How to Save a Google Map

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Google Maps relies on an active Internet connection to download map data as you search, pan and zoom, meaning that if your smartphone loses cell service, you can't access the maps.
Image Credit: Marianna Massey/Corbis Documentary/GettyImages

Google Maps relies on an active Internet connection to download map data as you search, pan and zoom, meaning that if your smartphone loses cell service, you can't access the maps. Plan ahead by saving an area of the map for offline use, and the app will continue to work properly even without a connection.

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The computer version of the Google Maps website doesn't have a similar function; it can save locations on the map but cannot use them without an Internet connection. If you need to save a Google Map on your computer to use offline, either capture a screenshot or leave the page open.

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Save a Google Map with Mobile App

Step 1: Choose a Place

To save Google maps offline on an Android or iOs mobile device, search for a landmark at the area you want to save or swipe the map to the desired area and tap a location. Tap the name of the location at the bottom of the screen.

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Step 2: Save a Favorite

Tap Save to save the location to your Favorites list or to one of the other displayed lists. A marker such as a star will be displayed at your location. However, saving a map with the Save button does not download the map for offline use. To do so, open the menu button with the icon of three vertical dots.

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Step 3: Save an Offline Map

Tap Save offline map or Download offline map to save the current location for offline use.

Step 4: Adjust and Save

Pan and zoom the map to show the exact area you want to save. Tap Save and name the map.

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The app has a hidden shortcut to skip directly to the save screen: Search for -- or speak using voice control -- the phrase "ok maps." Here's a video of that method in action:

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Save a Map from Google Maps Website

To save a location on your computer, search the Google Maps website for it -- or click it on the map -- and click Save. Like the mobile app, the website allows you to save a location to Favorites or one of your other lists. Google marks the location on your map, but doesn't save the map for offline use.

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Unlike the Google Maps mobile app, the website doesn't provide a Google maps download feature. You have a couple of options to take a map with you on a laptop. If you leave your Web browser open with the map on your screen, you can continue to look at it even after you disconnect from the Internet, but you won't be able to pan, zoom or search for a new location.

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Your other option is to take a screenshot of the map. In Windows 10, press Windows-Print Screen to save a copy of the current screen to your pictures directory, in the Screenshots subfolder. In older versions of Windows, press Print Screen to copy the screen to the clipboard and then paste it in an image-editing program such as Paint to save it. Take multiple screenshots if necessary to cover the area you want to save.

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