How to use Google Maps while offline
There may be a need for you to use Google maps when you are offline, but if you cannot then it may seem a bit frustrating.
Of course, that is why I’m writing this post to guide you how you can use Google maps offline -I mean you do not need data connectivity to be able to use it.
Even though Google Maps is one of the most reliable navigation tools/services available out there it is not totally flawless.
Probably one of the biggest problems is that it works best with a solid data connection, a thing we may lose access to most times.
Fortunately, it is possible to use Google Maps offline, but this great feature is useless without some proactive measures.
Ready to take that road trip or take a wild walk? Make sure you follow this tutorial on how to use Google Maps offline so that you don’t get lost from the roster should incase you get to a location without internet connectivity.
How Google Maps offline mode works
Google maps have offline mode built into it but you will need to download the area of interest before being able to take advantage of this feature.
That way, you take proactive measures to save you from any form of disappointment when you go offline. The map area must be downloaded before leaving the location with strong internet connectivity.
So if you get to a location that takes you offline, you will not be stranded.
Thankfully, the area you can download is large; I can cache all of San Diego, Tijuana, and the LA area with a single download that’s awesome, right?
Massive amounts of information need to be downloaded in such cases, so be ready to sacrifice plenty of storage space on your device for your maps.
So you decide either to hit the road and be stranded when you go offline or allocate storage space for your maps.
Depending on the area, it can take up to 1.5 GB of your storage space. If you have a device with microSD card support you can even transfer data to your SD card.
It is important to note that these offline maps expire within 15 days of staying offline unless you hookup to an active internet connection.
I believe you must have gotten to your destination within 15 days.
The world vast changing on a daily basis. Maps are dynamic and require updating that is why Google wants you to have an updated version of your maps even when you are offline, which is the reason behind the time limit.
You can also keep your maps offline for as long as you want, all you need to do is go to the Offline Maps settings and activate automatic updates so your maps don’t get outdated.
This will turn on automatic updates for your maps anytime that you are back online. You can even choose to only be updated when using WiFi, ensuring your precious mobile gigabytes don’t go to waste but in case there is no WiFi around, you might have to use your mobile data.
While you are offline, you will not have access to all the Google maps features.
Information such as lane guidance, walking directions, bike routes, traffic details and other features that make Google maps great will be missing.
But other basic features will work just fine. you can find businesses, find addresses and navigate to them easily.
How to store offline maps
Let me not get you bored with stories let me go ahead and share with you how to use Google Maps offline.
There are basically 7 simple steps to get this done.
Follow the steps below:
- Open the Google Maps application.
- Tap on the hamburger menu button.
- Select Offline maps.
- Google usually suggest locations but if the location you want is not in the suggestions, you can manually select your location of choice.
- Choose the area you want to download.
- Zoom in or out to make the download area larger or smaller for you
- Once you are done, hit the Download button in the lower-right corner.
Once your maps are successfully taken offline, you can find directions and navigate as though you were online.
Do not panic as some of the features may not work fine while you are offline.
Now you know how to use Google maps offline.
Got any question?
Alright, let’s hear from you.