Learn how to use Google Maps offline on iOS and Android phone or tablet. If you’re going to the area or place where the internet is slow or you can’t get online, you can save an area from Google Maps to your phone or tablet and use it when you’re offline.

While you are in offline mode, you can get driving directions offline, but not transit, bicycling, or walking directions. In your driving directions, you won’t have traffic info, alternate routes, or lane guidance. You also can’t modify routes like avoiding tolls or ferries.

The most important part is, before using this mode, make sure the area or place where you are going is downloaded and updated. So, Google Maps can automatically switch and use the offline area for driving direction.

Learn more detail on how to download and use Google Maps offline on iOS and Android, continue reading.

See also how to add pit stops along the route in Google Maps.

Prerequisite

Make sure you have Google Maps installed on your iOS or Android device. To download Google Maps, for iPhone or iPad, go to App Store and for Android device or tablet, go to Play Store.

Download an area to use in offline mode

Make sure you are connected to the internet and signed-in to Google Maps.

1. On your iOS and Android phone or tablet, open Google Maps app.
2. Key in the area or name of the place in the search box and tap Search.
3. Google Maps then will show you the area, with the name displayed at the bottom of the screen. Tap on the name.
4. On the next screen, tap on the three vertical dots icon in the top right corner of the screen and tap on Download offline area or if you are using iOS, tap on Save offline map.
5. Adjust the area by zooming in or out. Pay attention to the size limit alert at the top of the screen. The larger the area, more space it will take.
6. Once you’re done, tap on Save and give the area a name.

Note: Any saved map will remain on your storage for 30 days only. You have to update them in order to continue navigating them offline.

Use Google Maps in offline mode on Android and iOS

You will be using Google Maps like you always do.

The trick is, when you are in the area where your internet connection is slow or absent, you’ll see a lightning bolt and Google Maps will automatically use your offline areas to give you driving directions.

Another trick is you can use Wi-Fi only mode, this way you can save your data plan and battery life a lot. In this mode, when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, Google Maps will only use data from the offline areas that you’ve downloaded.

To use Wi-Fi only mode, open Google Maps app > Settings > switch on Wi-Fi only.

That’s it. Do you prefer using Google Maps in offline mode? Do you plan on going to a place where there is a poor network coverage? Let me know in the comment below.