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You can navigate without Google Maps by downloading maps in another app before you lose internet access, then testing the map and the specific routing features you need. Apple Maps, OsmAnd and HERE WeGo offer offline options; availability and capabilities vary by phone, region and travel mode.
Choose an offline map app for your trip
| App | Phone | Offline coverage and use | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Maps | iPhone with iOS 17 or later | Offline maps are available in selected areas. Depending on the region, they can provide place information and turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, cycling and public transport. | Confirm your destination is supported and check the download size. Maps do not sync across devices. Apple’s download instructions. |
| OsmAnd | iPhone and Android | Download regional vector maps for reliable offline search and navigation. Detailed navigation requires the appropriate country or regional map; the detailed world map is not a substitute. | Download map data, select a routing profile and allow precise location access for accurate navigation. OsmAnd’s map download guide. |
| HERE WeGo | iPhone and Android | Offline maps are available for many countries, with exclusions including Japan, Korea and China, according to its support page. | Download the needed region and turn on “Use app offline.” HERE recommends updating maps regularly. HERE WeGo’s offline instructions. |
| OS Maps | iPhone and Android | For UK hiking, the app supports downloaded maps and routes. Its guide says access to all 607 OS leisure maps requires OS Maps Premium. | Map and route downloads may be separate. Verify current menus and subscription details in the app; the guide’s interface instructions could not be confirmed from the page. OS Maps’ getting-started guide. |
For a straightforward iPhone trip, Apple Maps may be enough if the area and travel mode are supported. OsmAnd offers a map-based option for people who want offline search and navigation with regional maps downloaded. HERE WeGo organizes downloads by region. For UK walks, check whether OS Maps provides the map and route access you need.
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Download and test maps before leaving
Do this while you still have Wi-Fi or mobile data. An offline map is useful only if the relevant map data is on your phone before the connection disappears.
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- Install and open the app. Complete setup while online; initial setup and map downloads generally need internet access.
- Choose the destination area. Include the whole route, nearby areas and likely detours. If the app downloads by region or country, check that the selected area covers your journey.
- Download the required data. In Apple Maps, search for a place, tap Download (or More → Download Map), adjust the area and download it. You can also start from Offline Maps settings. In OsmAnd, use the initial setup or Menu → Maps & Resources → Downloads. In HERE WeGo, open Your Maps → Download maps, select a region and wait for the download. OS Maps may require separate downloads for maps and routes.
- Check storage and permissions. Offline maps use device storage. Apple shows the planned file size; HERE WeGo shows available storage in its download flow. Allow location access if you want the app to show your position; OsmAnd documents a precise-location permission requirement for accurate navigation.
- Enable the app’s offline mode if needed. In HERE WeGo, open the menu and switch on Use app offline. Apple Maps offers an Only Use Offline Maps setting. OsmAnd enables offline navigation by default.
- Test without a connection. Turn on Airplane Mode or Flight Mode, open the app and check that the downloaded map loads, your location appears if expected, and search and your required routing mode work. A visible map image alone does not prove that search or navigation is available offline.
Know what can stop working offline
Offline capability depends on the app, downloaded data and destination. Apple says offline maps work only in selected areas, while HERE WeGo lists country exclusions. In OsmAnd, detailed navigation needs the relevant regional map; its world map does not replace that data. Check coverage for your specific destination rather than assuming an app works everywhere.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Sale
Garmin DriveSmart 66, 6-inch Car GPS Navigator with Bright, Crisp High-Resolution Maps and Garmin Voice Assist
- 6” high-resolution navigator includes map updates of North America
- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
- Road trip–ready features include the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
- Driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness
- Access live traffic, fuel prices, parking, weather and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
Rank #2
Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black/Navy
- 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
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Garmin Drive™ 53 GPS Navigator
- Bright, high-resolution 5” glass capacitive touchscreen display lets you easily view your route
- Get more situational awareness with alerts for school zones, speed changes, sharp curves and more
- View food, fuel and rest areas along your active route, and see upcoming cities and milestones
- View Tripadvisor traveler ratings for top-rated restaurants, hotels and attractions to help you make the most of road trips
- Directory of U.S. national parks simplifies navigation to entrances, visitor centers and landmarks within the parks
- Live and changing information: Do not count on live traffic, current opening hours, fresh business listings or every public-transport feature without confirming that the app supports them for your location and downloaded content.
- Out-of-date maps: Roads, trails and places change. Update downloads before the trip; HERE WeGo recommends regular updates, and OsmAnd documents map-update workflows.
- Device storage: Larger areas and more map detail can use more space. Check the download size or available storage before selecting an area.
- Device syncing: Apple states, “Offline maps will not be synced across your devices.” Download the area on each device that needs it.
- Hiking safety: For a walk where losing route-finding could have serious consequences, carry a paper map or another appropriate backup. A downloaded map should not be your only safety plan.
Prepare a dependable offline setup
- Download a generous area around the route, not just the start and finish.
- Save route-specific data if the app treats routes separately from maps.
- Test the exact travel mode you expect to use while Airplane Mode or Flight Mode is on.
- Update maps shortly before departure and make sure the phone has enough storage.
- Keep a suitable backup for critical journeys, especially remote hikes.
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