How to use Google Maps offline on Android

Whether you’re going on vacation overseas or just want to be able to navigate around town without draining your data plan, you can download different areas within Google Maps to use while offline. Here’s how.

How to use Google Maps offline on Android

1. Download map for offline use
2. Update and delete saved maps

1. Download map for offline use

First, launch the Google Maps app on your phone. Next, tap on the hamburger menu icon in the top left corner of your screen and then select Offline maps.

Now that you’re in the Offline maps menu choose the Select Your Own Map button at the top of the screen. When you see the map, pinch to zoom out until the blue box is covering your desired location. Unfortunately, there’s no search functionality to quickly move to a specific spot.

When you’re happy with your selection, hit Download. Do note that Google Maps will let you know how much data the offline map will take up on your handset.

Once these are downloaded, even if you lose a data connection, you should be able to still navigate around the area without a problem.

Use the images below for help if you get lost along the way.

2. Update and delete saved maps

Once your map is downloaded, it will be listed with any other offline maps. From this menu, you can do several things. First, by clicking on the three-dot menu icon, you can Update, View, Rename, or Delete the item. Updating it will refresh the data with newly closed roads and other street changes. Viewing it lets you scroll through the map as usual, you can rename it to better identify each item, or delete it to save room on your device.

Additionally, you can tap on the gear icon in the top left corner of the display to adjust settings that let the offline maps to get automatically updated over WiFi and more.

If you have any questions, make sure to leave them in the comment section below or hit me up on Twitter.

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