How much data does Apple Maps use, and how can you reduce it?

How much data does Apple Maps use?

Apple Maps typically uses about 1 MB of data for every 10 miles (16 kilometers), making it relatively efficient compared to other navigation apps. If you’re traveling by car on a highway at 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) per hour for 4 hours, your Apple Maps trip will probably use 24 MB.

However, the exact amount of cellular data Apple Maps uses will vary depending on your speed, the trip complexity, and the map features you use. In general, Apple Maps uses anywhere from 5 MB to 10 MB of data per hour of driving.

When you compare Apple Maps to other apps, it consumes about the same amount of data. For example, Apple Maps is only slightly more efficient than Google Maps — Google Maps data usage can be between 5 MB and 20 MB per hour.

Factors influencing Apple Maps data usage

Multiple factors can influence your Apple Maps data usage, so it is important to understand how much data Apple Maps uses and what you can do to limit your data usage.

Route complexity

Route complexity is a major factor in how much data Apple Maps uses. If you’re navigating to a destination with complex road networks (like a dense urban area), Apple Maps will have to fetch more road information, and therefore, it will consume more data. Frequent rerouting can also result in high data usage because Apple Maps has to use data to generate new directions and help you continue navigating every time you take a detour.

So if you’re concerned about how much data Apple Maps uses, try not to miss turns and research road closures ahead of time. You can also pause navigation on your Apple device if you have to take a detour during your trip. For example, stop using Apple Maps when you stop at a rest stop or shopping center.

Map detail settings

More detailed map settings increase your Apple Maps data usage. For example, the 3D view consumes about 2-5 MB per hour. While the Apple Maps 3D view is a nice feature, it’s not necessary when you just need driving directions. To save on data usage, we recommend sticking to the standard Apple Maps view instead of using satellite or terrain instead of loading more complicated images.

Real-time traffic updates

Real-time traffic updates can be a handy tool when you’re navigating, but they also consume a lot of data. Accessing live traffic alerts via Apple Maps requires continuous data streaming, which can consume between an extra 2-6 MB per hour.

How to monitor Apple Maps data usage 

Follow these steps to monitor your Apple Maps data usage:

1. Open “Settings.”

2. Select “Cellular.”

3. Scroll down to “Maps.”

4. Your data usage for the current period will be displayed next to the app logo.

To understand exactly how much data a specific Apple Maps trip uses, reset statistics before you depart. This step clears your phone’s data usage statistics and starts a new tracking period, and you can use this technique to monitor data usage for Apple Maps and all your other apps.

How to reduce Apple Maps mobile data usage

If you’re on a limited data plan or traveling abroad, you can follow these tips for how to reduce Apple Maps mobile data usage.

Preload the route

Before you start your trip, you can connect your phone to Wi-Fi and preload the route on Apple Maps. Your phone will cache the Apple Maps data, so it will have to fetch less information when you’re on the road. Preloading your directions can act as a partial offline mode, but Apple Maps will still have to use some data when navigating to your final destination.

Download maps

You can also decide to download maps from Apple Maps to use offline. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Apple Maps app.

2. Search for your destination.

3. Click “More…”

4. Select “Download map.”

5. Adjust the area size for your offline map.

6. Click “Download.”

Then, you can use the map offline for step-by-step directions. However, Apple does not offer downloadable maps for all locations.

Adjust settings

If you adjust your Apple Maps settings to disable certain maps functions, you can save on data. Try turning off features like the air quality index, weather conditions, and real-time alerts. You can also consider putting your Apple device in low data mode to keep data usage to a minimum.

Stop background refresh

Some apps refresh in the background, even if you’re not using them, and when they do, they consume extra, unnecessary data. That means that even if Apple Maps uses minimal GBs when navigating, other apps could be draining your data.

Thankfully, you can turn off background refresh on your iOS device:

1. Go to “Settings.”

2. Tap on “General.”

3. Scroll down and select “Background app refresh.”

4. Set Background App Refresh to “Off.”

Using Apple Maps while traveling

Using Apple Maps while traveling can help you explore new cities all around the world. However, navigating with Apple Maps can get very expensive very quickly.

Data roaming fees, especially international data roaming fees, can stack up in the blink of an eye, even if you keep track of how much data Apple Maps uses. That’s why an eSIM is a must for international travelers.

An eSIM allows you to access high-speed data for a reasonable rate, no matter where you are. eSIM services are much cheaper than your service provider’s international roaming fees, and they’re significantly easier to use than physical prepaid SIM cards. So when you compare your options for using your Apple devices abroad, eSIMs are the obvious winner.

With an eSIM, there’s no hassle. You simply buy an eSIM plan, get your provider’s app, and head out on your trip! And if Apple Maps (or any other apps) use more data than you were expecting, you can top up your plan with just a few clicks. Saily’s affordable eSIM services make it easy to stay connected, no matter where you are!