Download an Offline Map before you head out to use the onX Backcountry App with or without cell service in the field.
Offline Maps save aerial imagery, topography, and trail data directly to your device so you can navigate confidently in areas with no signal. Your GPS location updates normally even in airplane mode, provided your mobile phone or tablet has a GPS receiver—almost all modern smartphones and cellular-enabled tablets have this capability.
Check your device's location services settings or manufacturer specifications to confirm.
Saving an Offline Map
Offline Maps can be saved from the Backcountry App or Web Map.
However, if you save an Offline Map from the Web Map, you'll need to download it from the Offline Maps list on your mobile device(s) before it's ready to use offline.
To save and download an Offline Map, open the Offline Maps menu and select New Map.
Position and resize the box to cover the area you want to download.
- Zoom in or out and drag to reposition or resize.
- Choose your detail level and tap Next.
- Name your map and tap Save.
Tip: For larger areas, download multiple offline maps in a grid or slightly overlapping pattern to make sure there are no gaps in coverage. A single Offline Map has a size limit of 3GB.
Use the Topo (only) level of detail (from the Backcountry App) to download very large areas and view high-definition topography offline.
Using Offline Maps in the Field
Once your maps are downloaded, simply tap Go Offline in the Offline Maps menu to use them.
IMPORTANT: if you see a red and white outline on your map and a download icon next to the Offline Map(s) in your Offline Maps list, they're not locally downloaded.
If an Offline Map is saved but not downloaded, tap the download icon to the right of the Offline Map name.
To return online, tap the red Offline button in the Offline Maps menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Low, Medium, and High detail?
Higher detail means more map data is downloaded and visible at closer zoom levels, but also means a larger file size. High detail is recommended for trips where you'll be zoomed in closely—technical terrain, complex trail systems, or areas where precision matters. Low detail or Topo works well for reference maps of a broader area.
Will I still see my location when I'm offline?
Yes. GPS works without cell service on all modern smartphones. If your location isn't showing, tap the Location button and check that your device's location permissions are enabled for the app.
Why isn't the map I saved from my computer showing on my phone?
Make sure you're logged into the same account on both devices and both are connected to the internet. Then, close and reopen the app, or drag down from near the top of the Offline Maps menu to refresh the list.
What does "Update Available" mean?
New map data is available for that area. Tap it to update before heading out to make sure you're working with the latest trail and imagery data.
Can I share my offline maps with someone else?
No. Offline maps are saved to individual devices and can't be transferred. Anyone joining your trip needs to download their own maps to their own device.
The detail in my saved area looks wrong — what should I do?
Delete the map and re-download it. Make sure you're connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal before downloading, especially for higher-detail maps of larger areas.