Download the destination and route while you have a reliable internet connection, then check that the saved map covers where you plan to go. Offline maps can keep navigation available without mobile data, but coverage, supported travel modes and live features vary by app and region.
Before downloading: check coverage and offline features
First confirm that the app offers downloadable maps for your destination and supports the kind of travel you expect. Availability can vary by region, and a downloaded map only covers the area you selected. Google Maps, Apple Maps and HERE WeGo each document regional limits or selected-area coverage (Google Maps; Apple Maps; HERE WeGo).
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Download while connected to reliable Wi-Fi if possible. Include the destination and the full route, with extra area around it in case plans change. For Google Maps, offline driving guidance requires the entire route to fit inside the downloaded map.
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How to download a map in each app
Google Maps
- Open Google Maps while connected to the internet and signed in.
- Open Offline maps and choose Select your own map, or find a place and choose its offline-download action.
- Adjust the selection so it includes your destination and the full planned route, then download it.
Google’s instructions and limitations are on its offline maps help page. Some countries or regions cannot be downloaded because of contractual limits, language support, address formats or other reasons. On supported Android devices, offline maps can be saved to an SD card.
Apple Maps
- On an iPhone with iOS 17 or later, open Maps and search for a place or drop a pin.
- Open the place or pin’s map-download option, adjust the area to cover your plans, and save it.
- Check the download size shown before confirming.
Apple’s offline maps instructions describe the available settings. Automatic Updates is on by default; Optimize Storage can remove maps you have not used after a period. You can also turn on Only Use Offline Maps to use downloaded maps even while connected. Offline maps do not sync across devices, so download the area on each device you plan to use.
HERE WeGo
- Open the app menu and find Download maps under Your Maps.
- Choose the relevant continent and region, then wait for the download to finish. HERE shows available storage.
- Before navigating without internet, turn on Use app offline.
Check HERE’s offline maps guidance for regional availability; the service lists exemptions in some countries, including Japan, Korea and China.
What works offline—and what does not
| App | Documented offline travel modes | Important limits |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Driving | The entire route must be inside the downloaded area. Offline transit, bicycling and walking directions are unavailable. Traffic information and alternate routes are not available offline. Google Maps Help |
| Apple Maps | Driving, walking, cycling and public transport in supported areas | Availability varies by region, and a downloaded area is not intended to work everywhere. Apple Support |
| HERE WeGo | Not stated in the cited offline-maps guidance | Download the relevant regional map and enable Use app offline. Check destination availability. HERE WeGo Support |
Offline navigation also means giving up some live information. Google specifically says traffic and alternate routes are unavailable offline. Apple lists several offline direction modes, but only in supported areas; verify the destination and mode before relying on them.
Keep the map available and up to date
- Check storage before leaving. Apple shows an estimated file size before download, and HERE shows available storage. Leave enough room for the map and ordinary phone use.
- Refresh downloads when needed. Google maps can expire and need updating. When a map is within 15 days of expiry and the phone is connected to Wi-Fi, Google Maps tries to update it automatically. Apple provides Automatic Updates, while HERE recommends regularly updating downloaded maps.
- Verify the saved area. Open the app before departure and check that the intended region is still downloaded. For HERE, also confirm offline mode is enabled.
- Save key details separately. Keep important addresses or a second map option accessible while online, in case the first app or selected area is not enough.
Test the setup before you travel
Before you leave, make sure the downloaded map opens and that the area covers your route. If practical, briefly test the app without a connection. This can expose a missing region, an incomplete download or a setting that still expects internet access.
For HERE WeGo, a route started online may keep trying to reconnect after service drops. HERE advises stopping that navigation and starting a new route in offline mode; the regional map must already be downloaded and Use app offline must be enabled. See HERE’s routing and navigation guidance.
GPS navigation can use substantial battery during an active trip. HERE notes that GPS-based navigation may deplete phone battery; keep the phone charged and consider a power bank for a long journey (HERE WeGo Support).
Quick Recap
Quick pre-departure checklist
- Download every area needed for the destination and route while connected.
- Include a margin around the route; Google Maps requires the full driving route to fit inside its offline map.
- Confirm regional coverage and offline support for your travel mode.
- Check storage, download completion and map freshness.
- Verify the saved map in the app; enable HERE WeGo’s offline mode if using it.
- Keep important addresses available and make a plan to keep your phone charged.
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