How much data does Google Maps use?

Google Maps uses about 5 MB an hour at Navigation (standard map) and up to 20 MB an hour at Satellite view.

Traveller following a map on his phone in narrow old town streets, watercolour
Contents8 sections
Setting1 hour2 hours a day for a week
Navigation (standard map)5 MB70 MB
Navigation with live traffic8 MB112 MB
Satellite view20 MB280 MB

Source: Firsty

Google Maps data per hour
Navigation (standard map): 5 MB an hourNavigation (standard map)5 MBNavigation with live traffic: 8 MB an hourNavigation with live traffic8 MBSatellite view: 20 MB an hourSatellite view20 MB
How long 10 GB lasts on Google Maps
Navigation (standard map): 2000 hours of useNavigation (standard map)2000 hoursNavigation with live traffic: 1250 hours of useNavigation with live traffic1250 hoursSatellite view: 500 hours of useSatellite view500 hours

How to use less data on Google Maps

Google Maps data use: standard, live traffic and satellite

Navigation on the standard map uses about 5 MB an hour. Live traffic adds congestion colours and rerouting, which brings it to about 8 MB an hour.

Satellite view loads aerial photos and uses about 20 MB an hour, four times the standard map. Maps is one of the lightest apps on your phone, so navigation alone will never use up a travel plan.

How long 1 GB and 10 GB last on Google Maps

One gigabyte covers about 200 hours of navigation on the standard map, 125 hours with live traffic or 50 hours in satellite view.

Even a 1 GB plan holds more navigation than a two-week trip needs. The data goes on the photos, videos and searches you open along the way.

Cyclist checking phone navigation at a countryside crossroads, watercolour

Google Maps data for a one-week and a two-week trip

Two hours of navigation a day uses about 70 MB a week on the standard map and 110 MB with live traffic. Satellite view takes the week to 280 MB.

Over two weeks the same use comes to 140 MB on the standard map or 560 MB in satellite view. Looking at place photos and reviews in Maps adds more, since every photo loads over your data.

Change the map type on iPhone and Android

Open Google Maps and tap the layers button on the map. Choose Default instead of Satellite, and turn off the Traffic layer if you do not need it. The steps are the same on iPhone and Android.

Your choice stays until you change it. Navigation still shows traffic on your route when you are driving.

Download offline maps before you travel

On Wi-Fi, tap your profile picture, then Offline maps, then Select your own map. Move the box over the city or region and tap Download. Offline maps give driving directions and place details with no data at all.

Walking and transit directions need a connection in most countries, so keep some data for those. Offline maps expire after about a year if you do not update them on Wi-Fi.

FAQ

How much data does Google Maps use per hour?
About 5 MB on the standard map, 8 MB with live traffic and 20 MB in satellite view.
Does Google Maps use a lot of data?
No. Two hours of navigation a day uses about 70 MB a week on the standard map.
Can I use Google Maps offline abroad?
Yes. Download the area on Wi-Fi under Offline maps and you get driving directions with no data.
Does Google Maps work without mobile data?
Yes, for downloaded areas and driving directions. Live traffic, transit routes and new searches need a connection.
How much data does Google Maps use in a week?
About 70 MB for two hours of navigation a day on the standard map, or 280 MB in satellite view.
Is 1 GB enough for Google Maps on holiday?
Yes. 1 GB covers about 200 hours of navigation on the standard map.

Work out your whole trip

Add up maps, music, video and calls for every day of your trip with the travel data calculator.

Plan size for 2 hours a day at Navigation with live traffic for 2 weeks: 224 MB plus 10% extra.