Download an iPhone Offline Map, Then Check Its Coverage
To keep an iPhone map for a trip, download an area that includes the route as well as the destination. A city-centre download may leave the airport or an outlying hotel beyond its boundary. Maps lets you adjust that boundary before downloading and resize it later.
Apple's support instructions apply to iOS 17 or later. Offline maps are offered only in selected areas, and availability varies by region. Have a reliable connection for the download and check the size Maps displays: the file uses storage on the iPhone. Downloads stay on that device, so prepare the phone you will carry.
Download through a place search
- In Maps, search for a location and tap the place in the results.
- Tap Download. When that button is not shown directly, look under More for Download Map.
- Adjust the selected area around the destination. Include the places you expect to travel between, then tap Download.
- Tap your picture or initials beside the search field, then Offline Maps. Find the map you intended to save.
- Open that map to review its area and file size. Resize the area if an important stop is missing, then tap Done when finished.
There is an alternative starting point for a place that has no convenient search result. From Offline Maps, tap the Add button and enter a location or select Current Location. You can then adjust the area and download it. Apple also describes dropping a pin on an unmarked area and choosing Download.
Try the saved area before departure
Offline Maps has a setting called Only Use Offline Maps. Turn it on for a check while you still have internet access. Maps will rely on downloaded maps, allowing you to look up the destinations within the area you saved. Afterwards, switch it off again when you want Maps to use the connection normally.
Within a downloaded area, Apple lists place details such as opening hours and ratings, plus turn-by-turn directions and estimated arrival times. Driving, walking, cycling and public transport are included in its description. Allow for the age of saved information when planning: a downloaded opening time can become outdated.
Two settings can change what is ready next time
Automatic Updates is enabled by default. Keep it on to refresh maps when details such as street or business names change. The Downloads setting also lets you restrict map downloads to Wi-Fi.
Review Optimise Storage before a trip. When enabled, it can remove maps that have gone unused for a period of time. Reopen Offline Maps near departure and confirm that the required area is still listed. If a download is missing, obtain it again while connected; if Download is unavailable for the place, check regional availability before troubleshooting storage.
To reclaim space deliberately, open the saved map in Offline Maps and choose Delete Map. Apple says removal is handled in Maps itself. A smaller selected area may be enough if storage is the issue.
These downloads serve navigation on the phone. A laptop needing internet access is a separate preparation; our USB tethering guide covers that connection and the steps for ending it. Neither preparation should be left until coverage has already disappeared.