Does GPS Work Without Internet? Yes, but Trackers Differ

GPS on Your Phone Without Internet

Your phone's GPS keeps working in airplane mode or with no signal. Three things change:

• The map may be blank. Most map apps load map tiles over the internet. Without a connection, you see your blue dot on an empty grid unless you downloaded the area first.
• The first fix can be slower. With a data connection, phones download satellite information to speed up the first fix. Without it, the phone has to collect that information from the satellites themselves, which takes longer, especially if the phone has been off or has moved far.
• Searching and some directions stop. Search, live traffic and some route types need a connection, depending on the app.

How to Download Offline Maps

Google Maps (Android and iPhone)

1. While connected to the internet, open Google Maps (not in Incognito mode).
2. Tap your profile picture, then Offline maps, then Select your own map.
3. Adjust the area and tap Download.

Offline maps in Google Maps expire and need updating; the app tries to update them automatically on Wi-Fi when they are close to expiry. Google says transit, cycling and walking directions do not work offline.

Apple Maps (iPhone, iOS 17 or later)

1. Tap your profile picture or initials next to the search field.
2. Tap Offline Maps, then Add, and choose a suggested map or enter a location.
3. Resize the area and tap Download.

Apple says offline maps give turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, cycling and transit, but are only available in some regions.

Test it before you go: switch on airplane mode at home, open the map app and zoom into the area you downloaded. If the map shows detail and your position appears, you are ready.

Why GPS Needs No Internet

The US GPS constellation had 31 operational satellites in its latest count on gps.gov, orbiting at about 20,200 km. Each one broadcasts its position and the time. A receiver that hears at least four satellites can work out its own position from how long the signals took to arrive.

The process is one-way. The satellites broadcast, the receiver listens, and the receiver never transmits anything back. That is why a car navigation unit or a handheld hiking GPS has always worked without a phone plan.

Why Most GPS Trackers Still Need Data

A tracker knows where it is. The hard part is getting that position to you. Most trackers do it like this:

1. The GPS chip works out the position (no internet needed).
2. A built-in SIM sends it over the mobile network (needs coverage and a plan).
3. The maker's server stores it (needs internet).
4. Your phone app fetches it from the server (needs internet).

Lose mobile coverage at the tracker and the chain breaks at step 2, even though GPS is still working. That is also why most pet and asset trackers come with a monthly plan.

How Loko Keeps the Chain Offline

Loko replaces the mobile network and the server with a direct radio link to a receiver you carry:

The limits:

• You must be within radio range of the tracker. Out of range, Loko Air keeps logging up to 3,100 positions on the device, but you will not see them live.
• If the tracker cannot get a fix within 60 seconds, it sends its last known position. The app shows when each position arrived but no warning that it is old, so check the time.
• The Ground stores positions while your phone is disconnected, but the app does not pull them in when you reconnect.
• Have the map area available offline in the app before you lose signal.

GPS Without Internet: FAQ