Today’s total solar eclipse, which will be the last one in the continental US until 2044, is expected to draw millions of visitors to the narrow strip of visibility stretching across the country, from Texas to Maine. As a result, local officials are warning that those in the path of totality, especially in places where there will be large crowds, may expect phone service issues.
Not because of the eclipse, but simply because of the sheer amount of people in one place.
You can download multiple Google Maps areas offline.
Use your fingers to place the map you want to download within the confines of the rectangle border. Use one finger to move across the map, and a two-finger pinch to zoom in and out. As you move around the map, you’ll see how much storage space the download will take up on your phone. Once you’re happy with the area, tap Download.
Note: Alternatively, you can type a city or other area into Google Maps and then hit the Download button that appears in the pull-up window to download the map offline, but this only works on the iPhone.
Read more: Google Maps Cheat Sheet: Most Useful Tricks
You must be connected to Wi-Fi to download the map. If you want to download over cellular, go to the Offline maps page, tap the gear icon on the top right, tap When to download offline maps and select Over Wi-Fi or mobile network. Once your map is downloaded, you’ll be sent back to the Offline maps page, where you can see all your offline maps.
You’ll know you’re using your offline map when you see a little cloud icon with a line through it in Google Maps.
If you want more tips on Google, make sure to read which Google Home settings you need to change ASAP and our picks for the best Pixel phones.
