Google Maps is one of those handy apps that every Android user should have on their device. It helps you find your way around, especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory (i.e. new town or city). Better yet, Google has made it possible for their app to work offline. That can come in handy in a situation where you need to map a certain route but have no access to a working internet connection. Below are a couple of simple steps that you can follow to be able to use Google Maps offline.
How to use Google Maps offline
First things first – before you can use Google Maps offline, you’ll need to get it online so that you can download the necessary data:- Launch your Google Maps app and search for your intended location.
- Once you find this desired location, navigate to the app’s options menu and tap on the three lines (hamburger) icon then tap on the ‘Offline areas’ option.
- At the bottom right of the screen, tap on the plus or add You’ll be presented with a prompt asking you to ‘download this area?’
- You’ll be presented with a square selection box so that you can choose the area you need a map of. You can easily pinch to zoom so that you close in on the particular area. To zoom out and select a larger area, move your fingers in the opposite direction.
- Once you’re happy with the particular area that you have selected, tap ‘Download’.
- You’ll be presented with a box where you can put a name for the area you have selected.
- Once you have downloaded the map on your phone, access it by tapping on the menu icon located at the top left of the Maps page, then return to Offline areas, where you should now see your Downloaded areas.