Where Does Google Maps Store Offline Maps?
Google Maps keeps offline areas in private app storage, managed in app. Android and iOS paths plus SD card behavior.
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Google Maps stores downloaded areas inside private app storage, not in a folder you can open. You manage them from the app under your profile picture, Offline maps, where each area shows its size, age and expiry. Maps refresh on their own when the phone charges on Wi-Fi.
There is no maps folder to back up. Moving offline areas means redownloading them under the same Google account. Android offers an SD card option in Settings that shifts future downloads, while existing areas stay put until you remove and fetch them again.
Where Google Maps stores this, by platform
App-private storage (SD card optional via Settings)
Package com.google.android.apps.maps. Manage under profile, Offline maps. SD toggle moves future downloads only. Downloads expire after about a year without refresh, so check dates before a trip.
App sandbox (managed under Offline maps)
Same in-app management, no SD option on iPhone. Storage pressure from iOS can evict large areas silently. Download the area again over Wi-Fi before leaving coverage.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move Google Maps offline areas to SD card?
Open Settings, then Storage, and choose SD card for future downloads. Existing areas stay on internal storage until you delete and redownload them. Keep enough free space for the largest area plus headroom.
Do offline maps expire?
Yes, after about a year without an update. The app refreshes them automatically on Wi-Fi while charging. An expired area still opens but may miss new roads, so update manually from the Offline maps list before traveling.
Can I copy offline maps to another phone?
No. Downloads live in private storage tied to the app install. Sign in on the new phone and download the same areas again. The list of places and saved lists syncs separately through your Google account.
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