Take Google Maps Offline: Your Ultimate Guide for Going Off-Grid

How often do you fire up Google Maps without a second thought -- only to lose the signal when you need it most? Whether you're deep in the mountains, coasting through rural highways or navigating a massive national park, poor reception can leave you stranded with no directions and no way to reroute.

In areas with little or no internet, Google Maps can't help you search for pit stops, change your destination or find your way back if you make a wrong turn. You're locked into whatever route you started with -- unless you've planned ahead.

Fortunately, there’s an intelligent solution. By using offline maps, you can continue to receive turn-by-turn guidance regardless of your connection status. Follow these steps to ensure you always know where you’re headed, irrespective of having service or not.

Interested in discovering more Google Maps tips and tricks? Take a look at how to blur your house on Google Maps and three Google Maps aspects you'll surely want to be aware of.

Where can I download Google Maps for offline use?

Initially, you can't download the whole of Google Maps. Rather, prior to your journey, select and download a particular zone such as a city, county, or region where you plan to spend time without cellular coverage on your device.

To download an offline map using Google Maps, launch the Google Maps application on either iOS or Android devices. Tap the profile image located at the upper-right corner of the screen (ensure you're signed into a Google account as this feature requires authentication). From the displayed options, select Offline maps > Choose Your Personalized Map.

Utilize your fingers to position the map you wish to download inside the rectangular boundary. Drag the map using a single finger, and use a two-finger pinch gesture for zooming in and out. While navigating through the map, you can observe the amount of storage space required for the download on your device. When you’re satisfied with the selected region, simply tap. Download .

Note : Alternatively, you can type a city or other area into Google Maps and then hit the Download The button displayed in the pop-up window for downloading the map offline functions solely on iPhones.

Read more : Google Maps Quick Reference Guide: Essential Tips and Tricks

You need to be connected to Wi-Fi for downloading the map. If you prefer to do so via cellular data, proceed as follows: Offline maps On the page, locate the gear icon in the upper-right corner and then tap it. At what time should you download offline maps? and select Over Wi-Fi or mobile network . Once your map is downloaded, you'll be sent back to the Offline maps Page where you can view all your downloaded offline maps.

Now you'll be able to use Google Maps even when you're offline in the area you downloaded -- and in that area only. You won't get extremely accurate travel times or alternate route options because traffic and other road issues are not accounted for but you will get a general ballpark idea of how long your trip should take. Transit, bicycling and walking directions also are not available offline -- only driving directions.

If you're looking for additional advice about Google, be sure to check out which Google Home settings you need to change ASAP and our picks for the best Pixel phones .