Easy Guide On How To Download and Save Offline Maps On Google Maps
In this article, I am going to guide you through the steps to download Offline Maps on Google Maps.
There are times you may need to travel to an unfamiliar place, and the fear of getting lost might make you hesitate.
Many people use Google Maps to get directions to their destination, which is effective but can be risky.
Even if you are confident in your ability to use Google Maps, remember that Google Maps requires an internet connection, and some places may have limited or no connectivity.
To address this issue, Google Maps allows users to download and save offline maps of entire regions or preferred destinations for later use.
Whether your device has an internet connection or not, you can still locate your destination through Google Maps "safe destinations for offline use".
How to Download and Save Destinations on Google Maps
Before we continue, note that Android devices come with the Google Maps app pre-installed; there’s no need to download it from the Play Store or third-party platforms.
For iOS users, you will need to install the Google Maps app from the App Store before accessing it.
To download and save Google Maps for offline use, follow these procedures:
After installing and accessing the Google Maps app, ensure you have a good internet connection to launch the application. Then tap the MENU icon in the top left corner and select Offline Maps.
For iOS users, you will see two options after clicking Offline Maps:
- Local Area: This option enables you to download destination routes within a local area, useful for specific locations.
- Custom Area: This option allows users to customize their map.
For Android users, you will see a single option:
- Select Your Own Map: This option also allows users to customize their map, similar to the “Custom Area” for iOS users.
After selecting any of the options above, Google Maps will display a small icon to download the offline version of your location or preferred destination. You can choose to download a small area or a larger area.
You will be prompted to confirm the download after selecting the area before the download process starts. You can cancel or edit your location even after selecting your preferred download size.
NOTE: After the download is complete, the offline map will automatically update after 30 days from the download date.
Also, downloaded offline maps can be used like online maps; however, you won't have access to live destination directions, nor does it provide directions for bicycling and pedestrians as the online version does.
How to Save Offline Google Maps on SD Card
Downloaded offline Google Maps are saved on phone storage by default. If you prefer to save them to an SD card, follow these instructions:
- Mount the SD Card on your phone.
- Tap the Menu.
- Select Offline Maps.
- In the top right corner, tap Settings.
- Select Storage Preferences > Device > SD Card.
How to Manage Downloaded Offline Areas
To manage your downloaded offline areas in Google Maps, follow this brief guide:
Access the Google Maps application and tap Menu > Offline Areas in the top left corner of the application.
From there, you can choose to delete or update the offline area, depending on your preference.
You can also rename the map by tapping the edit button at the top right corner of the Google Maps application.
