How to Use Google Maps Offline on iPhone Without Internet

This short guided tutorial will help you to be able to use Google Maps offline on your iPhone even when you don’t have an internet connection or you are offline.

There might be situations like there is no network coverage in the place you are, or the internet doesn’t work for some odd reasons or whatever be the reason there is a way to use your trusted navigation tool offline even without internet – all you need is just your phone.

You can use the maps offline without paying any charges or sign-ups. The process is all exact same as using on regular occasions. Just follow along and you’ll be using the maps offline on your iPhone real soon.

My story

A couple of months ago, there was a major network outage with Vodafone Australia. Vodafone Australia is one of the major telecommunication service providers in Australia with a customer base.

This outage lasted for several hours and thousands of users were impacted. Many complained they couldn’t make a call or use the internet. Many stated that they couldn’t return back from their destination as the maps on their phone wouldn’t work.

Even for me, while returning from work, I couldn’t check the real-time timetable for buses as there was no internet connection.

This outage reminded me of an awesome feature Google Maps possesses – the ability to download the maps in advance and use it later whenever needed. That day I came home and made a video (scroll below) explaining this which has been already watched by hundreds.

Does the Google Map work without the internet?

Yes – very simple answer!

Google Maps works without internet as much as it does with the internet. Well there are few limitations but at least something is better than nothing and being lost in the middle of nowhere.

Google Maps, a product of Google allows its user to download, save, manage, use and navigate the maps offline within the app on the phone without no any charges or subscriptions.

How do Google offline maps work?

Offline maps in Google Maps work in the similar fashion as the online map works. But there is little difference and limitation that we need to be aware of.

• search results, navigation and directions work only for the area of downloaded offline maps
• an offline map’s file is saved into your app on the phone which is the offline version of the map which makes it possible to use offline
• Offline maps make it possible to navigate and get directions to destinations in the downloaded map
• user can edit, manage and delete the downloaded maps via the Google Maps application on the iPhone or android

How do I download Google maps for offline use?

You can download a map offline in two ways, you can choose any or both you like.

Download maps from the search result

1. Make sure you aren’t using the map in incognito mode and you are connected to the internet.
2. Search for any places or cities you want to download
3. tap on the name of the place from the bottom
4. Click on more to find Download offline map
5. Confirm the download

Downloading maps offline from Offline Maps menu

Downloading and saving multiple maps offline

You can download one or more maps offline on Google Maps. The process is the same for every map as explained above.

Remember bigger the map’s area, bigger will be the file size and more maps means they will occupy more space on your phone.

Managing the offline map in Google Maps

• You can view the maps you have downloaded by going to Offline Maps option in the menu bar
• To rename just tap on the pencil icon next to the map’s name
• you can also delete the maps permanently

How to use Google Maps offline on your iPhone when you don’t have internet connection?

Using Google Maps offline is same as using it online.

You can use the Google Maps features for the area of the map you have downloaded. The downloaded map will have all the places and businesses information and location and the routes to reach.

Just search for the place and tap on navigating or directions to reach the destination. It will show you the best route and estimated travel time.

Keep in mind that the real-time traffic data, updates and reports won’t be available on offline maps.

You can use Google Maps offline on iPhone and iPad for following purposes:

1. get directions and see routes
2. use navigation
3. search for locations

Can I navigate with Google Maps offline?

Yes, you can use Google Maps offline for navigating and reaching the destination. Beforehand you need to make sure that your destination and route is included in the downloaded offline map.

Since the map is being without a live internet connection real-time information like traffic, weather and data won’t be available on the map.

Limitations of using Google Maps offline

As we understand the maps is running it is pretty understandable that there will be some limitations to using the maps offline.

Some of the limitations of using Google Maps offline are:

• Directions for transit, bicycling and walking directions aren’t available offline
• It is not possible to get information like traffic info, alternate routes or lane guidance in the direction of travel.
• search results and offline map features will work only for the area of the maps you have downloaded

FAQs