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How to Download Google Maps Offline

Never get lost with Google Maps offline mode

By Molly McLaughlin Molly McLaughlin Senior Editor & Content Strategist Molly K. McLaughlin has been a technology editor and writer for over a dozen years. She runs product reviews for Lifewire, overseeing the process from hands-on testing to publishing. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 20, 2019 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Download Offline Google Maps Use Your Offline Google Maps Save Maps to an SD Card Other Ways to View Maps Offline Google Maps has made traveling in unfamiliar areas a breeze with its detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions, but what happens if you go to an area with no cellular coverage, or you travel abroad where your smartphone can't connect? Fortunately, it's possible to save the maps you need and access them offline later. Instructions below apply to smartphones and tablets running Android 7 (Nougat) or later no matter who made your Android device: Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc. You may need to upgrade to the latest version of Android to use Google Maps offline.

How to Download Offline Google Maps

To download Google Maps for offline use, connect to the internet, sign into your Google account, then follow these directions: Open Google Maps and search for a place, such as Denver, or the name of a restaurant or other location. You can pinch, zoom, or scroll to select the area you want to save, then select Download. If you searched for a specific place like a restaurant, rather than a city or region, tap the More menu (three vertical dots) > Download offline map > Download. The map is saved to your device’s internal storage for offline viewing. Can't find your offline maps on Android? Offline maps are automatically deleted after 30 days unless you update them by connecting to Wi-Fi.

How to Use Your Offline Google Maps

To make sure you can view maps offline, disable your device's internet connectivity and try to access your maps without Wi-Fi: Open Google Maps. Tap the hamburger icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. Select Offline maps. Tap the downloaded map. Tap the pencil icon in the upper-right corner to give the map a name. Tap Delete to remove the map from your device, or tap Update to renew the map for an additional 30 days. Tap the image of the map to view it. You can zoom in the see just as much detail as you can while online. When using Google Maps offline, you can get driving directions and search for places within the areas you've downloaded; however, you can't get transit, bicycling, or walking directions. When driving, you can't re-route to avoid tolls or ferries, nor can you get traffic information. If you plan to go for a walk or bicycle ride at your destination, get those directions before you leave and screenshot them. If you want to ride the bus, download a local transit map.

Saving Google Maps to Your SD Card

By default, offline maps are saved in your phone's internal storage. You can opt to save them to an SD card, if your phone has one. On your Android phone or tablet, insert an SD card. Open the Google Maps app . Tap Menu > Offline maps. Tap Settings. Under Storage preferences, tap Device > SD card. Under Download preferences, you can select Over Wi-Fi only if you wish to save data and battery life while downloading maps.

Other Ways to View Maps Offline

Google Maps is not alone in offering offline access. Competing apps such as HERE Maps and CoPilot GPS beat them to it, though the latter requires a paid subscription. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Add Google Maps to CarPlay How to Fix It When WhatsApp Images and Videos Are Not Showing in Gallery How to Set an SD Card as Default Storage in Android How to Fake a GPS Location on Your Phone The 5 Best Geocaching Apps How to Use a Chromebook Offline How to Download Music to Your Android Phone How to Save a Google Spreadsheet to Desktop How to Use Live View on Google Maps How to Use 'Ok, Google' Offline How to Plan an Alternate Route With Google Maps How to Avoid Highways on Google Maps How to Download YouTube Videos on Your Android Device How to Download Amazon Prime Movies The 8 Best Google Maps Alternatives of 2022 How to Free Up Space on Your Phone Fast Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies