iOS 17 is a huge update with a host of new features and functionality, and that includes the ability to download maps for offline use in Apple Maps – but how exactly do you do it?
The ability to download maps for offline reference may seem strange, but it’s a handy feature for several reasons. Not only will this allow you to get directions and check maps in areas with spotty cell coverage, but if you’re low or completely out of data, you can continue to use the Apple Maps app without worry.
It’s not a new concept – competing mapping apps like Google Maps have offered this feature for years – but it’s great to see it finally coming to Apple Maps. If you’re interested, here’s how to download maps for offline use in Apple Maps in iOS 17.
What you will need:
- An iPhone running iOS 17
- An active Internet connection
The short version
- Open the Apple Maps app.
- Find the location you want to download maps for.
- Tap Download.
- Adjust the map size.
- Wait for the download to complete.
- Change map preferences offline.
-
Stage
1Open the Apple Maps app
The first step – once you’ve verified that you’re using iOS 17 – is to open the Apple Maps app.
-
Stage
2Find the location you want to download maps for
The next step is to find the location or area you want to save for offline use. It could be a city or landmark, or you can simply drop a pin with a long press on the screen. Tap the location name/PIN to access the options menu.
-
Stage
3Tap Download
Once you tap on your location, tap the new Download button.
-
Stage
4Adjust map size
The next step is to adjust the map size. It can be as large as you want, but with the understanding that larger areas will require more storage. Pinch and zoom until you are satisfied with your coverage area, then tap the Download button to begin the download process.
-
Stage
5Wait for the download to complete
Then just wait for the download to finish – the time this part takes depends on the size of the area you selected in the previous step, so it could be anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. You can exit the app while this is happening and you will receive a notification once it’s done.
-
Stage
6Change map preferences offline
Finally, tap on the name/PIN and tap Offline Maps. At the bottom of the page, in the Settings section, you should see an option to only use offline maps, even when you have an active internet connection. If you download maps to save data rather than worry about spotty cellular coverage, enable this option.
Troubleshooting
This is probably because you are not yet using iOS 17 on your iPhone. Here’s how to install iOS 17 if you haven’t upgraded yet.
iOS 17 is a huge update with a host of new features and functionality, and that includes the ability to download maps for offline use in Apple Maps – but how exactly do you do it?
The ability to download maps for offline reference may seem strange, but it’s a handy feature for several reasons. Not only will this allow you to get directions and check maps in areas with spotty cell coverage, but if you’re low or completely out of data, you can continue to use the Apple Maps app without worry.
It’s not a new concept – competing mapping apps like Google Maps have offered this feature for years – but it’s great to see it finally coming to Apple Maps. If you’re interested, here’s how to download maps for offline use in Apple Maps in iOS 17.
What you will need:
- An iPhone running iOS 17
- An active Internet connection
The short version
- Open the Apple Maps app.
- Find the location you want to download maps for.
- Tap Download.
- Adjust the map size.
- Wait for the download to complete.
- Change map preferences offline.
-
Stage
1Open the Apple Maps app
The first step – once you’ve verified that you’re using iOS 17 – is to open the Apple Maps app.
-
Stage
2Find the location you want to download maps for
The next step is to find the location or area you want to save for offline use. It could be a city or landmark, or you can simply drop a pin with a long press on the screen. Tap the location name/PIN to access the options menu.
-
Stage
3Tap Download
Once you tap on your location, tap the new Download button.
-
Stage
4Adjust map size
The next step is to adjust the map size. It can be as large as you want, but with the understanding that larger areas will require more storage. Pinch and zoom until you are satisfied with your coverage area, then tap the Download button to begin the download process.
-
Stage
5Wait for the download to complete
Then just wait for the download to finish – the time this part takes depends on the size of the area you selected in the previous step, so it could be anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. You can exit the app while this is happening and you will receive a notification once it’s done.
-
Stage
6Change map preferences offline
Finally, tap on the name/PIN and tap Offline Maps. At the bottom of the page, in the Settings section, you should see an option to only use offline maps, even when you have an active internet connection. If you download maps to save data rather than worry about spotty cellular coverage, enable this option.
Troubleshooting
This is probably because you are not yet using iOS 17 on your iPhone. Here’s how to install iOS 17 if you haven’t upgraded yet.
