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Downloading Maps for Offline

On Apple Watch? Downloading Maps on Apple Watch

Download maps before you head out so Topo Maps+ keeps working when you lose cell service. You pick the area and the maps and overlays to include, and they’re saved on your phone.

Downloading maps requires an Essentials subscription or higher. You download maps on iPhone and iPad.

How to download a map

  1. Tap the Maps button (the folded-map icon) in the toolbar.

    The Maps button in the toolbar at the bottom of the screenThe Maps button in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen

  2. Tap Download.

    The Download button at the top of the Maps panelThe Download button at the top of the Maps panel

  3. Tap Select on each square of the map you want to download. Areas you’ve already downloaded are shown in red.Select the area you want to download. Then tap Next.

    Map squares to download, each with a Select button and its size, and the Next buttonMap squares to download, each with a Select button and its size, and the Next button

  4. Select the maps and overlays you want to include in the download, then tap Next. The maps and overlays you’re currently using are selected for you. If you’re using a Map Style Overlay (such as Hiking), Map Style Overlays is selected too, so you can switch styles while you’re offline.

    Select Maps To Download, with the active base map checked, Elevation Data for Offline Route Creation, other available maps, the total download size, and NextSelect Maps To Download, with the active base map checked, Elevation Data for Offline Route Creation, other available maps, the total download size, and Next

    If a map says Area too large to download, go back and select fewer squares.

  5. Wait for the download to complete, then tap Done.

    The Downloading screen with the progress for Glacier Topo and the message that this map can't be downloaded in the backgroundThe Downloading screen with the progress for Glacier Topo and the message that this map can't be downloaded in the background

  6. To view your downloads, tap Storage in the Maps panel.

    The Storage button in the Maps panelThe Storage button in the Maps panel

Leaving the app while a map downloads

Some maps keep downloading after you leave Topo Maps+ or lock your phone. Right now that's US Forest Service, Benchmark, and Backroad Mapbooks maps, with more coming. While they download, a Live Activity in the Dynamic Island and on your Lock Screen shows the progress. Tap its stop button to cancel the download.

The Dynamic Island showing Downloading 5 maps with a progress ring and stop button
Shown on iPhone — Android looks slightly different.

Other maps, including Glacier Topo, only download while Topo Maps+ is open. For those, the download screen says This map can't be downloaded in the background. Please keep Topo Maps+ open. Keep the app open until the download finishes.

Updated October 8, 2026

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Still need help?

We’re a small team and we read every message. Email support@topomaps.co and tell us which device you’re on.