Google Maps gets Wi-Fi only mode, ability to save offline areas to SD card

Google is rolling out a sizeable update to Google Maps that brings a new Wi-Fi only offline mode. Once enabled, Maps will go offline when there's no Wi-Fi signal, with navigation limited to your areas you've downloaded to your device. As soon as you connect to a Wi-Fi network, the app regains full functionality.

Wi-Fi comes in handy when you're traveling abroad and don't want to incur exorbitant data charges, or in situations where you can't get a reliable cellular signal in your area. Google is also rolling out the ability to download offline areas to an SD card, freeing up the internal storage of your phone.

Google Maps gets Wi-Fi only mode

To enable Wi-Fi only mode, you'll need to head into the Settings in Google Maps. As soon as you activate the feature, you'll see a notification to save areas offline, and that a small amount of data may still be used while in Wi-Fi mode. The update is now live, but if you're not seeing the offline mode just yet, try again in a few hours.

Harish Jonnalagadda
Senior Editor - Asia

Harish Jonnalagadda is a Senior Editor overseeing Asia at Android Central. He leads the site's coverage of Chinese phone brands, contributing to reviews, features, and buying guides. He also writes about storage servers, audio products, and the semiconductor industry. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.