- I used Android Auto to get to my destination with maps but without connection
- This Google Maps trick allows you to view maps on Android Auto without spending data: how to navigate offline
That Google Maps is one of the most used navigation apps makes all the sense in the world: on the one hand, it is the application that comes by default on our Android phones and on the other, it is one of the most complete. Thus, although in my opinion I like Waze more than Google Maps, Maps has a feature that can make a difference (and that is not available in Waze): offline maps. If you do not have a data rate or you are simply in a place where you have not contracted it (for example, abroad), this trick can greatly help you reach your destination: so you can see maps on Android Auto without an internet connection.
The idea is to download the maps to the phone (when we have access to the internet) in Google Maps and then project them on the car console using Android Auto and guide us while driving even if we do not have internet. To do it, you will need an Android phone compatible with Android Auto and establish the connection, wired or wireless.
Although there are others Navigation apps compatible with Android Auto that allow you to view offline maps, Google Maps is one of the most popular as we already explained in the intro and in addition, it comes standard on the mobile, so there will be no need for more apps. Before getting in the car to establish the connection and go on a trip, we will have to download maps on Google Maps when we have connection.
This function has been with us for years, but it never hurts to remember it, since it can be very useful in this driving scenario: with a a mobile phone without a SIM card, if you are abroad and do not have a roaming connection, if your data plan is limited and you do not want to devour it, to save battery life on the device or simply, for areas with poor coverage if you are interested in stable use. However, you have to keep in mind that using offline maps has drawbacks: Although you can see the route, your position and receive directions, you will miss the notification of road milestones related to the traffic status in real time, such as traffic jams or accidents. Likewise, voice commands and alternative routes are lost.
How to view maps on Android Auto offline with Google Maps
Before starting the trip and with an internet connection (for example, in a place with Wi-Fi or traveling abroad), we will download the map taking into account that These are stored for one year on the device. However, you can choose to have them update automatically. Google Maps offers two alternatives to download maps: either select a map available to download or choose the one of a location.
On our mobile, we enter the Google Maps application and tap on our profile photo in the search bar and there, we enter ‘Offline maps’. Now enter ‘Select your own map’.
Now the map will appear with your location, but you can move it as you wish and zoom in until you find the area that interests you, which must be included within the rectangle. Finally tap on ‘Discharge‘. Note that before downloading, Maps informs you how much space it will take up.
This first way is useful mainly for specific areas, but if you need a specific place and considering that Google only allows you to mark rectangles, you have the option of repeating this operation several times. Or better yet: download the map of a location. In this case you just have to go to the Google Maps search engine and write what interests you, for example ‘Paris’. Now tap on the icon with the three horizontal dots and enter ‘More’. There you will see the option to ‘Download offline maps‘, also allowing you to zoom in or out to include the surrounding area.
In both cases, after downloading you will be able to name the maps you have downloaded and once you have done so, you will be able to use Maps normally even without a network connection. So, all you have left is connect your phone to the car and have Android Auto project the map.
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Via | The Spanish
In Xataka Android | Google Maps is history on my Android Auto, now I use an alternative that even works offline