Offline maps let Apple Maps keep working when cellular signal is weak or unavailable. Before a road trip, hike, rural drive, parking garage visit, or international trip without data, you can save a region so searching and driving directions continue inside that area.
Apple Maps offline maps require iOS 17 or later.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you expect spotty service and want a city, park, route area, or travel destination saved before you lose connection.
Download an Area
- Open Maps.
- Tap your profile picture or initials, or open the search panel if your iOS layout shows the option there.
- Tap Offline Maps.
- Choose Download New Map.
- Move and resize the shaded map box over the area you need.
- Tap Download and let it finish, preferably over Wi-Fi.
Large regions can take significant storage, so download before leaving and confirm the map is complete.
Use the Map Offline
- With the area downloaded, open Maps normally.
- Search for a destination inside the saved region.
- Tap Directions and start navigation.
- Driving directions, street names, basic browsing, and points of interest continue while the route stays inside the downloaded map.
If the route exits the saved area, the outside portion will not have full detail until you reconnect or download a wider area.
Manage Offline Maps
Review or Delete Downloads
Return to Offline Maps to see saved areas, storage use, and delete maps you no longer need. Maps may also suggest removing old downloads.
Know the Limits
Live traffic, transit, cycling, walking data that depends on live updates, and Look Around imagery need an internet connection. Offline maps are most reliable for driving, browsing, and search inside the downloaded area.
Keep Maps Updated
Open a saved offline map and enable Auto-Update so it refreshes when the iPhone is on Wi-Fi. This helps account for road and place changes.
Check Storage
If a download fails, check Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Large offline regions can use hundreds of megabytes.
Sources
- Apple Support: Download offline maps on iPhone
- Apple Support: Get directions in Maps on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use Maps on iPhone