How to download offline maps on an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Apple Maps, tap your picture next to the search field, tap Offline Maps, then the add button. Search for the place, adjust the frame and tap Download. The map then works without mobile data.

An offline map lets you search and navigate when you have no signal or no data abroad. Download it on Wi-Fi before you travel.

Step by step

  1. Open Maps and tap your picture

    It is next to the search field.

  2. Tap Offline Maps

    On recent versions it may sit under Library or the three-dot menu.

  3. Tap the add button or Download New Map

    Search for a city or region, or choose your current location.

  4. Adjust the area and tap Download

    Drag the corners of the frame. The size of the download is shown below. A city is typically a few hundred megabytes.

  5. Use it

    When you have no connection, Maps uses the downloaded map by itself for search and turn-by-turn directions.

Good to know

Live traffic and public transport times need a connection.

Switch on Automatic Updates and Optimise Storage on the Offline Maps page, so maps stay current and unused ones are removed.

Only Use Offline Maps forces Maps to stay offline, which saves roaming data.

Google Maps has the same feature: tap your picture, Offline maps, Select your own map.

In short: Maps, your picture, Offline Maps, add a map.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Download offline maps in Maps on iPhone

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.