Skip to main content

Google Maps lets you save offline areas to the SD card, adds Wi-Fi only mode

Google Maps now has a Wi-Fi only mode for those times you’re in an area with spotty coverage, or say if you’re in another country and the data prices are expensive.

What if you don’t have any available Wi-Fi hot spots near you? Triggering the mode forces Maps to go entirely offline on Android — and “you can still use other apps and the rest of your phone as you normally would,” according to the Google Maps blog post. “You might even save on battery life, too.” If you happen to hop on a Wi-Fi connection, the map will update.

Recommended Videos

To go into Wi-Fi only mode, swipe right from the side to open up the menu, go to Settings and tap on Wi-Fi only. You’ll see a notification at the top of the app that indicates you’re in Wi-Fi only mode, so that you don’t forget to turn it off when you want to go back to using data.  Google has been testing the Wi-Fi only feature for about a month in the beta version of the Maps app.

You’ll also now be able to save areas of the map straight to your SD card if your phone supports a MicroSD card slot. That’s helpful if you don’t have a lot of storage on your smartphone. Swipe right to get to the menu again and tap on Offline areas to see what you have saved. You can save a relatively large area, and you’ll have the option of saving it to your internal storage or to an SD card if the app detects you have one. These offline areas are updated every 30 days whenever you’re on Wi-Fi.

Offline areas has been around for a while, but the app still used some data if a data connection was available. Now, with Wi-Fi only mode you can set up an offline area, trigger the mode and you won’t have to worry about the app using data again.

The update should be rolling out now, but it looks like it’s currently available for Android only.

Julian Chokkattu
Former Mobile and Wearables Editor
Julian is the mobile and wearables editor at Digital Trends, covering smartphones, fitness trackers, smartwatches, and more…
Google Maps reminds you to wear a mask in new update
man checking phone with mask on

If you’re looking for a restaurant or coffee shop to go to, Google Maps now reminds you to wear your mask before leaving your house.

A new banner that says, “Wear a Mask. Save Lives.” now appears on your Maps’ “Explore” tab if you're using an Android phone. 

Read more
Google confirms merging Chrome OS and Android into one platform
Google Chrome app on s8 screen.

Why it matters: Google's push to blend Chrome OS and Android could supercharge affordable laptops like Chromebooks, making them more versatile for work and play. This move echoes Apple's seamless ecosystem across iPadOS and macOS, potentially shaking up the PC market where Windows dominates but innovation lags.

What's happening: In a bombshell interview, Google's Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat outright confirmed the company is "combining Chrome OS and Android into a single platform. This follows months of rumors and aligns with Android 16's new desktop-friendly features, like proper windowing and external display support. But then Samat later clarified on X that it's not a full-on merger killing Chrome OS; instead, it's about weaving Android's tech stack deeper into Chrome for better app compatibility and hardware efficiency.

Read more
The best iPhone apps in 2025: These are the apps you need to download right now
Best iPhone apps 2025.

Your iPhone is a powerhouse, but with millions of apps cluttering the App Store, picking winners saves time, boosts efficiency, and amps up fun—especially as iOS evolves with smarter AI and seamless integrations.

I've curated standout apps based on my personal experience in addition to researching reader reviews and even other sites on the web across essential categories, drawing from hands-on tests and expert insights. These aren't just popular; they're game-changers for productivity, health, entertainment, and more. 

Read more