Use Google Maps Offline It's possible by downloading maps of regions like cities, or specific routes. However, the truth is that it could soon be possible download full countriesAlthough this option is gradually advancing in the new version of Google Maps, its Availability depends on the region and the maximum size allowed for each download.
Important: You cannot download offline maps in some countries or areas because contractual limitationslanguage availability or address formatsIf you change the storage location, you will need to download again the maps.
Google Maps Offline
Until now, it was possible to download maps of specific cities and routes, so that we could use Google Maps Offline when we don't have an internet connection. This is really useful if we're traveling to an area with no coverage, or if we're going abroad and won't have roaming. Download specific areas Avoid unexpected events and reduce data consumption.
However, the truth is that this would only be useful for downloading specific cities or routes. What happens if we take the wrong route, or if we're going to visit multiple cities and travel from one to another? For this, what would be truly useful is downloading maps of all those regions, like the Free offline mapsHowever, for this we would have to go city by city downloading the maps and, even then, if we take the wrong route and get lost, It will not be able to guide us out of the downloaded area.
As an added bonus, remember that you can save the maps to the SD card to avoid using up internal memory. And if you enable automatic updates, the maps will be They renew periodically when the device has WiFi, avoiding mobile data.
Download complete countries on Google Maps
And it is that in the last update of Google Maps It already seems that will launch the possibility of downloading entire countriesIt's not possible yet, but this option could arrive in a future update. It's also true that downloading an entire country will take up some space. a lot of memory on the smartphone. However, it should be noted that it is possible store offline maps on SD card.
Downloading offline maps of entire countries is incredibly useful when traveling, or even just for downloading the complete map of Spain. If you travel frequently and want to be able to use Google Maps offline, downloading the entire map of Spain is a great option. And if you're traveling abroad and driving, having a full map of the country can also be very helpful in case you take a wrong turn, think you might lose cell service, or don't have a mobile internet connection. EyeGoogle Maps imposes area and size limits (approx. 1.250 MB per download), so in many cases a country will have to be divided into several zones.
Steps to download offline maps
- Android: Open Google Maps, search for a place (for example, Tarragona), tap the place name and then More > Download offline map Download. You can also tap your photo. offline maps > Select your own map to choose a custom area.
- iPhone or iPad: Open Google Maps, search for a place (for example, Barcelona) and, at the bottom, tap Download offline map > Download.
- Storage: You can save the maps to your device or to a SD cardIf you change the storage destination, it will be necessary download them again.
Adjust the area: vertical, horizontal, and square
Google Maps saves what you see in the selection boxThis box adopts the screen aspect ratioTherefore, vertically it tends to be narrower and longer. A useful trick is rotate the mobile to choose an area horizontal from coast to coast, or use the split screen to get an almost square area. This way you can cover, for example, all of northern Spain on a single map without downloading multiple areas.
If your goal is a balanced radius Around a city, the almost square format avoids excess land to the north and south. After downloading, the maps are retained and... They update in that wayTherefore, you won't have to repeat the split screen in the future.
Use and manage offline maps
Once downloaded, you can navigate as usual. If there's no internet or it's slow, offline maps will always get you to your destination. The entire route is within the area Downloaded. You will receive a notification if you leave this area.
- Limitations: Without a connection, there is no connection. real time trafficneither dynamic alternative routes nor routes of public transport, by bike or on foot.
- Manage: in your profile > offline maps You'll see the list, you'll be able to rename, delete o to update each map.
- Recommended maps: Google can suggest areas based on scheduled trips (e.g., from Gmail or Google Travel) so you can download them with one tap.
- Data and battery saving: active Wi-Fi only in Settings, and the automatic update to keep everything up to date without using up data.
- Space: use one SD card If your mobile phone is running slowly; remember that changing the destination implies re-download the zones.
Offline maps in cars with integrated Google Maps
In vehicles with integrated Google Maps, offline maps power features of driving assistance (signals, adaptive cruise control, etc.). Activates the automatic download From Settings > Privacy Center > Offline Maps. Availability varies. Manufacturercountry and language, and a data plan To download or update. If you disable automatic downloads, previously saved maps will still be available.
Complementary alternative: MAPS.ME for trails and hikes
As a plan B, MAPS.ME It offers highly detailed offline maps for Hiking and offline travel. You can create routes in Google Maps, export them, and view them in this app or in CityMaps2Go when you don't want to depend on the connection.
With these options, you get the most out of offline Google Maps: you choose larger areas and the right shape, save to SD card, keep everything updated over Wi-Fi, and know what functions are limitedIf the option of download full countries If it's available in your region, you'll be able to cover even more ground; if not, divide the country into several overlapping zones so you don't run out of guides.
