How to navigate with your smartphone — without a data connection

There is always one major pitfall to digital directions: losting the ability to navigate without an Internet connection.
Luckily, there are tons of hacks and apps designed to help you overcome this very problem. That means no more standing awkwardly at the subway exit, waiting for your phone to reconnect.
You'll be able to get wherever you're going without worrying about your connection.

Google Maps 4.0

First find where you want to go, then tap the name or address of your destination.
In the top right corner, look for three vertical dots and tap them — select "Save offline map."

Image: Google Maps

“Save this map?” Yeah! Hit "Download." Now, tap the left side of the screen, then “Your places.” There you'll find your saved destinations.

Image: Google Maps

Press the blue button with an arrow on the bottom right. Now you can get directions to walk, drive, bike or take public transit without ever having worried about your connection.

Image: Google Maps

Protip: When navigating a new city, start the GPS and put in one earbud. While you’re walking around, the voice of the GPS will guide you to your destination but you’ll still be able to soak in your surroundings — without constantly checking your phone or worrying about missing your turn.

Apple Maps

You can also use Apple Maps to navigate offline, but it works differently, requiring a bit more preparation.
Search for your destination and select the bubble that pops up. Select “Directions to Here."

Image: Apple Maps

Tap “Route," then the list icon in the bottom middle of the screen for step-by-step directions you can reference later if need be.

Image: Apple Maps

Tap “Start." Head out the door and start towards your destination. No need for Wi-Fi: Apple Maps relies on caching. The little blue dot will move with you and the next step for your directions will pop up when you need them.

Image: Apple Maps

MAPS.ME

An app that specializes in all things offline, MAPS.ME will download an OpenStreetMap to your phone for easy offline navigation. The app is not ideal for searching specific addresses, but great for landmarks or finding out what’s around you.
Search for your destination; Press “Route” in the bottom right corner.

Image: MAPS.ME

Touch the blue “Start” bar. Then just follow the directions until you arrive at your destination.

Image: MAPS.ME

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