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Download the map while you still have a reliable connection, make sure it covers your destination and full route, and check that your app supports offline navigation in the region and travel mode you need. Then verify the saved map before you leave: offline directions may not include live traffic or alternate routes, and some apps or areas have additional limits.
Before you download: check coverage, mode, and storage
Offline maps are limited to the areas you save, and availability can vary by destination. Check the app’s regional coverage before relying on it. Also check whether it supports your travel mode offline: Google Maps’ offline directions are for driving, while Apple Maps lists driving, walking, cycling, and public transport in supported areas. Google Maps’ offline map guidance, Apple’s offline map instructions, and HERE WeGo’s offline map guidance explain their respective limits.
- Cover the route, not just the destination. Google Maps can guide you offline only if the entire driving route is within the downloaded map. Select an area with a margin around your route in case plans change.
- Allow for reduced live information. Google Maps offline driving guidance does not provide traffic information or alternate routes.
- Make room on your phone. Apple Maps shows the estimated file size before you download; HERE WeGo shows available system storage.
- Check the map’s freshness. Google Maps downloads can expire. Apple Maps has automatic updates enabled by default, and HERE recommends regularly updating saved maps.
Download an area in Google Maps
- Connect to the internet and sign in to Google Maps.
- Open Offline maps. Choose Select your own map, or find a place and choose the offline-download action.
- Adjust the map rectangle so it includes your destination and the full route, with extra room if possible. Google Maps displays an estimated file size before downloading.
- Tap Download and wait for the map to save.
- Open Offline maps again and check that the area appears in your downloads.
Google says some countries or regions cannot be downloaded because of contractual limits, language support, address formats, or other reasons. Offline directions are limited to driving; transit, bicycling, and walking directions are unavailable offline. Downloaded maps expire and need updating. When a map is within 15 days of expiry and your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, Google Maps tries to update it automatically. On supported Android devices, you can also save offline maps to an SD card. See Google Maps Help for current instructions and limitations. Google’s March 20, 2023 walkthrough also explains the general download process.
Download an area in Apple Maps
- Use Maps on an iPhone with iOS 17 or later, and connect to the internet.
- Search for a place or drop a pin on the area you need.
- Choose the option to download the map, then adjust the area to cover your destination and intended route.
- Review the estimated file size and save the map.
- Check the downloaded map in Maps before departure. In settings, you can enable Only Use Offline Maps if you want Maps to rely on saved maps even while connected.
In supported areas, Apple lists offline place information and estimated arrival times, plus turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, cycling, or public transport. Availability varies by region, and an offline map is for its selected area rather than everywhere. Offline maps do not sync across devices. Automatic Updates is on by default, and Optimize Storage can remove unused maps after a period. See Apple’s instructions for supported-area and storage details.
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Download an area in HERE WeGo
- Connect to the internet and open HERE WeGo.
- Open the menu and find Download maps under Your Maps.
- Choose the relevant continent and region, then wait for the download to finish. The app shows available system storage.
- Before navigating without a connection, open the menu and turn on Use app offline.
- Verify that the required regional map is already downloaded.
HERE lists exemptions in some countries, including Japan, Korea, and China, so check availability for your destination in HERE’s offline map guidance. HERE recommends regularly updating downloaded maps. If a route began online and the connection drops, the app may keep trying to reconnect. If it does not reconnect, stop that navigation session and start a new route in offline mode; the region’s map must already be saved and Use app offline enabled. See HERE’s routing and navigation guidance.
Do a pre-departure offline check
- Download every area you need while connected to reliable Wi-Fi, including regions along the route.
- Check that the saved map covers the full route and a reasonable area around it.
- Confirm offline coverage and supported travel modes for your destination.
- Make sure the download is present and current, and that your device has enough storage.
- Open the app and inspect the saved area before leaving. In HERE WeGo, also turn on Use app offline before relying on it.
- Save important addresses or a second map option while you are online as a practical backup.
- Charge your phone before a long trip. HERE notes that active GPS navigation can deplete the battery; a portable charger is optional.
Choose the app that fits your trip
| App | Offline travel modes | Coverage and route considerations | Updates and offline controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Driving directions only; no offline transit, bicycling, or walking directions. | The full driving route must be inside the downloaded area. Availability is restricted in some regions. | Downloads can expire. Google Maps tries to update a map within 15 days of expiry when the phone is on Wi-Fi. Supported Android devices can save maps to an SD card. |
| Apple Maps | Driving, walking, cycling, and public transport in supported areas. | Availability varies by region; a saved map covers its selected area and does not sync across devices. | Automatic Updates is on by default; Optimize Storage can remove unused maps. Only Use Offline Maps is an available setting. |
| HERE WeGo | Not stated in HERE’s offline map guidance. | Some countries, including Japan, Korea, and China, are listed as exemptions. The regional map must be downloaded before offline navigation. | Turn on Use app offline. HERE recommends regularly updating saved maps. |
Limits and availability can change, so check the linked support page for your app and destination before travel. For Google Maps, a general download walkthrough was published on March 20, 2023; use its current support page for operational details.
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