Google Maps Go: lightweight navigation app

Google Maps Go is a lightweight navigation and mapping app by Google LLC that provides real-time traffic, directions, and place search in a compact package. Designed as a progressive web app variation of the standard Google Maps, it focuses on running smoothly on devices with limited memory and on unreliable networks. The app gives you access to location, live traffic updates, transit information, and details for millions of places without taking up much storage space.

The main advantage is the size: at 1.7 MB, it takes up about 100 times less space than the full Google Maps app. This makes it a practical choice for entry-level smartphones or situations where storage is tight. It still covers the essentials, including route planning that combines different modes of transport, public transport schedules, step-by-step directions with route preview, and searching for restaurants, businesses, and other nearby places. You can read customer reviews, view food photos, and find phone numbers and addresses for local spots.

The most recent update, version 165.0 released in August 2026, brings bug fixes and stability improvements. This follows the earlier 167.0 update from July 2026, so the app continues to receive maintenance. One important requirement is that Google Maps Go needs Chrome to be installed on the device; without Chrome, users are directed to access maps through a mobile browser instead. The app is free, contains ads, and has no in-app purchases.

Key features

• Real-time traffic updates and traffic maps to help you reach destinations faster.
• Directions for driving, transit, walking, cycling, two-wheelers, taxis, and ferries.
• Live public transport schedules for metro, bus, and train in supported cities.
• Search and discovery for local restaurants, businesses, and other nearby places.
• Business details such as phone numbers, addresses, customer reviews, and food photos.
• Option to save favorite or frequently visited places for quick access later.
• Support for more than 70 languages and maps covering 200 countries and territories.
• Public transport information for over 20,000 cities and detailed data for more than 100 million places.

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to start getting the APK file, which is about 1.7 MB in size.
2. When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting for that app.
3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
4. Tap Install and wait a few moments for the process to finish.
5. Open the app. Your device needs to run Android 10 or higher for the app to work.

What's New

This update includes bug fixes and stability improvements.

It suits owners of budget or older Android phones who want navigation without sacrificing storage space. It is also useful for travelers in areas with unreliable mobile networks who need fast access to transit schedules and nearby places. People who prefer a lightweight, browser-based mapping tool over the full Google Maps app will also find it practical.

If you frequently visit the same locations, use the save feature to keep them handy on the main screen so you can get directions with fewer taps, especially when your connection is weak.

For a tool that occupies only 1.7 MB, Google Maps Go delivers a surprisingly complete navigation and discovery experience. It is not a replacement for the full Maps app in every scenario, but for budget phones, spotty connections, or anyone who wants a fast way to check routes and nearby places, it is a dependable option. The trade-offs are modest and mostly involve offline depth and a browser dependency.