Don't get lost without internet: download Google Maps offline

Imagine this: you're driving somewhere you've never been before, relying on Google Maps for navigation. Suddenly, your internet goes down and you have no reception. Fortunately, no matter what route you're taking, your route will probably continue even without reception. If you have to stop somewhere or change route, you're going to run into problems.

In the US, you don't always have good reception or any internet at all, especially in national parks or on long stretches of highway in remote areas. No internet means you can't add a stop to your route like a gas station or market. No internet means you can't find a new route if you get lost. No internet means you can't go anywhere other than your current destination. You're stuck on the route you're taking – and that's it.

If you are traveling to an area you don't know very well and you want to be able to get there easily, internet is almost essential for all the reasons mentioned above.

That means, unless you have offline maps.

If you're planning a road trip or going to a place where the internet may not be strong enough or available, you should know how to download a map of the area on Google Maps.

Here's what you need to know.

Want to try more Google Maps tips and tricks? Check out How to blur your house on Google Maps And 3 Google Maps Features you should definitely know about.

How to download Google Maps offline

First of all, you won't be downloading Google Maps in its entirety. Instead, you'll want to download a specific area before your trip, such as a city, county, or region where you're staying where your phone might not have reception.

To download a map offline in Google Maps, open the Google Maps app on iOS or Android and tap your profile picture in the top right (you must be signed in to your Google account to do this). In the menu that appears, tap Offline maps > Choose your own map.

Use your fingers to place the map you want to download within the boundaries of the rectangle. Move around the map with one finger and pinch two fingers together to zoom in and out. As you move around the map, you'll see how much space the download will take up on your phone. When you're happy with the area, tap Download.

note: Alternatively, you can enter a city or other area in Google Maps and then click the Download A button to download the map offline will appear in the pull-up window, but this only works on the iPhone.

Read more: Cheat sheet for Google Maps: The most useful tricks

You must be connected to Wi-Fi to download the map. If you want to download it via cellular, go to Offline maps Page, tap the gear icon at the top right, tap When should offline maps be downloaded? and select Via WLAN or mobile networkOnce your map is downloaded, you will be returned to the Offline maps Page where you can see all your offline maps.

Now you can use Google Maps offline in the downloaded area – and only in that area. You won't get extremely accurate travel times or alternative route options because traffic and other road issues aren't taken into account, but you will get a rough idea of ​​how long your trip should take. Directions for public transport, cycling and walking are also not available offline – only directions for cars.

If you want more tips on Google, be sure to read which Google Home settings you need to change as soon as possible and our picks for the best Pixel phones.