How to download a New York map on your phone?
To navigate New York, here's how to get a New York map on your phone without using mobile data and without an international plan.
Google Maps is the best way to navigate New York. The app uses real-time location to show exactly where you are on a map. But what if you don’t have an international data plan or want to avoid expensive mobile charges? Here’s the solution: download an offline map.
How to download an offline map on Google Maps
- 1/ Download and open the Google Maps app on your phone.
- 2/ Tap your profile photo (or initial) in the top right corner.
- 3/ Tap “Offline maps”. You’ll see this section:
- 4/ Tap “Select your own map”. A window opens where you can choose the area you want to download.
- 5/ Move the map and zoom to define the area you want to download. In the example below, I’m downloading all of Manhattan. To start the download, tap the “Download” button in the bottom right.
- 6/ The download takes a few seconds and you’re done. Your map now appears in the list.
- 7/ Here’s a useful detail: you can name each map to keep track of different downloads. It’s easy—tap the map, then tap the pencil icon. Here’s an example from my phone:
How to use an offline map
- Once in New York, turn off mobile data to avoid charges from your carrier. A good approach is to stay in airplane mode during your entire stay and use WiFi only. No WiFi available? That’s when your offline map comes in handy.
- Using an offline map is simple: just open and use Google Maps as you normally would with an internet connection. Even without a signal, all streets display and your phone’s GPS keeps you perfectly positioned. Google Maps pulls information from the map you downloaded. Very convenient!
For more tips, visit our page on things to know about New York.