Google Maps and downloading them

[Edd70]

I’ve used downloaded maps traveling in Iceland and Canada. I used my iPhone in airplane mode and it all worked pretty slick. I didn’t have an international plan.

If I download a map here in the states, will the app use cellular data for maps? I’m concerned about data use, because map apps use a lot in my experience.

When they marketed offline maps after the feature became available a few years ago, it wasn’t stressed as a data saver. It was praised as an app you can still use in rural areas with no signal.

I’ve just downloaded all of Vermont and New Hampshire, where cell coverage is pretty good with Verizon. Will it default to cellular use if towers are available, even if the map is downloaded? I’ve Googled this question and I’m finding very little info.

With a 2gb data plan, I have to use map apps sparingly.

 

[harlenmm77]

From Google help


You can get driving directions offline, but not transit, bicycling, or walking directions. In your driving directions, you won't have traffic info, alternate routes, or lane guidance. You also can't modify routes like avoiding tolls or ferries.
To save cell data and battery life, use "Wi-Fi only" mode. In this mode, when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, Google Maps will only use data from the offline maps that you’ve downloaded. Before you use this mode, make sure you download offline maps. To turn on this mode, open the Google Maps app Google Maps and then Menu Menu and thennext to "Wi-Fi only," turn the switch on.

 

[djs71a]

To save cell data and battery life, use "Wi-Fi only" mode. In this mode, when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, Google Maps will only use data from the offline maps that you’ve downloaded. Before you use this mode, make sure you download offline maps. To turn on this mode, open the Google Maps app Google Maps and then Menu Menu and thennext to "Wi-Fi only," turn the switch on.

This this avail e on Android only?

 

[harlenmm77]

This this avail e on Android only?

Apparently it is an android only option.

Probably another limitation Apple puts on app developers

 

[Edd70]

From Google help


You can get driving directions offline, but not transit, bicycling, or walking directions. In your driving directions, you won't have traffic info, alternate routes, or lane guidance. You also can't modify routes like avoiding tolls or ferries.
To save cell data and battery life, use "Wi-Fi only" mode. In this mode, when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, Google Maps will only use data from the offline maps that you’ve downloaded. Before you use this mode, make sure you download offline maps. To turn on this mode, open the Google Maps app Google Maps and then Menu Menu and thennext to "Wi-Fi only," turn the switch on.

Apparently it is an android only option.

Probably another limitation Apple puts on app developers

Yes, I don’t see the “WiFi only” mode on the iOS app. That is a bummer.

 

[harlenmm77]

Yes, I don’t see the “WiFi only” mode on the iOS app. That is a bummer.

Maybe they'll add it one day.

 

[Edd70]

Now that I think about it, I suppose turning off cellular data specifically for Google Maps might have the effect I’m looking for.

 

[harlenmm77]

Now that I think about it, I suppose turning off cellular data specifically for Google Maps might have the effect I’m looking for.

I don't think it uses much data anyway. I use waze every drive and its only used 30 mb in 10 days.

 

[djs71a]

I don't think it uses much data anyway. I use waze every drive and its only used 30 mb in 10 days.

I did a test on a 6 hour road trip. One way using Google Maps used 24 megs. The return trip using Waze used 10 megs. This was on an iPhone.