How Much Data Does Google Maps Actually Use?

Published February 11, 2021

It’s absolutely amazing to think about how much easier technology has made our lives. Using it to do everyday tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and communicating, has become all but second nature to us. Traveling is one of the aspects that technology has really pushed to that next level. Back in the day, we’d rely on compasses and maps to guide us to where we need to go. However, innovations in the tech world have allowed us to get all that information straight from our smartphones. Google Maps is one of the favorites in helping people travel. But one question often asked is, “how much data does Google Maps use?” In this article, we will be answering that question along with other related concerns.

So, how much data does Google Maps actually use?

The short answer is very little. When using Google Maps to navigate, it uses as little as under 1 MB for every 10 miles of driving. On average, it uses about 0.67 MB for every 10 miles, which translates to 0.73 MB for every 20 minutes. You will incur the bulk of the data usage when searching for a location and charting your course.

Someone checking his phone to know how much data Google maps use.

How does Google Maps’ data usage stack up against its competitors?

Google Maps’ strongest competitors come in the form of Waze and Apple Maps. Looking at the three, Google Maps ranks in between the two in terms of data usage. Waze uses the least data with a little over 0.2 MB per 10 miles. Apple Maps uses the most at over 1 MB per 10 miles. These results are pretty astonishing, especially if you’ve had any experience using them.

Waze is far and beyond the most interactive and extensive navigation app, offering its users a ton of customizable features. On Waze, you can select what voice to use among a handful of options. Additionally, you can also select the symbol representing your vehicle, so it comes as a surprise that it’s the biggest data-saver.

But one advantage Google Maps has is that it was developed in such a way that you don’t need to use data at all!

How do you use Google Maps without data?

One of the advantages Google Maps has over most navigation apps is that it has an offline mode. Offline mode allows you to search for destinations and get directions without data. All you need to do is download the map for a specific area to gain access to all its information. There is one slight hitch about this mode, though. When you download a location’s map, the information is accurate up until that moment. What this means is that changes to operating hours due to holidays and the like will not be accounted for.

How to download offline Google Maps on Apple

Open your Google Maps app on your iPhone or iPad.
Ensure that it’s connected to the internet and is not in Incognito mode.
Search for a place like Miami.
At the bottom, tap the name or address of the place, then tap More.
Select Download offline map, then hit Download.

How to download offline Google Maps on Android

You have two primary ways you can download offline maps on Android: direct on your device and on an SD card.

How to download maps on your device

Open the Google Maps app on your Android device or tablet.
Ensure you’re connected to the internet and signed in to Google Maps.
Search for a place like New York.
Tap the name or address of the place at the bottom. Click Download, then Download. If you searched for a specific destination like a restaurant, tap More, then Download offline map, then hit Download.

How to download maps on an SD card

On your Android phone or tablet, insert an SD card.
Open the Google Maps app.
Tap your profile picture and hit Offline maps.
In the top right, tap Settings.
Under “Storage preferences,” tap Device, then select SD card.

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About The Author

Terrence Tan Ting is an industrial engineer by profession but a full time writer by passion. He loves to write about a wide range of topics from many different industries thanks to his undying curiosity.