Many of us rely every day on navigation apps like Google Maps to get us around on our daily commutes, during errands and while we travel. And just as frequently, many people probably wonder, “Is this app draining my data plan?” 

There’s actually a misconception that navigation apps use a large amount of data. Typically data usage is much lower than expected. But it’s still important to understand their usage for people that are budget-conscious, so let’s dive in.

Does Google Maps use a lot of data?

The average data usage per hour is approximately 5-10MB per hour of navigation. Refreshing for real-time traffic conditions uses about 7-10MB per hour, longer trips may use 12-20MB and satellite view uses 15-10MB per hour.

Comparatively, a streaming app like YouTube uses 80MB an hour, and that’s on the lowest video quality setting! Social media apps like TikTok are also big data users, with TikTok using 840MB per hour, or just under 1GB. So, as you can see, Google Maps doesn’t use that much data in comparison.

What impacts data usage? Turn-by-turn navigation vs. browsing maps, satellite view vs. standard map view, frequent re-routing or traffic updates, background app refresh, searching for locations vs. active navigation on a purple background

What impacts data usage?

Several factors can impact data usage when it comes to Google Maps. These include:

  • Turn-by-turn navigation vs browsing maps: Navigation uses more data because you’re getting constant traffic updates, while just browsing means you’re looking at a static map.
  • Satellite view vs standard map view: Satellite and terrain views consume more data, because they use higher resolution images compared to standard map views.
  • Frequent re-routing or traffic updates: Getting live traffic updates or constantly re-routing uses more data than standard navigation because of the data needed to update and calculate routes.
  • Background app refresh: If not disabled, Google Maps may be using data in the background to constantly refresh your location and maps.
  • Searching for locations vs active navigation: Every time you look up a new destination, Google Maps needs to download new information, including things like photos and reviews. This eats up more data than just using whatever your active navigation is.  
How to check google maps data usage: on iPhone: settings, cellular, under "current period" and on android: settings, network & internet, mobile network

How to check Google Maps data usage

Interested in seeing how much data you use while running Google Maps? See below to find out how much data you’re using depending on your type of phone.

How to check Google Maps data usage on iPhone

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Go to Cellular
  3. Under “Current Period,” scroll down to see Google Maps data usage
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“Note”

Current Period refers to the period of time since you last reset your data usage.

How to check Google Maps data usage on Android

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap Network & Internet
  3. Select Mobile network
  4. Scroll down to see Google Maps data usage

Does Google Maps use data offline?

Yes, you can use Google Maps offline, and it can be a great way to save on data! If you know you’ll need a map of a specific area, you can download the map ahead of time to use offline. Once saved, you can use turn-by-turn driving navigation, search for locations and still get estimated arrival times. You won’t, however, be able to get real-time traffic updates.

how to reduce data usage on google maps: download offline maps before traveling, switch to wifi when planning routes, use standard map view instead of satellite, limit background data usage in phone settings, close the app when not in use on a purple background

How to reduce data usage on Google Maps

There are several ways to reduce data usage when using Google Maps. Here are a few:

  • Download offline maps before traveling: As mentioned above, downloading maps to use offline is a great way to reduce your data usage and you can still use many functions of the app.
  • Switch to Wi-Fi when planning routes: Toggle on Wi-Fi only via the app and you’ll save data while browsing, searching and planning routes.
  • Use standard map view instead of satellite: As mentioned earlier, satellite view uses more data thanks to the higher resolution images. Opt for standard map view to use less data.
  • Limit background data usage in phone settings: Turn off background app refresh so Google Maps isn’t constantly updating in the background and using up data.
  • Close the app when not in use: If you’re not using the app, close it out so it’s not running in the background. 
When data usage might add up: long road trips with continuous navigation, international travel without wifi, and frequent searches and map browsing on a purple background

When data usage might add up

Here are a few times when data usage might go over while using Google Maps:

  • Long road trips with continuous navigation: Standard navigation only uses 5-10MB an hour, but that can add up if you’re on a very long trip, especially with any real-time updates factored in.
  • International travel without Wi-Fi: If you’re not able to use Wi-Fi while accessing maps abroad, the app will start using up your data.
  • Frequent searches and map browsing: As mentioned above, searching up new destinations constantly means Google Maps has to refresh with new information, including things like reviews and photos.
now you're ready to hit the road with an iphone icon and a purple background

Now you’re ready to hit the road

As you’ve learned, Google Maps actually uses relatively minimal data for navigation compared to streaming and social media apps, but you can make big data savings from small habit changes, like opting for offline maps. 

If you’re a big navigation app user, it also makes sense to find the right mobile plan that offers the data you need to navigate. Tap the button below to learn more about Ultra Mobile’s plans, so you can feel confident navigating without any fear of overages.

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