14 solutions for when Google Maps only works over WiFi on Android and iPhone
Google Maps requires mobile data or WiFi to work. You can also download offline maps, but you will still need the Internet to use different features and update data offline. What if WiFi isn’t available? Unfortunately, Google Maps only works over WiFi for many Android and iPhone users. They cannot use Google Maps with mobile data. Are you facing the same problem?
Imagine you got stuck somewhere and Google Maps won’t load because it doesn’t work with cellular data. Fortunately, the problem is easy to fix using one of the following methods.
1. Restart your phone
Begin the troubleshooting process by restarting your Android phone or iPhone. This should fix temporary problems or bugs, if any.
2. Check your mobile data
Before you start doubting Google Maps, you should check if other apps work with cellular data or not. For this, turn off WiFi and enable mobile data. Use other apps that require an internet connection, such as a browser, chat app, or any social media app. This should help figure out if the problem is related to Google Maps only or to all apps.
If the mobile data doesn’t work, first remove the SIM card from your phone and insert it again. Alternatively, enable data roaming. If the problem persists, contact your carrier.
3. Enable Data Roaming
You must enable data roaming to use a cellular network in a country other than your own. This could also be the reason why Google Maps doesn’t work with mobile data.
Per enable data roaming on iPhone, go to Settings> Mobile Data> Mobile Data Options. Enable the switch next to Data Roaming.
Note: on some phones you may find a Cellular Data option instead of Mobile Data.
On Android phones, go to Settings> Network and Internet (or Connections). Tap Mobile Network. Enable data roaming on the next screen.
4. Update the app
Make sure the Google Maps app is updated to the latest version on your Android phone or iPhone. Update it from Play Store or App Store.
5. Enable airplane mode
Enabling airplane mode will disable most network connections on your phone. This often helps solve mobile data problems. Open Quick Settings in Android and Control Center on iPhone and tap the airplane (flight) mode icon. Wait a minute and then disable it.
6. Disable WiFi only mode (Android)
Google Maps on Android comes with a Wi-Fi-only setting. If it is enabled, you will have problems using Google Maps with mobile data. So check and turn it off.
For this, open Google Maps on your Android phone. Tap the profile picture icon or three-dot icon and select Settings. Turn off the switch next to Wi-Fi only.
7. Disable data saver mode
Both Android phones and iPhones come with data saver modes. If enabled, you may experience issues with apps that require the use of background data, such as Google Maps.
- To turn it off on iPhone, go to Settings> Cellular Data> Cellular Data Options. Turn off the switch for Low Data mode.
- On Android, go to Settings> Network and Internet (or Connections). Tap Data usage or Data saver and disable it.
Suggestion: On Samsung phones, look for the Ultra data saving mode setting and disable it.
8. Allow Google Maps to use cellular data (iPhone)
On iPhone, you can disable apps from using mobile data. This could be responsible for when Google Maps only works over WiFi on Android and iPhone.
To allow Google Maps to use mobile data, go to Settings> Cellular Data or Mobile Data. Scroll down and you will find the list of apps. Make sure the switch next to Maps is green.
9. Enable Background App Refresh (iPhone)
You can keep background app refresh enabled on your iPhone to make sure Google Maps works smoothly. For this, go to Settings> Google Maps. Enable the switch next to background app refresh.
10. Enable background data restrictions (Android)
Similar to iPhone, Android also comes with a background data usage feature. You will need to enable it for Google Maps and Google Play Services.
To check and enable, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings followed by Apps or App Manager.
- Tap Google Maps followed by Mobile data and Wi-Fi.
- Enable the switch next to Background data and Unlimited data usage.
- Likewise, enable them both for Google Play Services.
11. Log in again
Many Google Maps users have suggested that they are not logged in using their Google accounts which is why Maps did not work for them. If you recently changed your Google account password, your phone may have signed you out of Google services. Check that you are signed in to Google Maps. For this, open Google Maps and tap on the account icon at the top. You will see the Login option. Touch it.
Suggestion: if you use multiple Google accounts on your phone, switch to another Google account in Maps. This will also help to confirm whether you are signed in to Maps or not.
12. Reinstall the app
Reinstalling the Google Maps app also fixes the app related issues. Uninstall it like any other app from your Android phone or iPhone. Restart your phone and install it again. Hopefully, Google Maps will now work with mobile data.
13. Reset your network settings
Since Google Maps only works on Wi-Fi and not mobile data, you can try resetting your network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi networks, paired Bluetooth devices, etc. However, this will also help solve network problems.
To reset network settings on iPhone, go to Settings> General> Reset> Reset Network Settings.
On Android, go to Settings> System (General Management)> Reset> Reset network settings or Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth.
14. Reset all settings
If by simply resetting the network settings Google Maps still does not work with mobile data, you need to reset all settings.
To reset all settings on iPhone, go to Settings> General> Reset> Reset All Settings. This will not delete your personal data or files. Find out how restore works on iPhone.
To reset settings on Android, Settings> System (General management)> Reset> Reset app preferences.
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