What an offline map is and why you'd want one

An offline map is a map file you read to your device so you can view it without an internet connection. Once downloaded, you can zoom in, search for locations, and see your position on the map even when you have no cell service or WiFi. This is different from the maps app on most phones, which streams map data from the internet every time you use it.

Offline maps are useful when you're traveling to an area with spotty coverage, hiking in remote places, or straightforward want to avoid using mobile data. They take up storage space on your device — usually 50 megabytes to several gigabytes depending on the area — but they work when ready and don't drain your battery as quickly as streaming maps do.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Maps, Apple Maps, and most other mapping apps let you read specific regions directly within the app for offline use.
  • Downloaded maps typically work for 30 days before they expire and need to be refreshed, even if you never use them.
  • The size of a downloaded map depends on the area you choose — a city might be 100 megabytes, while an entire state could be several gigabytes.
  • Offline maps show your location and let you search for addresses, but features like real-time traffic and turn-by-turn navigation may be limited or unavailable.

How to read offline maps in Google Maps

Open Google Maps on your phone or tablet and search for the area you want to read. Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner, then select Offline maps. Tap the plus sign and confirm the area you want to save. Google will show you the size of the read and how much storage space you have available. Tap read and wait for the process to finish — this can take a few minutes to an hour depending on the area size and your internet speed.

You can read multiple regions at once, and each one will appear in your offline maps list. Google Maps keeps these downloads for 30 days. After 30 days, the map expires and you'll need to read it again, even if you haven't opened it. You can manually delete an offline map anytime by opening the offline maps list, tapping the map you want to remove, and selecting Delete.

How to read offline maps in Apple Maps

On an iPhone or iPad, open Apple Maps and search for the area you want to read. Tap the information button (usually a circle with an "i") at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down and tap read this map. Apple will show you the file size and ask you to confirm. The read will begin automatically and may take several minutes.

Apple Maps stores your downloaded maps in the app itself, and they remain available for 30 days. After that period, the app will prompt you to refresh them. You can see all your downloaded maps by tapping the menu button (three horizontal lines) and selecting Downloaded Maps. To remove a map, swipe left on it in this list and tap Delete.

Offline maps on Android with third-party apps

If you want more control over offline maps on Android, apps like Maps.me and OsmAnd let you read entire countries or regions and keep them indefinitely — they don't expire like Google Maps downloads do. Both apps are free to read, though OsmAnd offers a paid version with additional features.

In Maps.me, tap the menu button, select read, choose your region, and tap the read icon next to it. The app will read the map file to your device. In OsmAnd, go to the menu, select read maps, choose your region, and tap the read button. These apps work similarly to Google Maps once downloaded — you can search for locations and see your position — but they use different map data sources and may look slightly different.

What you can and cannot do with an offline map

Offline maps let you search for addresses, see landmarks and streets, zoom in and out, and view your current location if your phone has GPS (which works without internet). You can typically save favorite locations and measure distances. However, you cannot see real-time traffic conditions, get live transit information, or use features that require current data.

Turn-by-turn navigation varies by app. Google Maps offers basic offline navigation for routes you've already planned, but it works best if you read the map before you lose connection. Apple Maps has limited offline navigation. Maps.me and OsmAnd provide full offline navigation with voice guidance, making them better choices if you need detailed directions in an area with no service.

Storage space and read size

The size of an offline map depends entirely on the area you choose. A single city like San Francisco might be 80 to 150 megabytes. A larger area like the entire state of California could be 2 to 4 gigabytes. Before you read, the app will show you the file size so you know whether it fits on your device.

If you're downloading maps for a long trip, consider which areas you actually need. Downloading a smaller region around your destination uses less storage than downloading an entire state. You can always delete the map after your trip to free up space, or keep it if you plan to return to that area within the 30-day window.

Keeping your offline maps up to date

Offline maps expire after 30 days in Google Maps and Apple Maps, which means you need to refresh them periodically if you want to keep them. The app will notify you when a map is about to expire. To refresh, open the offline maps list, tap the map you want to update, and select Update. This downloads the latest version of that map, which takes a few minutes.

Maps.me and OsmAnd don't have expiration dates, but they do receive periodic updates to reflect new roads and changes. You can manually update these maps by going to the read section and tapping the update icon next to any map that has a newer version available. Keeping maps current ensures you see recent road changes and new locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use offline maps without GPS?

You can view the map and search for locations without GPS, but you won't see your current position on the map. GPS works without internet, so if your phone has a GPS chip (which most do), you'll see your location once the GPS signal locks in. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds outdoors.

Do offline maps use data once they're downloaded?

No. Once downloaded, offline maps work completely without an internet connection or mobile data. However, some features like searching for a specific business or getting real-time information may require a connection. Basic map viewing, zooming, and location display work entirely offline.

What happens if I don't refresh my offline map after 30 days?

In Google Maps and Apple Maps, the map will stop working after 30 days and you'll see a message asking you to refresh it. You can't use it until you read the updated version. Maps.me and OsmAnd don't have expiration dates, so old maps continue to work, though they may not reflect recent road changes.

Can I read offline maps on a computer?

Google Maps and Apple Maps on desktop browsers don't offer offline downloads. However, you can use desktop apps like QGIS (free, open-source) or read maps through Maps.me or OsmAnd on your phone and sync them to your computer if those apps support it. For most people, downloading to a phone or tablet is the most practical approach.

How much battery does an offline map use compared to a regular map?

Offline maps use less battery than streaming maps because they don't need to constantly read data from the internet. However, using GPS to show your location drains battery faster than just viewing the map. If you're navigating with GPS on, battery drain is similar whether you're using an offline or online map.