You can save a Google Map to your phone so you can view it without an internet connection

Google Maps lets you download a specific area of a map directly to your phone's storage. Once saved, you can open that map, search for locations within it, and get directions — all without using data or WiFi. The downloaded map stays on your phone until you delete it, so you can keep multiple areas saved at once.

The process works the same way on Android and iPhone. You need the Google Maps app (not the web version), and the area you want to save must fit within Google's size limits — roughly a city or region, not an entire state or country.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Maps, search for the location you want to save, then tap your profile icon and select "Offline maps" to begin the download process.
  • Google Maps will show you the area that will be saved as a blue rectangle on the screen — you can drag the corners to make it smaller if the file is too large.
  • Downloaded maps use your phone's storage space, so check how much room you have before saving large areas.
  • You can search for addresses and get directions within a downloaded map, but real-time traffic and some features only work when you have an internet connection.
  • Offline maps expire after 30 days and must be refreshed by opening Google Maps with an internet connection and updating them.

Step-by-step: downloading a map on Android or iPhone

Start by opening the Google Maps app and searching for the city, neighborhood, or landmark you want to save. Zoom in or out until the map shows roughly the area you need. The more you zoom in, the more detailed the download will be, but the larger the file size.

Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner. From the menu that appears, select "Offline maps." On the next screen, tap the plus sign (+) or "Select your own map." Google Maps will now show a blue rectangle over the area currently visible on your screen — this is the region that will be saved.

Drag the corners of the blue rectangle to adjust the area if needed. Make the selection smaller if Google tells you the file is too large. Once you are satisfied with the area, tap "Download" at the bottom. The map will begin saving to your phone. This can take a few minutes depending on the size and your internet speed.

Understanding storage and file size limits

Each downloaded map takes up space on your phone. A city the size of San Francisco might use 50 to 100 megabytes, while a larger region could use several hundred megabytes. Before you start, check how much free storage your phone has — go to Settings and look for Storage or iPhone Storage depending on your device.

If Google tells you a map is too large to save, make the blue rectangle smaller by dragging its corners inward. Focus on the specific neighborhoods or routes you actually need rather than trying to save an entire region at once. You can always save multiple smaller maps instead of one huge one.

What you can and cannot do with an offline map

Once downloaded, you can search for specific addresses within that map, see where they are located, and get turn-by-turn directions. You can also see saved places and starred locations. However, some features require an internet connection: real-time traffic updates, public transit directions, and restaurant reviews will not load without data or WiFi.

If you try to search for a location outside your downloaded map area, Google Maps will tell you it cannot find it. This is normal — the offline map only covers what you saved. If you need to search beyond that area, you will need to connect to the internet.

Refreshing and deleting offline maps

Google Maps offline downloads expire after 30 days. When the expiration date approaches, you will see a notification in the app. To refresh a map, open Google Maps with an internet connection, go to "Offline maps," find the map you want to update, and tap the refresh icon next to it. The map will download again and the 30-day timer resets.

To delete a map you no longer need, go to "Offline maps," find the map in your list, and swipe left (iPhone) or press and hold (Android) until a delete option appears. This will free up storage space on your phone immediately.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your download keeps failing, check that you have a stable WiFi or data connection and that you have enough free storage space. If the map is taking too long, try making the area smaller and downloading again. On some phones, restarting the Google Maps app or your phone itself can fix stalled downloads.

If you cannot find the "Offline maps" option, make sure you are using the latest version of Google Maps. Open your phone's app store (Google Play Store on Android, App Store on iPhone) and check for updates. The offline maps feature is available in Google Maps version 9.0 and later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a map of an entire country or state?

No. Google Maps limits each offline download to roughly the size of a city or large region. If you need to cover a bigger area, save multiple smaller maps instead — one for each city or region you plan to visit.

Do offline maps use my phone's data when I view them?

No. Once downloaded, viewing the map itself uses no data. However, some features like real-time traffic, restaurant reviews, and public transit directions require an internet connection to work.

What happens if I delete the Google Maps app — do I lose my offline maps?

Yes. Offline maps are stored within the Google Maps app. If you uninstall the app, the maps are deleted. If you reinstall Google Maps later, your offline maps will be gone and you will need to download them again.

Can I share an offline map with someone else?

No. Offline maps are tied to your Google account and phone. Other people cannot access your downloaded maps. They would need to download the same area to their own phone using their own Google Maps app.

Why does my offline map look blurry or low-detail?

This usually means you zoomed out too far before downloading. Offline maps at very zoomed-out levels show less detail to keep the file size manageable. Try deleting the map, zooming in closer to the area you need, and downloading again for better detail.