Forget internet, here is how to use Google Maps offline

Google Maps is one of the most prominent and widely used applications for locating and reaching places you want to visit or are travelling to. However, you will need an internet connection to run Google Maps. But wait! As per the information provided by Google's support page, if you are travelling by a car you can use Google Maps offline too for reliable navigation and safety features when your car has a poor internet connection. Google Maps offline can be automatically downloaded and updated based on your current location and travel patterns.

It can be noted that it is only for Google Maps built into your car. Feature availability or functionality may depend on your car manufacturer or region and data plan. Also, this feature is not available in all languages and countries/regions. You will be notified if you are outside the area covered by your Google Maps offline.

In fact, you can let Google Maps manage your offline maps. Here is how.

Google Maps provides data via Vehicle Map Service (VMS) to support safety-related driver assistance features in cars, like road sign integration and adaptive cruise control. These safety features rely on offline map data. To ensure that map data is always available, turn on “auto-download” in the Privacy Center.

How to turn on auto-download in the Privacy Center

1. Open the Google Maps app.

2. At the bottom, tap Settings.

3. Tap Privacy Center and then Offline maps.

4. Select Auto-download offline maps.

5. Make sure you have an internet connection and wait for your offline map download to finish.

6. It can be known that if you turn off auto-download, already downloaded maps will remain saved, but no new maps will be automatically downloaded.