Downloading Google Map Offline can be very useful at certain times, such as when we are short of data, to save mobile battery or if we directly do not have a mobile connection during a trip abroad or for any other reason.
We tell you how you can download offline maps in Google Maps on your mobile, to be able to make routes and search for places without having to have an active Internet connection on your mobile. In addition, we will tell you how the Google Maps Wi-Fi mode works, which uses offline maps even if you have active data.
What are offline Google maps for?
First of all, why would you want to have offline maps on your mobile? The obvious answer is to be able to continue using Google Maps when you don’t have an Internet connection, it’s very slow, or you prefer not to spend your data. Here are some reasons why you might want to download offline Google maps:
- If you have a mobile without a SIM card
- If you travel abroad and do not have a roaming connection
- If you have a limited data plan and want to use little data
- To save mobile battery
- To maintain stable use in areas with poor coverage
Of course, offline Google Maps is not a panacea, because instead you get a more basic version in which you can basically consult the map, with basic information about it, and make routes by car. Here are some of the limitations of Google Maps offline:
- You can only get directions by car and not by public transport, bicycle or on foot
- Traffic not showing
- Alternative routes are not shown
- Lane change signs are not displayed
How to download offline maps in Maps
Downloading maps for offline use is extremely easy with Google Maps. First of all, open the app and tap on your profile picture in the search bar. In it, choose Offline Maps.
Sometimes Google Maps will suggest downloading maps around your home or work, as well as for trips that Google is aware of . To choose a specific area of the map you must click on Select your own map .
The next step is to move the map and zoom in to select the area . What is inside the rectangle will be included in the offline map, not what is outside. Since Google Maps doesn’t let you change the shape of the rectangle, you may need to do multiple downloads if you’re trying to cover an entire country. Before downloading the map, you can see how much it will occupy in a text at the bottom.
Google Maps calls your downloaded maps by names that aren’t too specific, like Map 1, but you can rename it . To do this, press the menu button ⋮ and choose Rename . Then write the name you want to give the map.
Settings and Wi-Fi mode:
From the same offline maps section you can access the offline maps settings , where you can choose if you want them to update automatically, if you want recommended maps to be downloaded automatically (for trips, for example) and download preferences .
It will also be useful to know how to activate the Wi-Fi mode of Google Maps , which will not use mobile data even though it is active. To activate it, you will have to go to the Google Maps settings and activate the Wi-Fi Only switch .
When Wi-Fi mode is on, Google Maps uses offline maps unless you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network and even though other apps may be using mobile data without limitation.
