Through the Google Maps application you can download maps and use them offline. But there are limitations to take into account
Google Maps is the navigation service most used by users: to reach the place of an appointment or to get to the house rented for the vacations, the Google app is the easiest to use. There is only one problem: to take full advantage of the potential of the service you need to be connected to Wi-Fi or to the data network of your phone subscription.
Usersers who do not have the possibility to be always connected, can take advantage of a feature that few people know: download Google Maps and use the application offline. If you’re going on a vacation abroad and you’re not sure if you can always be connected to the data network or Wi-Fi, using Google Maps offline is the only option you have to not get lost. Before venturing to download offline maps you should know that there are some limitations: you can’t get the map of an entire city, but only a portion. And the same goes for the maps of a Region or a Country. So, if you have to go on a trip to a foreign city, download the maps you need offline.
How to download Google Maps offline
There are several ways to start downloading maps from the application. First, you need to go inside Google Maps and locate the area you want to visit. Once you have found it, click on “Information” in the lower left corner and then on “Download” and the download will start.
If you want to restrict the map to a specific area of the city, type “Ok Maps” in the search bar at the top. A magnifying glass will appear on the screen that will let you choose the map you need offline. Once this step is complete, just click on “Download” and wait for the download to finish. Another alternative method to use Google Maps offline is to download the maps through the Settings. You’ll have to press on the icon with three horizontal lines at the top right and then on “Offline maps”. In the new window that opens, click on “Select your map” and a magnifying glass will appear that will let you choose the area with the map you want to download.
How to manage offline maps in Google Maps
The maps you download offline are not eternal: they are only valid for 30 days, unless you decide to update them. Google Maps offers the possibility to download updates automatically, without having to do it manually every month. Entering the application, you’ll have to press on the icon with three horizontal lines at the top left and then on “Offline maps”. If you click on the wheel icon on the top right, you’ll access a new page and you’ll have to put the spittle next to “Automatically update offline maps”. If you don’t want to use up all your data traffic, under “Download preferences” you should set “Only via Wi-Fi”.
To delete an offline map you no longer need, just go into Google Maps, click on the icon with three horizontal lines in the top left corner and then on “Offline maps”. This will open a new page where you can find all the downloaded maps: clicking on the icon with three vertical dots will show a popup menu and you’ll have to click on “Delete”.