By following the 4 steps in this article, you'll ensure that you have the maps you need when you need them.
Table of Contents:
- Step 1. Sync and download your Offline Maps in the onX Backcountry App.
- Step 2. Update your saved maps in the onX Backcountry App.
- Step 3. Test your Offline Maps in the onX Backcountry App.
- Step 4. Delete and re-download if needed.
Step 1. Sync and download your Offline Maps in the onX Backcountry App.
Maps saved using another device must be synced to the mobile device you'll use in the field. If a map is saved to your account but not downloaded to your mobile device, it will not be available outside of cell service.
Open the onX Backcountry App on your mobile device and tap the "Offline Maps" button in the main toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
To sync your maps on iPhones and iPads, tap the three dots in the top right corner of the Offline Maps Menu, then tap "Sync."
To sync your maps on Android devices, tap the "Sync" button in the top right corner of the Offline Maps Menu.
Next, download the maps you need to your device. The icon next to the map's name tells you whether or not it is downloaded to this device.
Offline Map icons:
A downward-pointing arrow means the map is not currently downloaded to your device. Tap the arrow to begin downloading the map.
Two vertical lines mean the map is currently downloading. Tap the vertical lines to pause the download.
A triangle pointing to the right means the map download is paused. Tap the triangle to resume the download.
A red circle with an exclamation mark means the map failed to download. Tap the red circle to retry.
A green circle with a checkmark means the map is downloaded to the device and ready to use.
Step 2. Update your saved maps in the onX Backcountry App.
Maps with a green checkmark icon to the left of their name are downloaded to your device. We make regular updates to our maps, so check underneath the map's name to see if there is an update available.
To update the map, tap the green checkmark icon to the left of the map's name.
After downloading and updating your maps, make sure to test them using airplane mode before you leave cell service.
Step 3. Test your Offline Maps in the onX Backcountry App.
Since you most likely won't have cell or internet service in the field, you can test your saved Offline Maps before leaving home by turning on airplane mode and turning off wi-fi on your mobile device.
Click here for instructions on using airplane mode on iPhones and iPads.
Click here for instructions on using airplane mode on Android devices.
If your mobile device is disconnected from the internet, the button in the top right corner of the Offline Maps Menu will be red and say "Offline."
Tap an Offline Map in the list to view it.
The area inside the green square is the Offline Map.
Zoom in on the green square and make sure all the information you need is clearly visible.
If the information you need isn't visible, delete the map completely from your account and download it again.
Step 4. Delete and re-download if needed.
First, reconnect your device to the internet. Open the Offline Maps Menu and tap the three dots to the right of the map's name. Tap "Delete" in the list of options.
Tap the New Map Button at the top of the Offline Maps Menu to save a new map of the same area.