Use Google Navigation offline
The map service Google Maps and the associated navigation are part of almost every Android smartphone. The service can also be used offline, but you must first download the map material. In this practical tip, we will explain how you can use Google's navigation without an internet connection and what alternatives there are.
Google Maps: Save map material offline
You cannot access all Google Maps offline. Only individual sections can be saved. You must first download the desired areas to your smartphone:
- To do this, open the Google Maps app and press the menu button.
- Select "Offline Maps" and then tap the plus icon at the bottom right. You will then see a blue frame over the map.
- Zoom and move the map until the desired section is marked. Then click on "Download" and name the offline map. The map material is downloaded.
- Alternatively, search for a region or city and tap "Download" on the map shown.
Use Google navigation offline
As soon as you are in an area without internet access, Google Maps automatically switches to offline mode. However, you must note the following:
- The map material for the entire route must be provided offline, as described in the first point.
- You can also search for destinations offline and even get additional information such as opening times and reviews of shops and restaurants, but you will not get any current traffic data.
Use other Android apps for offline navigation
- Alternatively, you can load another app for offline navigation, for example the free Android app "MapFactor: GPS Navigation". This works with the map data from OpenStreetMaps and is also geared towards offline operation.
- The free Osmand open source app is also highly recommended.
The instructions refer to Google Maps version 9.19.1 under Android 6.0 on the LG G3.