To use Google Maps without a connection, download the area before you go offline. Open Profile picture or initial > Offline maps > Select your own map, adjust the map to cover your route, and tap Download. Android setup requires an internet connection and a Google Maps sign-in; on iPhone or iPad, stay online and out of Incognito mode. The entire route must fit inside the saved area for offline guidance.
How do I download Google Maps for offline use?
Google Maps offers two ways to save an area: choose an area around a searched place or draw a custom rectangle. The custom option is useful when a route passes beyond the place you searched. Download the map while connected, before your connection becomes slow or unavailable. Google’s platform-specific instructions are available for Android and iPhone and iPad.
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| Platform | Before you start | Download around a searched place | Choose a custom area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Connect to the internet and sign in to Google Maps. | Search for a place, open its place sheet, swipe right if needed, then tap More > Download offline map > Download. | Tap your profile picture or initial > Offline maps > Select your own map. Adjust the rectangle, then tap Download. |
| iPhone or iPad | Connect to the internet and make sure Google Maps is not in Incognito mode. | Search for a place, tap its name or address at the bottom, then tap More > Download offline map > Download. | Tap your profile picture or initial > Offline maps > Select your own map. Adjust the area, then tap Download. |
Menu wording can vary with the app version. Once downloaded, the area appears under Profile picture or initial > Offline maps, where you can manage or update saved areas.
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How do I download an offline map?
For a custom download, make the rectangle large enough to contain the whole route, not just the starting point or destination. If you are unsure whether a searched-place download covers the route, use Select your own map and check the boundaries before downloading. Google Maps says an offline map can guide you when the connection is slow or unavailable only if the entire route lies within the downloaded area.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
What works offline—and what does not?
- Driving: Offline driving directions are available when the full route is within the downloaded area, but they do not include traffic information or alternate routes.
- Walking, cycling, and transit: Offline directions for these modes are unavailable.
- Area coverage: A saved map is not enough if any part of the route extends outside its boundary.
Why can’t I download offline maps?
The setup conditions are not met
For an Android download, be connected to the internet and signed in to Google Maps. On iPhone or iPad, be connected and exit Incognito mode. Offline areas need to be saved before you lose connectivity.
Offline downloads are unavailable in your region
Google says offline map downloads are unavailable in some countries and regions because of contractual limits, language support, address formats, or other reasons. Its Android and iPhone and iPad help instructions do not give a workaround for an area where downloads are unavailable.
Rank #2
- The 2.2” high-resolution display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight
- Get long battery life of up to 168 hours in standard mode and up to 1,800 hours in expedition mode with 2 field-replaceable AA batteries (not included)
- Pair with the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone for wireless software updates, trip planning, Active Weather, smart notifications and additional mapping
- Get automatic cache updates from Geocaching Live, including descriptions, logs and hints when paired to the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone
- Multi-GNSS support gives access to multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
The selected area or storage destination is a problem
Review the map rectangle and make sure it covers the entire planned route. Offline maps use device storage by default. On Android, you may be able to save them to an SD card if your device supports one. For Android 6.0 or later, Google requires the card to be configured as portable storage. If you change the storage preference, you must download the map again. An SD card is optional, not a requirement for offline maps.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Android app or operating system is out of date
Google says Google Maps for Android version 11.39 or below stopped working. It also says Android 8.1 or below stopped receiving new Maps releases after August 2025. These are specific support cutoffs, not a claim that all older devices are unsupported. Where your device allows it, update Google Maps and Android. Google lists Google Maps in a mobile browser as an alternative and says Maps Go is available for Android 4.4 and above; its cited instructions do not describe either option as a replacement for downloading offline areas. See Google’s outdated Maps version support information.
Rank #3
- Large 2.6” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Expanded global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and multi-band technology allow you to get optimal accuracy in challenging locations, including steep country, urban canyons and forests with dense trees
- Includes routable TopoActive mapping and federal public land map (U.S. only)
- Compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app (compatible smartphone required) to help you manage tracks, routes and waypoints and review statistics from the field
How do I fix Google Maps offline maps not downloading?
- Confirm the platform prerequisites: connect to the internet; on Android, sign in to Maps, and on iPhone or iPad, leave Incognito mode.
- Check availability for the location: if Google does not offer offline downloads for that region, its help instructions do not identify a workaround.
- Review the download boundaries: open Profile picture or initial > Offline maps, choose or create the needed area, and make sure the entire route fits inside it.
- Check storage: confirm the device has room for the download. If using an Android SD card, verify that the phone supports it and that, on Android 6.0 or later, it is configured as portable storage. If you changed the storage preference, start the download again.
- Update Maps and Android where supported: this is particularly relevant if the app crashes or the device falls under Google’s stated support cutoffs.
- If Maps crashes or malfunctions on Android, try Google’s documented app troubleshooting: device menus vary, but the general path is Settings > Apps > Maps > Storage. Clearing cache removes temporary data; clearing app data permanently deletes app data. Google does not say that clearing data will fix a failed offline-map download, so treat it as general app troubleshooting, not a guaranteed download repair. See Google’s instructions for fixing Maps crashes on Android.
If these checks do not resolve the problem, Google directs users to its Maps Help community or feedback route. Its help pages do not establish that reinstalling Maps will restore saved offline areas.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I update offline maps?
Offline maps expire and need to be updated. Google says Maps tries to update an area automatically over Wi-Fi when it is 15 days or less from expiration. To update an area yourself, open Profile picture or initial > Offline maps, select the expired or expiring map, and tap Update. To enable automatic updates, open Offline maps settings and turn on Auto-update offline maps. Use Google’s Android or iPhone and iPad instructions if menu labels differ in your app.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Rugged handheld navigator with preloaded worldwide basemap and 2.2 inch monochrome display
- WAAS enabled GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for fast positioning and a reliable signal
- Waterproof to IPX7 standards for protection against splashes, rain, etc.
- Support for paperless geocaching and Garmin spine mounting accessories. Power with two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use (best with Polaroid AA batteries)
- See high and low elevation points or store waypoints along a track (start, finish and high/low altitude) to estimate time and distance between points
Rank #4
- Compact and lightweight GPS handheld navigator boasts an anti-slip design offering a bright 3.2" screen that is sunlight readable, even in bright sunlight, plus, physical buttons provide more versatility in any conditions
- Get multi-GNSS support(GPS+GALILEO+BEIDOU+QZSS) for superior positional accuracy,so you know exactly where you are,location precision within 6 ft
- The handheld GPS navigator uses GPS technology to capture your trip or waypoint so you can guide back to your starting position
- Equip with 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter,follow your bearing on the digital compass, which provides an accurate heading even when stationary
- Hike in any weather with the water-resistant design (rated to IP66) ,Rechargeable battery can provide up to 36 hours of battery life in full charge, recharge easily with a standard USB-C cable
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