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To navigate without cell service, download the map area before you lose your connection and make sure it covers your entire route. Google Maps and Apple Maps both support offline maps, but offline access does not guarantee that every online feature—such as live traffic or every search option—will work.
Before you go offline
While you still have Wi-Fi or cellular data, save the area you need in your maps app. Then check that the download is complete and covers the whole trip, including your starting point and destination. Google says its offline guidance works only when the entire route is inside the downloaded map.
- Download a sufficiently large area for the route rather than just the destination.
- Allow for device storage: offline maps use space, and Apple Maps displays the potential download size.
- Open the saved map before departure to confirm it is available in the app.
- For a long trip, consider bringing a phone power bank; navigation can use substantial battery.
Download an offline map in Google Maps on Android
- While connected to the internet, open Google Maps and sign in.
- Search for a place along your trip and open its place sheet.
- Tap the more-options menu, then choose Download offline map.
- Adjust the area shown, if the app offers that option, so it includes your full route. Tap Download.
- Before leaving coverage, open Google Maps’ offline-map controls and confirm the map is saved and large enough for the trip.
Google says a downloaded map can be saved to the phone or an SD card; changing the save location requires downloading the map again. Offline downloads are not available in some countries or regions because of contractual, language-support, or address-format limitations. See Google Maps Help for current instructions and availability details.
Download an offline map in Apple Maps on iPhone
Apple supports offline maps in Maps on iOS 17 and later. Downloads take device storage, and Apple Maps shows the potential file size before you download.
#1 Best Overall
- Bright, high-resolution 5” glass capacitive touchscreen display lets you easily view your route
- Get more situational awareness with alerts for school zones, speed changes, sharp curves and more
- View food, fuel and rest areas along your active route, and see upcoming cities and milestones
- View Tripadvisor traveler ratings for top-rated restaurants, hotels and attractions to help you make the most of road trips
- Directory of U.S. national parks simplifies navigation to entrances, visitor centers and landmarks within the parks
- While connected, open Maps and search for a location.
- Open the location’s details and tap Download.
- Adjust the map area as needed, then start the download.
You can also touch and hold a location on the map to place a pin, then download the area around it. Apple says offline maps can provide information and navigation without Wi-Fi or cellular service. For Apple’s current steps, see Apple Support and the iPhone User Guide.
Google Maps or Apple Maps: which should you use?
| Option | Download approach | Important constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Save a selected place or area while connected. | The entire route must fit within the downloaded map, and downloads are unavailable in some regions. |
| Apple Maps | Search for a place or select an area, then download it. | Offline maps use device storage; the app shows the potential file size. Offline maps require iOS 17 or later. |
Choose the app that suits your phone, then download and inspect the destination area before travel. These official instructions do not establish which service has better coverage, route quality, or offline feature parity in a particular location.
Rank #2
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
What works without cell service—and what may not
An offline map is not the same as a fully connected maps app. Google documents route guidance when the full route lies within the saved map; Apple documents offline information and navigation on supported software. Do not assume that live traffic, all searches, or every route mode will be available without a connection. The exact offline experience can depend on the provider, location, app, and software version.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 6” high-resolution navigator includes map updates of North America
- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
- Road trip–ready features include the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
- Driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness
- Access live traffic, fuel prices, parking, weather and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
If your map is not available offline
- The route goes beyond the saved area: Download a larger area while connected. For Google Maps, the entire route must be inside the offline map.
- The download option is missing: Check the app’s current instructions and regional availability. Google notes that some countries and regions do not support offline downloads.
- The download will not fit: Review available device storage. Apple Maps shows the potential file size before download.
- You are using a specialist navigation device: Garmin Explore supports offline map workflows for compatible devices, but check the exact model and map product. Garmin says Outdoor Maps+ content for certain listed devices is app-only rather than directly downloadable to those devices. See Garmin Support.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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