Our phones are essential tools for navigating unfamiliar cities. When you feel lost, opening the maps app can guide you toward where you need to go. But while traveling abroad, you don’t always have access to Wi-Fi or a cell network. Without an internet connection, you might assume that the maps app is useless, but here’s a clever hack to access maps on your phone without connecting to any network.

Using Google Maps Offline

Google Maps allows you to download maps onto any Android or iPhone device so you can consult them even if you’re offline. Note that you do need to be connected to Wi-Fi when you download the maps.

If you have an Android device, here’s how it works: 

• First, open the Google Maps app and search for a location (e.g., Paris or San Francisco).
• Next, swipe right on the information panel at the bottom of your screen until you see the “more” button. 
• Click it and press “download offline map” followed by the “download” button, and the map will be saved to your phone.

For iPhones or iPads, the process is similar: 

• Open Google Maps and search for a location.
• Tap the name or address of the place and swipe right on the menu bar at the bottom to find the “download offline map” button. 
• Set the range for the map you want to download, and hit “download” to complete the process.

When you open the app, click your profile picture or initials in the upper right corner of the screen, and you’ll see all the maps that you’ve downloaded. Just keep in mind that while you’ll be able to look at the maps, there are no step-by-step walking, transit, or driving directions available when using Google Maps offline. 

Additionally, downloaded maps may expire after a certain time period. According to some reports, they may auto-delete within 15 days or less; however, other users report having maps available for up to a year. To avoid any maps deleting themselves too quickly, try to download them as close to the start of your trip as possible, or while connected to the hotel Wi-Fi after arrival.

Using Apple Maps Offline

Apple Maps also allows you to download maps for offline use. However, this service is available only for Apple-brand devices such as iPhones or iPads, so it’s more limited in nature.

To download a map, follow these steps:

• Open Apple Maps and find your desired location. 
• Touch and hold until a pin marker appears, and then press the “download” button.
• Adjust the selected area to be as big or small as you’d like, and press “download” again to save the map to your device.

To access any maps you’ve downloaded, open Apple Maps and click on your picture or initials next to the search field. Click on “offline maps” to select a map, and use it as normal. It’s worth noting that, unlike Google Maps, Apple Maps still allows for step-by-step directions offline. You can also access information such as store or restaurant hours, ratings, and more.

Potential Drawbacks

First, maps take up storage space on your device, though the exact amount of space depends on the size of the map. This may be an issue if your phone is low on available storage, or if you’re planning to take a lot of photos on vacation that would otherwise need that space. However, you’ll be able to see the size of a map prior to downloading it, so you’ll know ahead of time how much memory it will take up.

There are also restrictions that prevent people from downloading maps in certain regions due to security concerns or geopolitical events, among other factors. According to Google Maps Help, “You can’t download offline maps in some countries or regions because of contractual limitations, language support, address formats, or other reasons.” Apple Maps states, “Offline maps are only available in select areas. An offline map for a specific region is not intended for use in all regions.” While there’s no definitive list of where it’s prohibited, it’s worth being aware of nonetheless.

Lastly, in the rare case you don’t use an Android or Apple device, there may be no option to download offline maps with Google or Apple. However, there are third-party services that offer users the ability to download maps, such as HERE WeGo, Organic Maps, and Maps.me. You can use these services on Android or Apple devices, too.