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Sideline: I like to be as Google-free as possible. Of course while using the route planner, you do need to switch your phone’s GPS location on (most of the time, when I don’t need it, I leave my GPS off for privacy reasons). It saves all its maps and automatic map updates to my phone’s SD card: the whole thing is specifically designed to be used offline with no problem at all. It’s not free (€ 20 for all of Europe with lifetime map updates, € 30 for the entire world) but it’s excellent, as in fact it’s based on a core of TomTom maps and technology.

Tap on download to start the download to the device.You are taken back to the map where you are asked to pan and zoom to adjust the region that you want downloaded for offline use.Tap on the menu icon in the top right corner of the screen and select download offline data.There you find save and share options as well. This opens information about the place including photos and a short description. Tap on the name of the location displayed at the bottom of the screen.Here is what you need to do to download maps for offline usage. The feature is somewhat hidden and not easily discoverable at all. The new features are enabled from the server side which means that even if you have version 9.17 of the app, you may not have access to some or even all of the new features. The update rolls out gradually to all users which means it may take a while before you get it on your device. Please note that you need Google Maps version 9.17 for Android. How to download map data on Google Maps (old way) Now You: Which map software are you using? The option to download maps for offline access is welcome and helpful, for instance if you are in an area with bad mobile reception or don't want to use mobile data at all in a location. You may cancel the operation at this point, or tap on download again to start the download.ĭownload map data was available for 30 days initially but Google increased the retention to 365 days recently for offline maps.using zoom in or zoom out, or moving the captured region. You can change the area using touch, e.g.

A preview of the area is displayed afterwards including an estimate of the storage space that you need to download the data to your device.There you find listed the new download option which you need to activate.Tap on the name at the bottom of the interface afterward (it lists Directions, Share and Save underneath it) to display details.If you do the latter tap on the name to select it. a city name that you are interested in or use the map to find it manually. The new Google Maps on Android highlights downloads for offline use so that it is less likely that you will overlook the functionality.
