If you use a cell phone, you may be concerned about your data privacy. This leads many cellphone and tablet users to ask, does Apple Maps use data?

Apple Maps does use data to provide users with their navigation service. This means users who have limited data plans may run out of data faster due to the use.

If you are interested in using Apple Maps but are concerned about the application’s data usage, keep reading to learn how much it uses, ways to save data, and alternatives.

How Much Data Does Apple Maps Use?

Technology uses a lot of data to function. Applications are constantly using location services and the Internet to update their users’ data. 

So, how much data does it use?

The amount of data used per minute through Apple Maps is minuscule compared to most data plans. 

So much so that it is typically safe to regularly use Maps without data overage.

Time vs. Cost vs. Data Comparison

If you are into numbers and prefer a detailed presentation of the data, below we have a chart that compares how many minutes of Apple Maps will bust the total allotted data you have.

As you can see, if the Apple Maps application is being used, it does not use large quantities of data over time. 

This means that, in most cases, you do not need to worry about an overage.

Apple Maps can also be useful, especially if you regularly forget where you park your car.

Downloading Maps on Apple Maps

There are still some people who prefer to preserve data at any chance. 

As a result, they prefer to look for cost-effective methods to preserve data whenever possible because they value their time and money.

Unlike similar navigation maps, Apple Maps does not allow you to download the directions you want for the routes you need. 

The following alternatives are available to cure this issue.

  • Use Google Maps to download an offline map
  • Print directions off of Mapquest
  • Use HERE WeGo App
  • Try MAPS.ME
  • Download Traillink

Each of these alternatives will provide you with a map whether or not you have internet or data service. This is convenient for rural road trips or trips in foreign countries.

Other Apple Maps Data Saving Measures

If you still intend to use Apple Maps but would like to save some data and trim down the bells and whistles, you are in luck. 

There are many different tips you can use to save.

Some tips include adjusting your settings within the iPhone itself, while others include adjusting settings in the Apple Maps app.

Below we go into detail for each option.

Use WiFi

Before you leave your house, have the directions on your phone or use a hotspot. 

The phone will not need to be updated frequently during the trip, so the caching is lessened.

Use Offline Mode

After downloading the map and data on WiFi, you can swap the Apple Maps app to offline mode and use the specific map pre-downloaded to the phone.

Change the View

Whenever you are using the map, it is recommended that you switch from satellite view to standard view. 

This will take up less data and show you a basic vector map.

Toggle off Location Services

There is the option, once the map has been downloaded, of turning off the location services.

If you change directions, the map will not recalculate. However, it uses less data.

If you follow any of these methods, you can reduce the amount of data Apple Maps consumes overall while using it.

You can also use a different GPS app, such as Waze.

See How Much Data Apple Maps is Using

After lessening the burden of Apple Maps on your iPhone, it is important to check in to see how much data the app uses. 

This can be done by following these steps:

  • Navigate to the settings icon that looks like a gear on the iPhone
  • Select Cellular Settings
  • Tap Mobile Data
  • Scroll down through the apps until you find maps

The number to the right of the app is the data usage consumed by the app. 

It can also be broken down by the percentage of its overall impact on total consumption.

A Good Data Investment

The Apple Maps app is a good investment for anyone. Not only does it provide the user with directions, it uses little data to do it. So while some data is used, it will not bankrupt your data.