How to download maps on your iPhone to use them offline

November 9, 2023

`How to download maps on your iPhone to use them offline`

Apple Maps in offline mode — Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

One hiccup when using Apple Maps to get directions is that you have to be online to see and use the maps. If you’re in a dead zone or another place without a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, you’re out of luck. That can be especially problematic if you’re driving in a car or riding on a subway where there’s no internet access.

Well, that’s now a problem easily fixed.

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With iOS 17 on your iPhone, you can download specific maps to use them offline. You’re able to choose a narrow area or a wide range. Once the map section is downloaded, you can view it offline to get turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, cycling, or mass transit within the location. You’re even able to see estimated arrival times and find hours, ratings, and other details for nearby businesses and landmarks.

The offline maps naturally take up storage on your phone, but the Maps app will tell you how much space a map will use before you download it. The offline maps don’t sync across your Apple devices; however, you can view them with an Apple Watch when your iPhone is on and within Bluetooth range of your watch. Not all cities and regions are available for offline use as maps, but you’ll quickly be able to tell if your selected location is supported.

The download option also works with Apple Maps on an iPad. That can be handy if you have a Wi-Fi-only iPad and want to use it to view directions in your car or elsewhere.

How to download maps on your iPhone to use them offline

1. Update your phone

First, make sure you’re running iOS 17 or higher on your iPhone. Go to Settings, select General, and then tap Software Update. You’ll be told that your device is up to date or prompted to download and install the latest update.

2. Search for a location

There are a few ways to download a map of a specific area. One way is by searching for it. Open the Apple Maps app and type the region, city, address, or landmark for your destination in the Search field. If the area is supported for offline use, a Download button appears next to the search result. Tap that button.

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3. Download the map for a displayed location

If the location is already on the screen as a result of a search, tap the Download button to download its map. In some cases, you must tap the More button and then tap Download Map.

4. Download a map for a pinned location

Another way to download a specific area is by first pinning it. Find the location you want on a map and then press down on the spot to place a pin on it. Then tap the Download button.

5. Access Offline Maps

And here’s one more way to download a map. Tap your profile icon to the right of the Search field and select Offline Maps.

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6. Download a new map

At the next screen, tap Download New Map. You can then choose a location from your recent searches or type a new one in the Search field at the top.

7. Tweak and download your map

Whatever method you use to find the location, the next screen displays a highlight box around the area you chose. If you wish to reduce the area, drag the handle in one of the corners or at the top, bottom, left, or right side of the box. You can also drag the region inside the box to reposition the area you wish to download. Note the size of the map. When ready, tap Download.

8. View a downloaded map

Now let’s say you have no Wi-Fi or cellular connection on your iPhone and want to access one of your downloaded maps. Open the Maps app and search for the location you downloaded. You can then view the map of the area and use your fingers to zoom in and out or drag the area around the screen.

9. Get directions

You can also get directions from one point to another within the downloaded area. Tap the Directions button and enter your starting and ending points. Tap Go to generate and view the turn-by-turn directions.

10. View details for businesses and landmarks

At the Search field, type the name of a business or landmark within the downloaded area. At the next screen, you’re able to view the hours, ratings, contact details, and other information for it.

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11. Resize a downloaded map

To change the size of a downloaded map in the Maps app, tap your profile icon to the right of the Search field and select Offline Maps. Tap the name of the map you want to change. Drag the handles or move the area to resize the map. Tap Download when done.

12. Rename a downloaded map

To rename a map, swipe it to the right, tap Rename, and then type the new name.

13. Delete a downloaded map

To delete a map, swipe it to the right and tap Delete or tap the name of the map and select Delete Map.

14. Tweak the settings for Offline Maps

Finally, you can adjust certain settings for Offline Maps. At the bottom of the Offline Maps screen, tap the Downloads option and specify whether you want to download maps over Wi-Fi only or over either a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Keep the switch enabled for Automatic Updates to receive any updates to a map.

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Turn on the switch for Optimize Storage if you want downloaded maps that you haven’t used in a while to automatically get deleted. And turn on the switch for Only Use Offline Maps if you want to use your downloaded maps even when you have internet access.