Whether you’re creating routes, looking for an establishment or catching a ride, it’s Google Maps that’s almost always your go to app. Whilst there are plenty of features to the app such as real time traffic updates and road radars, the majority of people don’t realize it also works offline, a godsend if you’re travelling outside of your country or region and the coverage isn’t great.
Here’s 5 different ways you can use Google Maps offline.
1. Download Maps for Offline Use
Among the best Google Maps features are the fact that maps can be downloaded for offline use. Your GPS will even continue to track your location even if you don’t have data, on the downloaded map. To download a map:
- On Google Maps, find your destination, or a nearby landmark.
- Tap and swipe left on the options bar and choose ‘More.’
- Then, click on the Download Offline Map, and let it finish.
With this, you no longer need to use data to view where you’re going. While downloading maps can use a lot of data, we recommend doing this over Wi-Fi.
2. Find Basic Routes and Directions
As soon as you download a map, you can determine the path to your desired place, like hotels or health centers. Google Maps will get you there with the basics of navigation but won’t have any live traffic updates like traffic alerts and accident reports. When data isn’t available walking or driving is absolutely it is perfect.
3. Update Maps Offline
At any given time, Google Maps constantly maintains its maps with the latest current status. If you plan to use a downloaded map for a while, make sure it’s up to date:
- Open the Google Maps menu.
- Tap Offline Maps, and choose the map you wish to update.
- Click the Update option.
Before you leave, do this when you’re connected to Wi-Fi to have the latest data without burning through your mobile plan.
4. Save Important Places
You will probably plan out where you are going to eat, stay, visit etc prior to your trip. You can add these locations to your Favorites or to Google maps lists of your own making. After saving, you can visit these places even without internet connection you will just need to have downloaded the map for the area. It is easier to plan and roadmap as you go.
5. Use Wi-Fi Only Mode
Don’t want to worry about unexpected data charges while travelling? Now there’s a mode built into Google Maps which switches to Wi-Fi only, disabling mobile data use, when you’re out of Wi-Fi range. Here’s how to activate it:
- Go to Settings on Google Maps and open.
- Turn on Wi-Fi only.
This feature is particularly handy when traveling in another country as it means you won’t incur expensive roaming charges and you’re still able to use downloaded maps. That’s a better option than turning off airplane or data mode manually or putting your phone into airplane mode.
Final Thoughts
With these five offline features in Google Maps, you won’t get lost when you’re offline or spend data when you’re traveling. Below, I’ve got some tips that’ll protect you whether you’re venturing into unknown territory or even just trying to save some mobile data.
Does anyone have any other useful Google Maps tricks? Let us know in the comments!