How to save Google Maps for offline use

Google Maps is really useful to find huge amount of information on a map, but that’s really only the case if you have an Internet connection. Let’s see how to get Google maps offline.

Saving a map is pretty simple — to start, move the map to the location that you want to save for offline use. Then simply touch the Search bar at the top of the app, scroll to the bottom of the interface and tap Save map to use offline. If you searched for a location rather than manually finding the area, tap the bar at the bottom, then the menu button in the top right corner and tap Save offline map. In either case you’ll then be taken back to the area of the map you were previously on, with a new interface.

 Move around the map to select the area you want to save — the app will save everything on the map that’s in view, and nothing more. You’ll notice that there’s a limit on the area you are allowed to save — it’s enough room to get you an entire city or two, but you won’t be saving whole states or regions with this method. Once you’ve found the area you want to save, tap Save at the bottom of the screen and then fill in a name for the saved area when the dialog box appears.

To see the state of your offline maps and manage them, swipe in from the left edge of the app and tap Your places at the top of the menu. Scroll down to the bottom and select View all and manage in the offline maps section. Here you’ll see all of your currently-available offline maps, their expiration dates and their size in megabytes. You can tap on any selection to be taken to that saved area, or you can tap the menu button on the right to rename, update or delete the saved map.

The downside of the offline use:

– The saved offline maps are automatically cleared after 30 days on your device

-After saving a map you still won’t be able to perform step-by-step navigation, and to search for points of interest or access Street View without an Internet connection.

-You’ll have to use the map the “old school” way and navigate manually to find your way.

via androidcentral.com

more instructions on google support site