because your phone's GPS does not need a data connection — only the map display and directions come from the downloaded file.

Turn-by-turn voice navigation works offline in both apps. However, real-time traffic information, alternate route suggestions based on current conditions, and live transit updates will not work without a connection. You will get the route, but not live updates about delays.

Keeping offline maps current

Apple Maps offline maps do not update automatically. If you download a map and then roads change or new businesses open, your offline version will not reflect those changes until you delete it and download it again. You can do this whenever you want — there is no automatic expiration.

Google Maps offline maps expire after 30 days and must be refreshed to stay current. When you refresh, Google Maps downloads the latest version of that area. If you use the same offline map regularly, set a reminder to refresh it every month so you always have current information.

Troubleshooting offline map problems

If a download fails, check that you have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection and enough free storage space on your phone. Try again once you are connected. If the app keeps failing, restart your phone and try downloading a smaller area first to see if the problem is specific to that region.

If your offline map is not showing your location, make sure Location Services is turned on for the Maps app. Go to Settings, tap Privacy, tap Location Services, and check that Maps is set to "While Using" or "Always." GPS works offline, but the app needs permission to access it.

If navigation is not working in an offline map, make sure you downloaded the entire area where you are traveling. If you downloaded only a small rectangle and your route goes outside it, navigation will stop working once you leave the downloaded zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use offline maps without turning on Location Services?

No. Your phone's GPS works without a data connection, but the Maps app needs permission to access it. Turn on Location Services in Settings > Privacy > Location Services and set Maps to "While Using" or "Always." Once enabled, GPS works offline.

What happens if I travel outside a downloaded map area?

Navigation will stop working once you leave the area you downloaded. In Google Maps, you can download overlapping rectangles to cover a larger region. In Apple Maps, download the next city or region before you travel there.

Do I need to download maps before every trip?

No. Once downloaded, maps stay on your phone (in Apple Maps indefinitely, in Google Maps for 30 days) until you delete them. You can download maps weeks in advance and they will be ready when you need them.

Can I download maps while using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi?

Yes, both apps will download over cellular data. However, large map downloads use a lot of data, so Wi-Fi is recommended if you have it available. Check your data plan before downloading a large city or region over cellular.

Which app has better offline maps, Apple Maps or Google Maps?

Both work well offline. Apple Maps is simpler and maps do not expire, but you cannot choose custom download sizes. Google Maps gives you more control over what area to download, but maps expire after 30 days. Choose based on which app you already use and prefer.