How to Download Google Maps for Offline Use (Android & iPhone, 2026)

In June 2012 Google Maps for Android first let you save maps of a city and view them without a data connection, a big help for travellers facing expensive roaming. Today you can download Google Maps offline on both Android and iPhone, get turn-by-turn driving directions without internet, and keep maps updated automatically. Here’s how.

Quick answer: Open the Google Maps app while online, tap your profile picture > Offline maps > Select your own map, adjust the blue box over the area you need, and tap Download. The map is saved on your phone, and GPS will show your location and give driving directions even with mobile data turned off.

How to download Google Maps offline

On Android

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and open Google Maps.
2. Tap your profile picture (top right) > Offline maps.
3. Tap Select your own map, move and zoom the box to cover your area.
4. Tap Download. Check the estimated size first.

On iPhone and iPad

1. Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture > Offline maps.
2. Tap Select your own map, frame the area and tap Download.

Tip: you can also search for a city, tap its name at the bottom, then tap the three-dot menu > Download offline map.

What works offline

• Works: viewing the map, searching places within the area, your GPS location, and driving directions.
• Doesn’t work: transit, cycling and walking directions, live traffic, alternate routes, and photos or reviews.

Manage offline maps

• Auto-update: in Offline maps > Settings (gear icon), turn on Auto-update offline maps so they refresh over Wi-Fi.
• Expiry: maps that aren’t updated expire after about a year.
• Storage: on Android you can save offline maps to an SD card from the same settings.
• Delete: tap a saved map > Delete to free space.

Offline maps not working?

• Make sure location services and GPS are on.
• Some countries or regions don’t allow offline downloads due to local restrictions.
• Update the Google Maps app and refresh the map if it has expired.
• Check you have enough free storage before downloading large areas.

More Google Maps tips: see the weather forecast on Google Maps and send directions to your car. For reading offline, try downloading Wikipedia with Kiwix.

FAQ

Does Google Maps offline use data?

No. Once downloaded, maps and GPS work without mobile data. Only updates need a connection.

How big can an offline map area be?

Each saved area has a size limit, roughly a large region. Save several areas if you need more coverage.

Can I use Google Maps offline abroad?

Yes. Download maps on Wi-Fi before you travel and keep roaming data off. More details are on Google’s offline maps help page.