Use Google Maps Offline When You Don’t Have Internet Access: Stay on Track

While the route you’ve already planned might continue to work, you could face serious problems if you need to make an unexpected stop or find an alternative route.

In the United States, there are plenty of places where Internet service is unreliable or non-existent, particularly national parks or long stretches of highway in remote areas.

When you lose Internet connectivity, you lose the ability to add stops like gas stations or restaurants to your route, find alternative routes if you get lost, or change your destination on the fly.

Essentially, you’re stuck following the route you initially set, with no flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.

Google's Offline Maps are not new, however, they may be new to you.

The solution lies in downloading offline maps using Google Maps. This guide will show you how to download maps for offline use so you can travel with confidence, even in areas with poor or no internet service.

In the US, you won't always have good service, or any internet at all, especially at national parks or during long highway stretches of remote areas. No phone or Internet means you can't add a stop, like a gas station or market, to your route.

Per CNET 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.

Before diving into the "how-to," it's essential to understand why offline maps are a must-have for any traveler.

Having offline maps can save you from getting lost, ensure you find necessary stops along your journey, and provide peace of mind when driving through areas where mobile service is weak or non-existent.

This is particularly useful in national parks, rural areas, or when traveling abroad where data may be limited or expensive.

Getting lost is also incredibly stressful, so skip the stress and make sure your route is planned and you are prepared.

Fortunately, Google Maps offers a feature that allows you to download maps of specific areas so that you can access them even without an internet connection.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to download maps for offline use.

1. Open Google Maps and Log In

First, make sure you’re logged into your Google account on the Google Maps app. This feature works on both iOS and Android devices. Once logged in, tap on your profile picture located at the top right corner of the app.

2. Navigate to Offline Maps

From the menu that appears, select “Offline maps.” This will take you to a new screen where you can manage all of your offline maps.

3. Select Your Area

Tap on “Select Your Own Map” to choose the specific area you want to download. Use your fingers to move the map around and zoom in or out until the area you want is within the rectangular border. The app will show you how much storage space the download will require, so make sure you have enough space on your device.

4. Download the Map

Once you’re satisfied with the area selected, tap “Download.” The map will start downloading, and once completed, you’ll be able to access it even when you have no internet connection. It’s important to note that you need to be connected to Wi-Fi to download the map unless you’ve adjusted your settings to allow downloads over cellular data.

5. Access Your Offline Maps

After downloading, your offline maps will be stored in the “Offline maps” section of the app. You can access and manage them anytime, ensuring that you’re always prepared, even in areas with no internet access.

Here is a supporting video from Trail Recon on YouTube for review.

To get the most out of Google Maps offline, here are some tips:

- Update Your Maps Regularly: Offline maps can become outdated as roads and landmarks change, so make sure to update them regularly.

- Download Maps Before Traveling: Ensure you have all necessary maps downloaded before starting your trip, especially if you know you’ll be entering areas with poor service.

- Save Storage Space: If you’re running low on storage, consider deleting offline maps of areas you no longer need.

Google Maps is an essential tool for navigating both familiar and unfamiliar areas, but it’s even more powerful when you’re prepared for those moments when the internet fails. By downloading maps for offline use, you can ensure that you’ll never be left stranded, regardless of your location.

So, before you hit the road, take a few minutes to download the areas you’ll be traveling through.

Whether you’re exploring national parks like Yellowstone, driving through rural areas, or simply preparing for the unexpected, offline maps will be your trusty guide, helping you stay on track even when the internet isn’t.

With these steps, you can travel with confidence, knowing that Google Maps has your back - even when your Internet connection doesn’t.

As a long-time Google Partner and certified professional, advocate, and acolyte, I’ve integrated Google products into nearly every aspect of my professional and personal life.

These tools have become indispensable, not just for their functionality but for the way they seamlessly connect and enhance my daily tasks. Google Maps, in particular, stands out as a prime example of how technology can simplify and enrich our experiences.

Whether I’m navigating the bustling streets of New York City, planning a cross-island road trip, or even managing logistics for complex projects, Google Maps is my go-to resource.

Its reliability, accuracy, and user-friendly interface embody the innovation and practicality that I’ve come to expect from Google.

This deep integration of Google tools into my life underscores my belief in the value they bring, making my work more efficient and my life more organized.

Mark Derho is a seasoned expert in the Internet industry with over 25 years of experience in NYC's software development, digital marketing, and advertising sectors. A certified Google Partner, Mark specializes in content creation, AI chatbot development, open-source software, modern website design, and SEO/SEM marketing. He leads PR Website Agency and lives in Puerto Rico with his dog, Luno.

CNET How to Use Google Maps Offline

Trail Recon YouTube

WCCFtech Download Google Maps Offline

Yellowstone National Park video