How Much Data Does Google Maps Use? (& How to Save It)

Google Maps data usage depends on multiple factors, like your activity in the app, the complexity of the route, and device settings. On average, the app uses 200 MB of data in online mode, depending on the activity. 

Google Maps is the navigational app that provides traffic updates. It is the perfect route assistant when you explore a new city or a country. But it uses the internet to operate. Travellers with limited data plans are concerned about how much data Google Maps uses. 

This article is a detailed guide on Google Maps data usage. Moreover, how you can monitor the data consumption and the essential tips to reduce excessive mobile data usage. 

Quick Answer: Average Google Maps Data Usage

Is Google Maps one of the major data-consuming apps? Absolutely not. The app doesn’t use that much data, you might think. Even if you are continuously using it during travel, the average data usage is lower than that of social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. 

The average data usage depends on your activity, whether you are in offline mode, refreshing the map, or using the turn-by-turn directions. The average data consumption for one hour of Google Maps use is 200MB with online mode, but it might vary depending on your activity. 

How Much Data Does Google Maps Use? (and What Affects It)

The route complexity, device settings, and voice navigation are also the leading factors that affect the data consumption. The following are the factors on which the Google Maps data usage depends. 

• Basic navigation: The simple navigation, like straight driving or walking, takes 5 to 10 MB of data.
• Route traffic updates: The navigation app ensures to provide real-time traffic information on the routes to avoid any hindrance. It takes 30 to 60 MB of data.
• Satellite view: Satellite view gives an aerial image of the surroundings, so it requires higher data. The average data usage for the satellite in an hour is around 120 to 180 MB. 
• Street view: Google Maps has the feature of street view, which requires 120 to 300 MB of data. 

How to Check Google Maps Data Usage?

Monitoring the Google Maps data usage is essential to avoid excessive consumption. Here are the steps for an Android and an iPhone device to check the Google Maps data usage. 

For iPhone

• Open the Settings app, tap Cellular.
• Scroll down to look for Google Maps.
• In the Current Period, check the data usage. 

For Android

• Go to the Settings app on your mobile phone. 
• Move to the Apps and choose Google Maps. 
• Confirm the data usage under Usage

How to Reduce Data Usage on Google Maps?

If you find that your Google Maps is eating more data, you can go through the following steps to reduce the data usage. 

Use Offline Maps

Use the offline map to reduce data usage. If you are a traveller staying in the hotel, use the hotel's WiFi connection to download the map of your travel area. It will show you the route to your destinations without using data.  

Avoid Satellite View

Satellite view is a more data-intensive activity due to the high-resolution images. If you have a limited data plan, avoid satellite view and use the standard map view. It will provide you with the essential navigational information without using excessive data. 

Disable Background Data Usage

Mobile phone apps use data in the background even when we are not active on the phone. Google Maps is one of them. To avoid the data usage without your consent, disable the background data usage. 

Limit Refreshes

Refreshing the map view uses more data. Ensure to refresh only when it's necessary. 

Monitor the Data Usage

Ensure to monitor the mobile data activity to avoid extra data plan usage.

Does Google Maps Use Data When Offline?

When you download the map of your area over a Wi-Fi connection, it doesn’t require data for further use. In offline mode, you can go through the following. 

• Explore the saved location on the map. 
• Take the turn-by-turn navigation. 
• Search for your destination in the downloaded area. 

The offline maps limit the real-time traffic and the route updates. Offline mode provides limited services but doesn’t use the cellular data connection. 

Best Data Plans for Frequent Google Maps Users

International travellers use portable WiFi, data roaming, or local SIM cards to access data. These ensure to provide the internet but include data caps, limited data coverage, and high costs. Well, these are the most frustrating concerns for my traveller. 

But there is a premium solution that offers all-in-one services. An eSIM card is the latest technology that ensures to provides an affordable, flexible, and fast connection. For the USA travellers, Phonico eSIM is perfect to access cost-effective data with fast network coverage.

You can buy the eSIM plans that suit your travel needs with unlimited talk and text services. It lets you use the social media apps, navigational apps, online streaming, and gaming without any limitations. 

Conclusion

Google Maps doesn’t use that much data like social media apps. The data consumption depends on your activity in the app. The satellite view uses more data than the basic navigation. In the article, I have discussed the steps to monitor the data usage. 

If your Google Maps is using excessive data, you can go through the steps in the article to reduce the data consumption. Using the unlimited data plans of a digital SIM is also an effective solution to avoid early data usage during travel.

FAQs

Can I use Google Maps without mobile data?

Yes, you can download the map and use it in offline mode when mobile data is not available. It lets you view the saved location and turn-by-turn directions. 

How do I stop Google Maps from using background data?

Open the settings, move to apps, and select Google Maps. Click to turn off the background data. It ensures that the app only uses data when active.  

Does Google Maps work on Wi-Fi only?

Yes, Google Maps works on WiFi when mobile data is not available. You can also enable the WiFi-only mode to prevent data consumption.