Google Maps is one of the most reliable as well as the most used navigation services available. However, everything has its faults. One of the most significant issues is that the service works best when you have a solid data connection, something which is not a guarantee always. You have the ability to use Google Maps offline, however, this great feature is useless without proactive measures.
You need to download the area of interest before Google Maps offline mode can be utilized. You need to download the map area before you lose the internet.
The Google Maps offline area that can be downloaded is huge. You can cache all of San Diego, Tijuana, along with the LA area in a single download. Downloading these offline maps will consume a lot of data, so be ready to sacrifice plenty of storage space. These can take nearly 1.5 GB, depending on the area. If your device supports a microSD card, then transfer the data to the SD card. To transfer the data to an SD card, visit Menu > Offline Areas > Settings > Storage Preferences, then switch from Device to SD card
Note – The offline maps generally expire after about 15 days, unless you manage to re-connect to a data connection. As the world changes pretty much daily, maps are dynamic, and thus require updating. For example, existing Businesses might close, new ones may open, streets are built, etc. The company needs you to have an updated version of the maps even when offline. Thus, the time limit.
If you wish to keep the maps offline indefinitely, you have to visit the Google Maps offline settings, then activate automatic updates. This ensures that the offline maps are updated as needed. You have the ability to set them to only be updated when using Wi-Fi, to save your precious mobile’s gigabytes.
When offline, the application will not have everything Google Maps has when it’s online. Information such as bike routes, walking directions, traffic details, lane guidance, etc, will not be available for offline mode. That makes Google Maps stand out. Almost everything works as expected, searches can be made for addresses, you can find businesses, and you can also quickly navigate to them.
How to store offline maps: Method 1
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap on your profile picture found in the top-right.
- Tap on Offline maps.
- If your desired area is not recommended in Google offers recommendations, tap on Select your map.
- Pinch-to-zoom in and out, this will make the download area larger or smaller. Select the area to download.
- After you’ve selected, tap on Download in the lower-right.
Store offline maps: Method 2
- From your Home screen, tap on Apps.
- Tap on Maps.
- Tap on the Search bar. Then enter the destination.
- Tap on the destination found at the bottom.
- Tap on the Menu icon (three dots).
- Tap on Save offline map.
- Tap on Save.
- You can enter a name for the map, then tap on Save.
You have the ability to navigate as well as find directions without a data connection after the download of the maps. You should remember that not every feature will be there, as mentioned before.
Do I have any Alternatives?
Are you taking a quick trip and don’t require the entire area saved? There is a temporary trick you can use to utilize Google Maps offline. First, begin the navigation when there is an active data connection. Maps will download the information required to reach the selected destination, then it will remain active even after you go offline. After you are done configuring the route, Maps will hold the data until the destination is reached. OR. Till you turn off Maps.
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