Knowing how to use Google Maps offline is only one way to make travel easier. You may also find it helpful to explore the Google Maps accessibility features available for wheelchair users and disabled travellers.
A downloaded map can help when mobile data is expensive, the signal is unreliable or you want to reduce the number of things that might go wrong on a journey.
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This can be particularly useful for autistic travellers, families travelling with autistic children and disabled travellers who benefit from checking routes in advance. Offline maps can also provide a reassuring backup when you are navigating an unfamiliar place.
Google Maps is one of several apps that help make travel easier. You can also see our list of apps we won’t travel without when travelling with autistic children.
What Is an Offline Map in Google Maps?
An offline map is a section of Google Maps saved to your phone or tablet. Once it has downloaded, you can view that area without a mobile data or Wi-Fi connection.
You can also use offline driving navigation when the whole route is inside the downloaded area. However, some features are limited when you are offline, so it is important to understand what the download does and does not include.
How to Download Google Maps for Offline Use
The steps are very similar on Android phones, iPhones and iPads. Before you begin, connect to Wi-Fi if possible and make sure you are signed in to the Google Maps app.
Method One: Select Your Own Map Area
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner.
- Tap Offline maps.
- Tap Select your own map.
- Move and zoom the map until the area you need is inside the highlighted box.
- Check the estimated download size shown on the screen.
- Tap Download.
For a city break, include the airport or railway station, your accommodation and the places you plan to visit. For a road trip, you may need several overlapping downloads to cover the whole journey.
Method Two: Download a Map From a Place Search
You may also be able to download an area after searching for a destination.
- Search for a city, town or other destination in Google Maps.
- Tap the place name or information panel at the bottom of the screen.
- Open the additional options. Depending on your device, this may appear as a menu or a three-dot icon.
- Tap Download offline map.
- Adjust the area and tap Download.
Google occasionally changes the position or wording of app controls. If you cannot see the download option from the place page, use the Offline maps menu and choose your own area instead.
How to Use Google Maps Offline
Once the map has downloaded, you do not need to open a separate file. Use Google Maps as normal.
- Open Google Maps.
- Search for a place inside the downloaded area.
- View the map or request driving directions.
- Start navigation if the whole driving route is included in your saved map.
If your internet connection is slow or unavailable, Google Maps should use the downloaded information automatically. You can test this before travelling by switching your phone to aeroplane mode, leaving location services turned on and trying a route inside the downloaded area.
What Works Offline and What Does Not?
Offline Google Maps is useful, but it is not a complete replacement for an internet connection.
What You Can Usually Do Offline
- View roads, place names and basic map information in the downloaded area.
- Search for many places within that area.
- Get driving directions when the entire route is covered by the download.
- Use turn-by-turn driving navigation.
What Is Not Available Offline
- Walking directions.
- Cycling directions.
- Public transport directions.
- Live traffic information.
- Alternative driving routes based on current conditions.
- Other live updates that depend on an internet connection.
This limitation matters if you rely on step-free public transport, accessible taxi information or detailed walking routes. Downloading the map is still useful, but you should also save the essential journey details separately.
For more information about accessible transport around the world, my guide has transport guides based on country and cities and I continue to add to these the more we travel.
Tips for Autistic and Disabled Travellers
A map can reduce uncertainty, but it should be part of a wider travel plan rather than the only source of information.
Download More Than the Immediate Destination
Include a wider area around your planned route. This gives you more flexibility if a road is closed, your drop-off point changes or you need to find a quieter place nearby, source the nearest playground or locate an accessible toilet.
Save Important Addresses Separately
Keep your accommodation address, airport terminal, hospital, pharmacy and emergency contact details in a note or screenshot. If you’re downloading maps for an airport, it’s also worth checking the airport’s special assistance arrangements before you travel.
This makes the information easier to show to a driver or member of staff. You may also want to save important locations using What3Words, which can make it easier to direct taxis or emergency services to an exact location.
Take Screenshots of Key Routes
Screenshots can be easier to follow during a stressful moment. Capture the route from the arrival point to your accommodation, the correct station exit and any meeting points for assistance.
Check Accessibility Information While Online
Offline maps do not guarantee that accessibility details will be complete or current. Check official transport and venue information before travelling. This is especially important for lifts, step-free routes, accessible toilets, mobility equipment and assistance services.
Prepare a Low-Tech Backup
Write down the address and phone number of your accommodation. A small printed map, hotel card or travel communication card can help if your phone battery runs out or the app does not work as expected. You may also find it useful to learn key disability travel phrases before your trip so you can explain your needs even without internet access.
How Much Storage Do Offline Maps Use?
The download size depends on the area and the level of map detail. Google Maps shows an estimate before you confirm the download.
If your phone has limited storage, download only the areas you need and remove old maps after the trip. Android users may have the option to save offline maps to an SD card, depending on the device.
How to Update, Rename or Delete an Offline Map
- Open Google Maps.
- Tap your profile picture or initial.
- Tap Offline maps.
- Select the downloaded map you want to manage.
- Choose the available option to update, rename or delete it.
Offline maps need to be updated before they expire. Google Maps can try to update them automatically when the expiry date is close and your device is connected to Wi-Fi. You can check the offline-map settings to turn automatic updates on.
Troubleshooting Google Maps Offline
The Route Will Not Start
Check that the complete route is inside the downloaded area. Offline navigation is for driving routes, not walking, cycling or public transport.
The Map Has Expired
Connect to the internet, open Offline maps, select the area and tap the update option. Turning on automatic updates can help prevent this problem.
Your Location Is Not Showing Correctly
Make sure location services are enabled for Google Maps. GPS can work without mobile data, but tall buildings, tunnels and indoor spaces can reduce accuracy.
The Download Is Too Large
Zoom in to reduce the selected area or split the journey into several smaller maps. Delete downloads from previous trips if you need more storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Google Maps Offline
Can I Use Google Maps Offline Without Mobile Data?
Yes. You can view a downloaded map without mobile data or Wi-Fi. Offline driving directions should also work when the entire route is within the saved area.
Does GPS Work Without the Internet?
Your phone can usually determine its location using GPS without a mobile data connection. However, location accuracy can vary, and the map itself must already be downloaded.
Can I Use Google Maps Offline for Walking?
You can view the downloaded map, but Google does not provide offline walking directions. Save any specific walking routes as screenshots or written steps while you are still online.
Can I Use Offline Maps for Public Transport?
No. Public transport directions are unavailable offline. Save timetables, platform details and accessibility information separately before your journey.
Do Offline Maps Update Automatically?
They can. Google Maps may update maps automatically when they are close to expiring and the device is connected to Wi-Fi. Check the offline-map settings to make sure automatic updates are enabled.
Do Offline Google Maps Work Abroad?
Yes. As long as you download the map before you travel, you can use it abroad without mobile data or Wi-Fi. This can help you avoid roaming charges while still viewing maps and using offline driving navigation within the downloaded area.
Continue Planning Your Next Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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