Frequent Google Maps users will be pleased: the popular smartphone app now offers reliable offline functionality. Whether you’re traveling on rural roads with no cell signal or want to switch your phone to airplane mode to save battery and reduce data use, Maps continues to provide accurate navigation and search results by relying on your device’s GPS, according to testing by Global Traveler.
Introduced late last year, the offline feature lets you access maps, search for destinations and receive turn-by-turn directions without a cellular connection. The capability is available for both Android and iOS devices and uses the phone’s built-in GPS rather than the cellular antenna.
There are a few limitations to keep in mind. Offline maps support driving directions on roads, but they are not intended for detailed tracking while hiking or walking off-road. You must download the map area before losing service, and those downloads can be large—sometimes approaching a gigabyte—depending on the area and zoom level. Offline coverage can be extensive, up to about 120,000 square kilometers; simply zoom out to select larger areas to save for offline use.
This functionality is especially useful for international travelers who want to avoid roaming charges, as well as for domestic trips in areas with unreliable cell coverage. Downloading the necessary map regions in advance ensures continuous navigation and reduces the need for an active data connection while on the move.