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moto g and maps

M

motog

Well-Known Member
Just got a Motorola Moto G (16gb) which I rate as fantastic except! Google Maps (latest version) has lost the functions I use like being able to save maps for offline use!
I need to install version 6.11.1
I have located it but can't install it from the download.
How can I get this to work?

Alan
 
Hi motog, and welcome to the community. :)

The latest version(s) of Google Maps has indeed hidden the ability to download sections of the map for offline use, but it hasn't actually removed it. You just need to know the secret password; fortunately (and thanks to Wired) I know it.

1) Launch Maps.
2) Zoom to the area you want to cache (roughly city-sized, you don't want to be greedy!).
3) Tap the Search bar at the top.
4) Type (or say) "OK Maps".
5) It will start to preload/cache the onscreen area.

You'll then be able to use Maps for offline navigation :thumbup:

I just learned about this today; let me know how it works for you!
 
Thanks codesplice, I did know about this function, and it works ok. But the earlier version was able to save several maps which were able to be called upon at any time, ideal if travelling to several countries.
When trying to install the previous version (6.11.1) I think the message I got was, unable to install app, which made me think that it might not run on kitkat?

Alan
 
The current version does let me save multiple areas - nothing as large as a country, but I just tested with four different large cities, and they were all still available when I turned on Airplane Mode.

Have you uninstalled the current version before trying to install the old one?
 
If I can save multiple areas that will do for me, but I can only seem to (cache) the last viewed area? How to do?
I haven't uninstalled the latest Google Maps - you reckon that might allow me to install older version?

Alan
 
Yep; you can't install an older version of any app while a newer version is still installed.
 
Couldn't actually uninstall it, just disable it? Still couldn't install older version as it generated a 'parse' error. Even with security permissions allowed. Tried uploading installation file to googles drive but the system wouldn't send it!
Had more play with latest version which seems to allow 'caching' of more than one area but I was only allowed access to the last map on the screen (with WiFi off) they were all there in history but ' no network' so not very helpful!
Must be doin summit wrong?

Alan
 
You may not be able to (easily) roll back to an older version of Maps, since it sounds like your device shipped with the newer version already installed (as a system app, so it can't be removed).

And, from looking around the web, it looks like you may be right - the current version of Maps really only caches the latest region that you requested to cache. That's pretty lame.

If you have root access, you could use something like Titanium Backup (or even a decent file explorer) to delete the current Maps application from your /system partition. You would then be able to install the old Maps just fine. Short of that, though, I'm afraid you're probably out of luck. :(
 
Thanks codesplice, yes your right new device shipped with latest software!
Never done any rooting before, I guess that and warranties don't mix, do you know if rooting is reversible?

Alan
 
Rooting is generally reversible, though the actual steps are largely device-specific (well, unless it's a Nexus). For your Moto G, the Moto G All Things Root subforum would be a good spot to start reading, or to post any specific root-related questions. :thumbup:
 
Well spotted! It's not on the play store so I probably wouldn't have found it.
Just downloaded and installed it and it's looking good!
I used nogago maps last weekend while in Belgium and while the map contained a good lot of information sometimes when trying to enlarge the scale all info appeared to freeze making it of little use.
Thanks for finding this and drawing my attention to it!
I will be giving it a good test and have disabled the auto update!

Alan
 
The one catch is that the offline maps seem to expire after 30 days - easy enough to tap the "update" button though.
 
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