We’re so dependent on our cell phones and their navigation apps that we don’t even think about directions anymore. But, what happens if you’re running out of data? Don’t worry. We have a hack to teach you how to use your phone GPS without data.
This is definitely helpful when you’re traveling. For more tips, check out all of our travel posts.
I come from the generation that used to look up directions on MapQuest and then either print out a paper map or write the directions down. If you missed a turn, you had to go back. There was no rerouting.
That same generation then purchased a large, clunky GPS device to sit in ours car and direct us. If you missed a turn then, the GPS would start recalculating. The way the GPS voice said it felt pretty condescending, but you did get where you were going.
And, now, everyone’s mobile phone has a GPS built right in. But, I’m still old. And so is my phone plan. And that means I still have limited data.
But good news. Pete has come up with an amazing trick to use the GPS on your phone without using data. It’s such a good hack that I use every time I’m driving long distances.
The GPS isn’t the only mobile app that’s helpful when you’re traveling. For more, check out our list of 10 Free Apps To Make Your Vacation Easier. There are ones for finding public restrooms, ridesharing, and more.
How To Use Your Phone GPS Without Data
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To start, you need to have some sort of an internet connection, either cellular data or WiFi.
Open the map app on your phone (either Apple Maps or Google Maps, whatever you prefer).
Put in the address of where you’re going into the search bar and load the directions.
Turn your phone on airplane mode.
That’s it.
Your turn-by-turn directions will still be accessible when your phone is on airplane mode, just like how a car’s GPS is able to work without being connected to the Internet. As you drive, the map will update because of the GPS satellites and get you where you need to go.
Since your phone is on airplane mode, it won’t be using any of your data to run the map. If your phone was on regular mode, the map would constantly be updating via data (that’s how it can reroute you as soon as you make a wrong turn) and you would be using some data the whole time. So turn it off.
The only downfalls are that if you do make any wrong turns, the map won’t automatically reroute you. You’ll either have to take the phone off airplane mode and have it create a new map or you just have to use your brain to figure out how to get back onto the path. And, you might not get any live information with traffic updates, so you could be headed straight for bumper to bumper traffic and not know. But, that’s a small price to pay to save your phone data.
Now, all you need is a phone holder and a car charger and you are good to go.
Use The GPS On Your Phone Without Using Data: Frequently Asked Questions
GPS (Global Positioning System) pings off satellites that determine a car’s exact location and uses that information to get you to your end point. Technically, it uses micro-waves to communicate with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network’s satellites in real time to determine the car’s location. Those don’t use any sort of Internet connection, so that’s how you can use the GPS without data.
If you have an old phone that isn’t hooked up to a mobile data plan, you should still be able to use the phone as a GPS in your car, as long as it has the ability to get onto WiFi. When it’s connected to a WiFi network, create your map. When you get into the car, you’ll still be able to follow the map.
Airplane mode will definitely work as a battery saver.
When you’re out with your phone, it is constantly looking for a WiFi signal and a cellular signal. These things use your battery — and use it very quickly if you’re in a dead zone without cell service where the phone is constantly trying to find a signal. On airplane mode, your phone doesn’t do that, so the batter lasts much longer.
Once you create a map in either the Apple Maps or Google Maps app, you have the option to download the map data. These are referred to as offline maps because you’re able to access them when you’re offline (meaning you don’t need any sort of cellular service or data connection).
This works best if you’re traveling within town or a short distance because you choose an area to download and you need your driving to be contained to that area.
If you use Android phones, this link is really helpful to tell you how to use Google maps in offline mode.
If you’re taking a road trip where you’re driving hours, that’s just too long of a distance to contain within that preloaded map.
So, I personally don’t use it, but I found a free app called Offline Map Navigation by VirtualMaze that allows you to use offline maps to locate yourself (if you’re lost), find nearby locations (like restaurants, if you’re traveling and looking for food), and more.
What’s great is the app says it has additional features, like weather reports, which other mobile apps won’t update if you’re in offline mode. So it sounds really promising, especially if you’re in a remote location, like National Parks, where your mobile device probably has really poor reception.
Did you know this trick about how to use the GPS on your phone without using data? Let us know if you did in the comments.