Today I’m going to show you exactly how to use your Google Maps offline.
This process will give you access to easy navigation as you go through your daily activities – whether it be travelling for the holidays, business trips, or just random camping activities, Google Maps will help to provide the right direction for all your travel purposes.
And I’m going to show you how it works;
Let’s dive right in!
The Google Map Technology
When we travel or go to a new location, we often rely on maps for direction.
The most reliable map is Google map and it is a web mapping service built by a search engine company known as Google.
Google map offers street maps, satellite imagery, aero photo, and planning of route for individuals travelling by bicycle, a motor vehicle or by foot.
Google maps also offer real-time traffic updates and suggest an alternative route for you to avoid traffic.
In fact, a lot of people depend on Google Maps to plan the route to their destination before they commence their journey. Google map is so useful that about 1 billion people used the app every month in 2020.
Why Should I Use Google Maps Offline Feature?
If you have ever travelled to another country before, you will know the hassle. You tend to put your phone on airplane mode to avoid picking calls which attract charges and they are expensive.
For internet connection, you rely on public Wi-Fi networks at an airport, restaurant, library and they are not usually safe.
So how do you find your way around?
Your internet data plan may not work abroad, and if it does, it may be expensive.
What about getting a local SIM card?
That can be difficult to get, how will you even know the direction to get one?
At most, you will remain disconnected from the internet.
Downloading Google Maps of where you want to travel can save you from all these hassles.
The offline feature of Google map does not need an internet connection. It allows you to search for addresses, streets, landmarks and gives you routes to them.
Google Maps offline ensures that you have a good trip.
How Can I Use Google Maps
Google Map can be used on smartphones, tablets and computers to search for places and find the quickest routes to a different destination in the world. For android phones, Google Maps apps are already installed on the phone but for iPhone, you have to install the app from the iOS Apple store. To use Google Map on your computer, simply go to Google Maps website.
How To Use Your Google Maps Offline
Google Maps work with an internet connection so imagine you need directions to a place and the internet connection became slow and you can’t get online.
To avoid this, Google lets you download and save an area from Google maps to your smartphones and use it when you are not connected to the internet.
Please it may sound funny but do not use a screenshot to save a map before travelling, they are not reliable. The way you normally use Google Map app online is the same way you would use it offline, so downloading the map for offline use is reliable than a screenshot.
It advisable to download an offline map of the city you live in as it loads fast saves you data and you get access to it even if you don’t have access to the internet.
According to Google, downloaded offline maps are not available in some regions because of some limitations. The limitations are contractual, address formats, language support etc.
– How to Use Your Google Maps Offline on Android?
Before using your Google Maps offline for that next trip, first, ensure that you have sufficient space on your smartphone. It’s advisable to download the map on your smartphone before you leave your current location so that you have it ready for use.
Below is how you use your Google Maps offline on Android:
#1: Launch the Google Maps app on your Android smartphone or tablet.
#2: Ensure that your phone is connected to the internet and you are signed in to your Google account.
#3: Also, ensure that the location feature of your Android phone is switched on so that Google Map can get your current location.
#4: Type the location of the place you want to save on the search bar and search
#5: Tap on the Directions button which you will see at the bottom left corner — This will automatically get your current location as long as the location feature on your Android phone is switch on and Google Maps app has permission to use the location feature.
#6: To see the Offline maps option to select, you have to open your menu. This can be done by tapping the three lines in the upper left corner or swiping your finger from the far-left side of the screen.
#7: Tap on the Select your own map category. You can also tap Settings to configure offline map settings and opt-in for automatic update of offline maps, automatic download of offline maps and to change the download preference to Wi-Fi only to save your mobile data usage.
#8: Tap on Download
Note that you can always zoom in or out to get some specific sections of your route to be part of the download.
– How to Use Your Google Maps Offline on iPhone?
Doing this on an iPhone or iPad requires the basic steps as that for an Android phone but with a slight difference.
Below is how you use your Google Maps offline on an iPhone:
#1: Launch the Google Maps app on your iPhone.
#2: Ensure that your iPhone is connected to the internet and you are signed in to your Google account.
#3: Also, ensure that the location feature of your iPhone is switched on so that Google Map can get your current location.
#4: Type the location of the place you want to save on the search bar and search.
#5: The Google Map app will show you the location you searched and at the bottom of the screen, a tab will appear that displays the address and gives you a few options. Tap on the name of the place and on the address as well.
#6: At the top of the screen, you will see the More button (three dots), tap on it.
#7: Tap on the Download offline map and choose Download.
Conclusion
For convenience, precaution and insurance, always download Google Map to avoid getting lost if you suddenly lose internet connection. Believe me, downloaded Google Maps are saving grace as you can use them like online maps to navigate, search locations and find alternative routes within the downloaded perimeter of the map.
So, when next you want to travel overseas, or within your city, for a good trip, download the Google Map of where you want to go to so you don’t get stuck at places with no or poor internet connection. Doing this can save you time and money.
Now I’d Love to Hear From You:
- Are there any platforms out there that are better than Google Maps?
- Or maybe Google Maps is your best choice for mobile navigation – but how helpful has the platform been to you?
- Do you think accessing Google Maps offline has its flaws too?
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below now!
