How to Transfer Google Maps Saved Places to Maps.me: Complete Guide

Maps.me is one of the most popular free offline map apps, used by millions of travelers worldwide. Built on OpenStreetMap data, it offers detailed maps for virtually every country - all downloadable for free. If you've been saving places in Google Maps and want offline access through Maps.me, you can import them as bookmarks.

This guide covers how to export your Google Maps saved places and import them into Maps.me.

What is Maps.me?

Maps.me has been around since 2010 and has gone through several ownership changes, but remains popular for its core offering:

• Free offline maps: Download entire countries at no cost
• OpenStreetMap data: Community-maintained, often more detailed than commercial maps for hiking trails and remote areas
• Lightweight: Maps are compressed efficiently, won't fill your phone
• Simple interface: Easy to learn, focused on essential features
• Worldwide coverage: Maps available for nearly every country
• Basic navigation: Turn-by-turn directions for driving and walking

Maps.me isn't as powerful as dedicated outdoor apps like Gaia GPS or Locus Map, but its simplicity and price (free) make it popular for general travel.

Maps.me vs Organic Maps

A quick note: In 2020, some of the original Maps.me team created a fork called Organic Maps, which is fully open-source with no ads or tracking. Both apps use OpenStreetMap data and have similar features. This guide works for both - the import process is nearly identical.

Why Import Your Places?

Bringing your Google Maps saves into Maps.me lets you:

• Access saved places offline in areas without cell service
• Avoid international roaming charges while traveling
• Navigate to saved locations using Maps.me's routing
• Keep travel planning consolidated in one offline-capable app

The Export Process

Google Maps and Maps.me don't sync. You'll need to export from Google, add coordinates (which Takeout exports lack), convert to KML format, and import as bookmarks.

1. Export from Google Takeout

1. Go to Google Takeout
2. Click "Deselect all"
3. Scroll down and select only "Saved"
4. Click "Next step" → "Create export"
5. Wait for the email, download, and unzip

Your saved places are in CSV files within the "Saved" folder.

2. Add Coordinates and Convert to KML

Google Takeout exports don't include coordinates. A service like Takeout Tools geocodes your places and converts to KML format, which Maps.me reads as bookmarks.

Note: Maps.me uses KML for bookmarks. GPX may also work but KML is more reliable.

3. Transfer to Your Phone

Get the KML file onto your device:

• Email: Send to yourself and open on phone
• Cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud - download on phone
• Direct transfer: USB or AirDrop

4. Import into Maps.me

On iOS:

1. Locate your KML file in Files app
2. Tap the file
3. Choose "Open with Maps.me" or tap Share → Maps.me
4. Bookmarks import automatically
5. Find them in Bookmarks menu (star icon)

On Android:

1. Open your file manager
2. Navigate to the KML file
3. Tap to open
4. Select Maps.me if prompted
5. Bookmarks appear in the Bookmarks section

Alternative: Import via Bookmark Manager

1. Open Maps.me
2. Tap Bookmarks (star icon)
3. Tap the settings/gear icon
4. Look for "Import" or "Load KML"
5. Browse to your file

The exact steps vary slightly between Maps.me versions and platforms.

Working with Bookmarks

After import, your places appear in Maps.me's bookmark system:

Viewing Bookmarks

• Tap the star icon to open bookmarks
• Your imported places appear in a new group
• Tap any bookmark to see it on the map

Organizing

• Create new bookmark groups (folders)
• Move bookmarks between groups
• Long-press to edit name or description

Bookmark Colors

Maps.me shows bookmarks as colored pins:

• Red, yellow, blue, green, etc.
• Set colors when editing bookmarks
• Useful for visual categorization (restaurants = red, hotels = blue)

Backup

Maps.me stores bookmarks in KML files. You can export them anytime to back up or share.

Downloading Offline Maps

Your bookmarks need maps to be useful. Download maps before your trip:

1. Open Maps.me
2. Tap the menu (three lines)
3. Select "Download maps" or tap the download icon
4. Choose your destination country or region
5. Download while on WiFi

Maps are free and download quickly. Download more than you think you'll need - plans change.

Limitations to Know

Maps.me keeps things simple, which means some limitations:

• Basic POI data: Less business information than Google Maps (hours, reviews, photos)
• Bookmark editing: Limited compared to full-featured GPS apps
• Route options: Basic A-to-B routing, fewer alternatives
• No track recording: Can't log your journey
• Ads in free version: Some ads appear (removable with subscription)

For straightforward offline navigation, Maps.me works well. For advanced outdoor navigation, consider Gaia GPS or Locus Map.

Pro Tips

1. Download maps before you travel. Don't wait until you land. Download countries while still on home WiFi.

2. Test the import at home. Import a few places and verify they appear correctly before depending on them during a trip.

3. Keep file backups. Store your KML files somewhere safe. Easy to re-import if you switch phones or reinstall the app.

4. Use bookmark colors consistently. Develop a system - all accommodations blue, all restaurants red, etc. Makes finding things faster.

5. Check bookmark positions. Geocoding can place landmarks slightly off. For critical locations (your hotel, tour meeting points), verify the pin is in the right spot.

6. Combine with Google Maps. Use Google Maps for research and reviews, Maps.me for offline navigation. They complement each other well.

Maps.me vs Other Offline Apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maps.me really free?

The app and all maps are free. There are ads in the free version. A subscription removes ads and adds some features.

How much storage do maps need?

Varies by region. Small countries: 50-200 MB. Large countries: 500 MB to several GB. The app shows sizes before download.

Does Maps.me work completely offline?

Yes. After downloading maps, everything works without internet - navigation, search, bookmarks.

Will my bookmarks sync between devices?

Maps.me has limited sync. Best practice: export your bookmarks as KML backup and import on each device.

Can I import GPX files?

Some versions of Maps.me support GPX, but KML is more reliable. If GPX doesn't work, convert to KML.

What happened to Maps.me? I heard it was sold.

Maps.me has changed ownership several times. The app continues to be maintained and updated. Organic Maps is an open-source fork if you prefer community-maintained software.

Can I export my bookmarks?

Yes. Go to Bookmarks → select a group → Export/Share. You get a KML file that works in other apps.

Are bookmarks stored locally or in the cloud?

Primarily local. The files are on your device. Back them up manually if needed.

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Export for Maps.me

Convert saved places to KML for offline travel

Try Takeout Tools →

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Free Tools

Already have a KML file? Use our free browser-based tools:

• KML Validator - Check your KML file for errors and data quality issues
• GPX to KML Converter - Convert GPX files to Google Earth format
• GeoJSON to KML Converter - Convert GeoJSON files to KML

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See Other Export Guides

• How to Export Google Maps Saved Places as KML
• How to Transfer Saved Places to Organic Maps
• How to Transfer Saved Places to OsmAnd
• Best Offline Map Apps for Travel