Google Maps for your Galaxy Watch now works offline. The latest update for Google’s navigation app for Wear OS brings offline support. The update is rolling out to all Wear OS watches, from the Galaxy Watch 4 to Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra, as well as the Pixel Watch lineup.
Your Galaxy Watch can now run Google Maps offline
Google announced offline support for its Wear OS Google Maps app during the Pixel Watch 3 launch on August 13. It didn’t make users wait long for the update. Version 11.140.0701.W of the app, now available via the Play Store, adds offline maps to your watch. Well, we installed the latest version on a Galaxy Watch 4 and couldn’t find offline maps, but 9to5Google received the new feature.
This suggests a server-side update will enable the function. Once rolled out, you’ll be notified about offline support the next time you open Google Maps on your watch. The app notes that it will automatically download offline maps from your connected phone. So, any offline map you have saved on your phone will show up on the watch too, ensuring a cross-device seamless experience.
Additionally, the watch app automatically downloads a map of your area regardless of whether you have downloaded it to your phone. Google tells you how much storage space each offline map takes and offers a one-tap delete button. You’ll find all downloaded maps in a new “Offline maps” section between More and Settings near the bottom of the Google Maps home page.
When navigating through a downloaded map, Google Maps shows a slashed cloud icon next to the time at the top of the screen. Once the initial downloading is completed, the app automatically syncs all updates with your phone when on Wi-Fi and charging. The new version of Google Maps for Wear OS should reach all eligible users globally over the next few days.
