How much data does Google Maps use?

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In this blog:

Factors Influencing Data Usage
Does Google Maps Work Offline?
How to Reduce Data Consumption
Tips for Monitoring Data Usage
Comparing Google Maps with Other Navigation Apps
Staying Connected with Firsty

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If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a sidewalk in a new city staring at your phone, trying to figure out which way you’re supposed to go, you're not the only one. “Am I supposed to turn around?” “Which direction am I facing?” “I swear my phone told me I was walking in the right direction a minute ago.” These are all questions and things we’ve said or at least heard friends say when navigating a new city. Most likely, you were using a navigational tool like Google Maps.

Google Maps is an app that allows you to navigate the city at your fingertips. Google Maps is a fantastic way to get to know a foreign location, including a wide selection of places to eat, attractions, famous landmarks, and a super accurate way of telling how far you are from something.

We may look a bit silly when we’re trying to figure out directions in a new country, but have we ever stopped and wondered how much data your maps use? For those who have experienced hefty data roaming charges, or fought that by getting themselves a local SIM card, they know that time looking at Google Maps is costly. But how much exactly? Let’s uncover just how much data Google Maps uses and how you can navigate smarter, not harder.

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Factors Influencing Data Usage in Maps

Using standard turn-by-turn navigation in map view on Google Maps is pretty light on data. Google Maps can consume between 3-5 MB per hour on average. To break it down by the minutes, for 10 minutes on Google Maps, you’ll use about half a Megabyte. However, this depends on a variety of things. Here’s a breakdown of all factors affecting how much data Google Maps consumes.

Opening the App: Like almost any other app that connects to the internet, data will be used. In Google Maps, data is required to render the map you’re looking at or for. This can be substantial if you’re loading a new or detailed area for the first time. Sources recommend to render the map before you go out.
Zooming In and Out: Frequently zooming in and out forces the map you’re looking at to load new details. When you zoom out, you will load more details on the surrounding area you’re in, but if you’re zooming in, it will load the streets, restaurants, and other places to visit near it.
Checking Places of Interest: If you’re zooming in or looking up specific locations, it will need to load the locations you’re looking for. Not only loading the place of interest, but if you click on it, the additional information like reviews and images will also require more data to load.
Following Directions: Navigation can significantly increase data consumption, particularly with real-time traffic and updates, rerouting and whether you’re walking, taking public transportation or just walking.
Satellite View: The type of map you’re using, whether satellite or a map view can also significantly influence how much data you consume. Standard maps are less data-intensive compared to the satellite and terrain views. Those maps use high-resolution images and more detailed data in the surrounding area. A quick 10-minute session in Satellite view can use up to 30 MB of data!

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Does Google Maps Work Offline?

Yes, Google Maps works offline if you download the map of the city or location you’re traveling to. For example, if you plan on visiting Amsterdam (Netherlands), you can download and save a detailed map of the city for reference during your trip. Offline maps offer driving directions and allow you to access important information about places, addresses, and business hours. Offline maps don’t offer transit directions or traffic updates and alternate routes.

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How to Reduce Data Consumption on Google Maps

Here are four practical tips to reduce data usage and costs while using Google Maps:

Download Maps to View Offline: One of the best features of Google Maps is the ability to download maps for offline use. Downloading a map typically requires over 100 MB, depending on the area’s size and detail. But once downloaded, you can navigate without using any data at all! Save your mobile data whenever possible by downloading maps and updates over Wi-Fi.
Avoid Satellite View: Stick with the default Map view unless necessary. Satellite view, with its high-resolution images, uses significantly more data. By using the standard map view, you still get all the essential navigation information without the hefty data cost.
Data Saver Modes: In Google Maps settings, opt for data-saving modes and disable features you don’t need. You can turn off real-time traffic updates, which can consume a lot of data. Additionally, disable automatic rerouting and location sharing to further minimize data usage.
Use an eSIM for Reduced Data Costs: If your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible, an eSIM offers affordable, prepaid data plans tailored to your usage. This helps you avoid expensive roaming charges and consume data at a much lower cost.

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Tips for Monitoring Data Usage

To keep tabs on how much data Google Maps uses, both iOS and Android devices make it easy.

iOS:

Open Settings: Start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone.
Select Cellular: Scroll down and tap on “Cellular.”
Check Data Usage: Under the Cellular Data section, you’ll see a list of apps and how much data they’ve used. Find Google Maps in this list to see its data consumption.
Adjust Settings: If Google Maps is using too much data, you can toggle off its access to cellular data. This will restrict Google Maps to Wi-Fi only, preventing it from using your mobile data.

Android:

Open Settings: Start by opening the Settings app on your Android device.
Select Network & Internet: Tap on “Network & Internet” or “Connections.”
Go to Data Usage: Tap on “Data Usage” to view your overall data consumption.
App Data Usage: Tap on “App Data Usage” to see a breakdown of data usage by individual apps. Find Google Maps in this list to check its data consumption.
Adjust Settings: If Google Maps is using too much data, you can tap on it to access more settings. Here, you can restrict background data usage or enable data saver mode for the app, which limits its data usage while still allowing essential functions.

Comparing Google Maps with Other Navigation Apps

Google Maps vs. Waze: Waze, another highly regarded navigation app, is praised for its real-time traffic updates and user-reported alerts. However, Waze tends to use more data because it relies on constant connectivity to provide live updates.

Google Maps vs. Apple Maps: Apple Maps initially received a lot of criticism for its location accuracy, but it has made significant improvements over the years. In terms of data usage, both apps are quite similar, although Apple Maps might consume slightly more data due to its interface and frequent updates.

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Using Google Maps with Firsty—for Free!

Firsty is the only solution that allows you to access Google Maps without having to worry about how much data it is consuming. With Firsty Free, you have access to all the essential apps without having to pay for anything, including Google Maps. Firsty Free offers speeds sufficient for messaging, email, online calling, and using Google Maps.

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With Firsty Free, here are some of the things you can do on Google Maps with a reliable connection:

Check how far something is from you and how long it takes to get there.
Look up restaurants, museums, and landmarks near you.
Find more information on the location you’re searching for.

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With Firsty you can stay on Firsty Free and use basic Google Maps functions, or you can always choose to upgrade to Firsty Fast without needing to find Wi-Fi!

Choosing between Firsty Free and Firsty Fast:

Firsty Free: Enjoy unlimited mobile data at basic speeds for €0/day. Perfect for messaging, email, and maps. Simply watch a few advertisements to stay connected.
Firsty Fast: For just €1/day, unlock high-speed data for social media, streaming, and hotspot usage—no ads, just pure connectivity.

How to Get Started: