If you are wondering that how much data does your Google Maps use, to answer it in short – Google Maps is known for not using much mobile data at all when navigating to the desired route. In most cases, it has been noticed that the Google Maps application on average consumes 5 MB of data per hour of driving.
The majority of this consumed data is used by Google Maps when a user initially searches for the destination and planning a route (which can also be done on Wi-Fi). However, there are a couple of ways to ensure that your Google Maps doesn’t use any mobile data at all when navigating.
So Exactly How Much Data Does Google Maps Consumes?
Well if the short answer didn’t help you much in knowing how much Google Maps consumes data, let’s understand it through the longer answer. Well, you don’t need to make a lot of data available for your Google Maps application to get you where you wish to go.
While this may sound like a cool idea to use Google Maps next time you need route navigation without worrying about the data much, however, depending on the situation, you might expect it to use much more than just 5 MB per hour.
As said, the average data consumed by Google Maps is roughly around 5 MB per hour, however, if you pull over en route to use Google Maps for searching, a nearby restroom, restaurant, or gas station, you are definitely be going to be used more than just the 5 MB per hour.
On the other hand, if you have already downloaded an area map for offline directions, you can easily do so without consuming any additional mobile data. Offline navigation is considered quite useful. This feature wasn’t available earlier and is a new addition to Google Maps.
Additionally, if you wish to make your Google Maps app more efficient in consuming data, there are certain ways that can help you achieve that.
It is quite simple to use Google Maps offline for navigation, All you need to do is download Google Maps and use them offline on your phone. To know how to download Google Maps for offline use, you can follow the instructions provided below. The following steps are provided for both Android and iPhone &iPad.
To Download Areas and Navigate Offline Using Google Maps Application for Android
- To begin with, you will first need to download a map. For this, you will need to open the Google Maps application on your Android phone or tablet.
NOTE: You can save maps on your SD card or the internal memory of your device. In case you change the way you save maps on your device, you will need to download the map again.
- Before proceeding further, you will need to ensure that you are connected to the internet and sign in to Google Maps application with your Google account.
- Next, you will need to search for a place, for example, New York.
- Then, you will need to tap on the Download option located at the bottom. After that, again select the Download In case you have searched for a place such as a restaurant or a restroom, you will need to tap the More option (three vertical dots icon) and select the Download offline map and then press the Download option.
To Download Areas and Navigate Offline Using Google Maps Application for iPhone/iPad
- Firstly, you will need to go to the applications menu and tap on the Google Maps app You will be directed to the Google Maps app.
- Next, you will need to ensure that your iPhone or iPad is connected to the internet and you are not in Incognito mode.
- Then, you will need to search for a destination, for example, California.
- After that, you will need to tap the name or address of the place located at the bottom, and then select the More option (three horizontal dots).
- Then, you will simply need to select the Download offline map and press the Download
So, now as you know the steps to download and use a Google Maps app offline, you can easily do so. Although, if you ever wish to use Google Maps offline, there are some sacrifices you would want to consider.
While you can search for a nearby location using the application, the information you will find will only be as latest as the last data you would have downloaded.
Things such as holiday hours may not be accounted for. In case you wish to deny Google Maps access to mobile data completely, you will not have access to traffic or other real-time road conditions or updates.
At last, you will only be provided directions when operating Google Maps offline, and nothing else.