Now you should see a map of where you currently are. Tap ‘ Offline maps’ partway down the menu Tap the three lines menu icon in top left cornerĢ. Space won’t allow me to give directions for the iPhone/Pad version of Google Maps, but they’re very similar.ġ. Open your Google Maps app (download free at Google Play or Apple’s App Store) and let’s get started. Brilliant! Let’s do this!Ĭonnect to WiFi and turn on your device’s ‘ location’ setting. The downloaded map even self deletes after a month if you don’t use it, so you don’t fill up your phone with unused maps. You just need a bit of storage space on your phone for as long as you want to use the map, and you have the tools to never get lost again-even on a hike. Using Google Maps while completely disconnected from the net (mobile data turned off as well as WiFi) doesn’t allow you all the Google map features, but it does place you on the map accurately and provides directions from one place to another. Then when you disconnect, the free GPS location function on your phone still tracks your position, and the Google Maps app uses the map information needed to continuously update your position on the map you downloaded, since it is already on your phone now. The free solution is to download the map area that you need using Google Maps when you’re still connected to WiFi. And unless you’re connected to WiFi, for as long as you have Google maps open, that continuous data transfer uses up your paid mobile data plan allowance. Turning on the location function for your phone lets you transmit/receive GPS signals- and that part is free- it doesn’t use your cell plan data.īUT, getting your GPS location placed onto Google Maps for driving directions, the nearest Timmy’s, gas station, or hospital-THAT requires data from Google.

You only need a phone made in the past few years and a Google account. Not in your car, RV, or on foot– anywhere on Earth that you have a view of the sky. Of course you need to know how to use maps, so I’m going to show you step by step instructions to make free use of the most popular maps in the world, Google Maps when you aren’t connected to WiFi or cell data. Holiday minutes are irreplaceable and great maps are the answer. Getting lost wastes time, energy and frays nerves. How to Use Google Maps Anywhere Without Using Data!Īs Gandalf famously said, “Not all who wander are lost”.

Download google earth on my phone