How to download Waze maps to use it offline on Android or iOS

In this article we will explain how to use the Waze navigation app offline, what data requirements are needed for the app to work correctly on the iPhone or Android in 2023, and discuss the offline features of Waze.

We've tested how Waze works offline, checking what features are available to users. We'll also share with you apps that can seamlessly complement Waze's offline capabilities and compare which app handles maps best in situations where the internet is not available.

How to set up Waze to use offline maps

We have looked into using offline maps on mobile devices. Some users note that so far, Waze developers have not implemented this feature in their app.

This is true, but it should not be overlooked that Waze maps are available without a WiFi connection if the user has previously looked up information on the region of interest. Based on our usage experience, we offer you the following instructions on how to prepare your mobile device.

The video instructions:

To use offline maps, first prepare the Waze app for autonomous operations. To do this,

Step 1. Turn on the Internet (wi-fi or mobile data) on your mobile device

Step 2. Build the route to the final point (do this while Waze is online and connected to the internet!)

Step 3. After preparing you can disconnect the Internet and use maps offline on Waze.

Basic GPS navigation will work, because Waze knows how to drive and all the information is in the app cache. At the same time, keep in mind that real-time data will not be available to the driver when using Waze offline.

Step 4. Read on for more details.

Can I use Waze with no internet connection?

Waze functionality involves active use of the internet for syncing data with other drivers and pedestrians, but it can also be used as an offline navigation app.

Officially, there is no way you can save the data you need in the memory of your phone via this app, but its users have found a way out. This method has a number of limitations, but you can use the basic features of Waze without a network connection.

How to save Waze maps for offline use

In order to save data for future offline usage, complete the following steps:

1. Connect the device to a Wi-Fi network which has Waze installed on it. This step is relevant only for new routes.

2. Open Waze app on Android or iPhone;

3. Enter the address you want to build the route to.

4. If necessary, you can specify the starting point, if it's different from your current location;

5. After the route is created, tap on Go button, as if you're planning to go to the specified point right now;

6. The app calculates the best route taking into account traffic jams and other travel conditions and then saves this route to cache.

7. Now that the data is written to the app memory, you can use this saved route without an internet connection.

How to download maps on Waze

Data which was saved while your device was connected to the internet will remain in the app even after you close it. Thus, you can record several various destination points to the Waze memory. You can get them in the nearest future, so all of them will be saved and GPS navigation features can be enabled when your device isn't connected to any network.

How to download previously recorded routes:

Step 1. Open Waze app;

Step 2. Make sure that your device is disconnected from internet;

Step 3. Tap on the Search icon in order to open the list of previously specified routes;

Step 4. The search history is displayed in the tab "Favorites". In the same section you can add frequently visited places so that in the future you don't have to rebuild them;

Step 5. Now select any location to which you've already built the direction when the software was connected to a network. Launch the feature.

The volume of data stored in Waze for maps

On average, the app uses between 50 and 100 MB for offline maps. However, if you use Waze frequently, the amount of space used can increase proportionally up to 200 MB.

By the way, in this article we explain in detail how Waze consumes mobile data when downloading maps and getting other necessary information: https://mygpstools.com/how-much-data-waze-use

You can clear your phone memory by getting rid of unnecessary cache. In this way you can save 100-200 MB of space, which may benefit navigation applications.

Clearing Waze cached files

However, we advise you not to delete the Waze cache manually as deleting the cache will cause the maps to stop working offline. Instead, use the CCleaner app.

Initially CCleaner was a program for clearing the memory of computers and laptops. Then its developers created a mobile version for working on Android.

The process of clearing Waze cached files is similar to the one via Clean Master:

1. Download and run the app;

2. Go to "Cleaner" section

3. Tap on "Analyze" button;

4. Select unneeded files from the menu and tap on "Clean" button;

5. Wait for the program to get rid of system cache.

CCleaner has paid features (the cost of its annual subscription is $12.49), but the free version of the app is suitable for removing system cache.

Download CCleaner for Android

Can I use Waze maps without downloading data?

The routes themselves don't take up space since they're simply marked with a different color on the already loaded Waze map.

If you usually move within the same city and rarely add new routes, the amount of data stored on your device will be around 50 MB. The larger the area you want to save, the more the files in Waze cache will weigh.

You can use Waze without downloading internet data, but the app's functions will be severely limited:

• The app will stop receiving live traffic updates
• Waze will not display the maps of cities and countries that have not been downloaded to your device

Limitations of offline maps usage in Waze

1. In its offline mode there is no possibility to receive up-to-date information on live road traffic

2. It is not possible to sync the data received from Wazers

3. Another significant drawback of the offline mode of Waze is its inability to switch to 3D display. Even if you enable it in advance while your device is connected to an unlimited Wi-Fi network, this kind of data won't be stored in the app cache.

All other features work in the same way as they do in online mode, provided that the map of an area has been previously downloaded.

Building Waze routes for offline use

If there is no internet connection and you haven't previously created any route, you won't be able to build a new route to the point specified on a map via the Waze app. In order to obtain reliable and up-to-date information, this navigation app requires a network connection, although what makes it different from other apps of the same kind is its correct operation even with an unstable network connection.

How to update Waze offline maps

Due to the fact that Waze actively uses data received from other users, the app is updated every time your device has access to the internet. It's enough to update the map itself every 1-2 weeks, especially if you often move around densely populated districts.

The best way is to update the data on the route you need right before you go on a trip, so that the app has time and possibility to assess the travel conditions and offer your the best path which then will be saved in the search history.

See also: The instructions how to update offline maps on Waze

What you can save for use without internet

Summarizing the information we've presented above, we can highlight the following key points of working with Waze offline:

• The app allows you to save and use a map of an area and prebuilt routes;
• While you're moving on a chosen path with no access to the internet, the data on how suitable the selected route is won't be updated. So there is no way how you can save the information on multiple path options for offline use;

While following a predetermined route, you won't be able to change the way a map is displayed. In order to work without connection to the internet only 2D mode is saved, with no detailed information on the objects located along your route.

Downloading maps offline in Waze: pros and cons

Pros:

• Basic routes will work without internet
• Offline maps take up little space on your phone

Cons:

• No way to download maps of cities and regions
• You can't quickly check if routes are available offline

What is the best offline map? Alternative apps

As you can see, the offline functionality of Waze is only partially implemented. However you can use other apps.

• HERE WeGo is an offline map and navigation app for major European cities. It supports about 50 countries for autonomous operation.

Pros:

• Offline maps features
• Voice navigation support

Cons:

• No multipoint functionality

• It is unstable

• Sygic - the app does not use mobile data if you have previously downloaded maps to your device. The maps are very fast, they are well detailed and available offline in 3d format.

Pros:

• Highly precise address data
• Offline navigation features

Cons:

• Bad routing features

• Paid features

• Google Maps - the app is installed on Android. Select an area and download an offline map. You can download a map of an entire city, state or region. All features are free, using the navigator is very convenient for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Pros:

• Great offline functionality
• Great user experience

Cons:

• Limited iOS functionality
• Limited Accuracy

Offline navigation FAQ