read a route before you leave

You can read a map area in Google Maps so you can see it and navigate with it even when you don't have internet. The downloaded map stays on your phone and works without data or cell service. This is useful when you're traveling somewhere with spotty coverage, going to a place where data is expensive, or want to save battery by not streaming map tiles.

Google Maps lets you read two different things: a map area (a square of the map you choose), or a specific route with turn-by-turn directions. The steps are different for each, and the route read is more useful if you already know where you're going.

Key Takeaways

  • You read a map area by searching for a location, tapping your profile icon, selecting "Offline maps", and choosing the area you want to save.
  • Downloaded maps stay on your phone for 30 days before Google Maps automatically deletes them, so you need to refresh them before a trip if you downloaded them months ago.
  • Route downloads work only on Android phones, not iPhones, and you create one by searching for directions, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting "read".
  • Downloaded routes show turn-by-turn directions and work without internet, but the downloaded map area is usually more reliable because it covers a wider area.
  • You can read multiple map areas or routes, but each one takes up phone storage space, so delete old downloads if you run low on space.

How to read a map area on any phone

Open Google Maps and search for the city, neighborhood, or landmark you want to read. Zoom in or out until the map shows the area you need — you can read a small neighborhood or a whole city, but larger areas take more storage. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap "Offline maps".

Tap "Select your own map" at the bottom of the screen. A blue rectangle appears on the map showing the area that will read. Drag the corners and edges of the rectangle to cover exactly what you need. When the area is right, tap "read" and give the map a name you'll recognize later, like "Portland" or "Downtown Seattle". The read starts when ready and usually finishes in a few minutes, depending on the size.

Once downloaded, the map stays on your phone for 30 days. After 30 days, Google Maps deletes it automatically. If you're planning a trip more than a month away, read the map closer to your travel date so it doesn't expire before you leave.

How to read a specific route on Android

This feature works only on Android phones, not iPhones. Open Google Maps and search for your starting point. Tap "Directions" and enter where you want to go. Choose your route — car, walking, or transit — and tap the three-dot menu icon in the bottom right corner of the directions panel.

Tap "read" from the menu. Google Maps downloads the route and all the map data you'll need to follow those specific turn-by-turn directions. The read includes the roads, street names, and navigation instructions, so you can follow the route without internet. Like map areas, downloaded routes expire after 30 days.

What happens when you use a downloaded route

When you navigate using a downloaded route, Google Maps shows your location on the map and guides you turn by turn, exactly as it would with internet. You see street names, upcoming turns, and distance to your destination. The main difference is that the map doesn't update with real-time traffic, so you won't see accidents or delays ahead.

If you go off the downloaded route, Google Maps can't recalculate a new route because it doesn't have internet access. You'll need to get back on the original route or wait until you have data again to search for a new one. This is why downloading a larger map area is often more useful than downloading a single route — the map area gives you flexibility if you need to take a different street.

How much phone storage a read uses

A small neighborhood might use 10 to 50 megabytes of storage. A whole city usually takes 100 to 500 megabytes. Very large cities like New York or Los Angeles can use 1 gigabyte or more. Check how much free space your phone has before downloading a large area.

You can see how much storage each read is using before you finish. Google Maps shows the size estimate when you tap "read". If your phone is running low on space, delete old downloaded maps by opening "Offline maps", tapping the map you want to remove, and tapping "Delete".

When downloaded maps stop working

Downloaded maps expire after 30 days and Google Maps automatically removes them. You'll see a message on the offline map saying it's expired. To use it again, go back to "Offline maps", tap the expired map, and tap "Update". Google Maps downloads the current version.

Downloaded maps also stop working if you uninstall and reinstall Google Maps, or if you sign out of your Google account. They're tied to your phone and your account, so they don't transfer to a new phone automatically. If you get a new phone, read the maps again on the new device.

Downloaded maps versus route downloads

A downloaded map area shows you a square of the map with all the streets, landmarks, and details. You can zoom in and out, pan around, and navigate however you want. If you go off your planned route, you still have the map to figure out where you are.

A downloaded route is a specific set of turn-by-turn directions from point A to point B. It's smaller and uses less storage, but it only works for that one trip. If you need to deviate or explore, a downloaded map area is more useful. Most people find downloading a map area more practical because it covers more situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read a route on my iPhone?

No. Google Maps on iPhone does not have a read route feature. You can read map areas on iPhone, but not specific routes with directions. If you need offline navigation on iPhone, read the map area that covers your trip and use it to navigate.

Do I need to be connected to WiFi to read a map?

No. You can read a map using cellular data or WiFi. Larger map areas use more data, so if you have a limited data plan, use WiFi for big downloads. Smaller neighborhoods read quickly on either connection.

What if I read a map but then change my plans?

You can delete it anytime. Open "Offline maps", tap the map you want to remove, and tap "Delete". This frees up phone storage. You can always read a different map area later if your plans change.

Will my downloaded map show real-time traffic?

No. Downloaded maps don't include live traffic data because traffic changes constantly and can't be stored on your phone. You see the map and streets, but not current delays or accidents. When you reconnect to the internet, traffic information updates again.

Can I share a downloaded map with someone else?

No. Downloaded maps are stored on your individual phone and tied to your Google account. You can't send a downloaded map to another person. They would need to read the same map area on their own phone using their account.