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On iOS 17 or later, Apple Maps can download map areas for offline use. Before a fall hike, download the area around your destination and, if you’re using a saved hike or custom route, enable its offline map or route download too. Do the search and download while you still have internet access, then verify that the map is available in Offline Maps before you leave.
Download an area of Apple Maps to your iPhone
The most direct option for preparing a trip is to use Offline Maps in Apple Maps. The path is Maps → your profile picture or initials beside the search field → Offline Maps → Add. Search for a location or choose Current Location, adjust the area shown on the map, and tap Download. Apple says Maps displays the estimated file size before downloading; selecting a smaller area uses less storage. Apple’s iPhone guide to offline maps
You can also start from a place or map view instead of opening Offline Maps first:
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| Starting point | What to do | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| A known location | Search in Maps and tap the result. If Download is not shown, tap More, then Download Map. Adjust the area and tap Download. | A named trailhead, town, park, or destination. |
| An area already visible on the map | Touch and hold an unmarked spot to drop a pin. Tap Download, adjust the selected area if needed, then tap Download again. | A place you can locate on the map but do not need to search by name. |
| Offline Maps settings | Tap your profile picture or initials, choose Offline Maps, tap Add, then search for a location or choose Current Location. Adjust the area and download it. | Managing map downloads deliberately before a trip. |
Button names or placement can vary somewhat by iOS version and region. If a location does not offer a download, offline maps may not be available for that area.
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Save the hike route as well as the map
A downloaded map area and a saved hike are different things. The area download provides offline map coverage; saving a hike or creating a custom walking or hiking route preserves the route itself. Apple Maps lets you browse and save hikes or create a custom route, and you can add notes to saved routes. When saving, turn on Download Route or Download Map so the route and surrounding map can be used offline. Apple’s guide to saving walks or hikes
Search for the hike while online: Apple says searching for hikes requires an internet connection. Confirm that your intended trail appears in Maps, save the hike or route, and make sure the relevant download finishes before you head out. An offline download does not guarantee that every trail is mapped or that every route feature will work in every location.
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Check coverage and offline capabilities
Apple’s support page states, “Offline maps are only available in selected areas.” Availability and features vary by country or region, so do not assume that a map download or hiking feature will be offered for every destination. Apple announced topographic maps with contour lines and trail details, plus offline hike downloads, for the U.S. and Japan in September 2024; that announcement describes availability at that time, not a complete statement of current coverage. Apple’s September 2024 announcement
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Manage downloads and iPhone storage
Offline maps occupy device storage. In Offline Maps, you can inspect a download, resize its area, rename it, or delete it. Reducing the selected area can reduce the download size. Apple also documents controls for downloading over Wi-Fi, automatic updates, and Optimize Storage, which can remove unused map downloads after a period. Automatic Updates is on by default in Apple’s guide; review these settings if you want to manage how maps are refreshed or retained. Apple’s instructions for downloading and managing offline maps
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Before you leave cell service
- Confirm your iPhone is running iOS 17 or later.
- While online, search for the destination and verify the trail or planned route appears in Maps.
- Download the surrounding map area and enable Download Route or Download Map when saving the hike, if offered.
- Check that downloads have completed and that the selected area covers the places you need.
- If iPhone storage is limited, resize the area or remove an older download you no longer need.
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