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How to Transfer Google Maps Saved Places to OsmAnd: Complete Guide

Learn how to export your Google Maps saved places and import them into OsmAnd with step-by-step instructions, including solutions for the geocoding challenge.

July 24, 2025

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7 min read

OsmAnd is one of the best offline navigation apps available - it uses OpenStreetMap data, works completely without internet, and is available on both Android and iOS. If you're switching from Google Maps or want your saved places available offline, getting your data into OsmAnd makes sense. The challenge is that Google and OsmAnd don't talk to each other directly.

This guide covers how to export your Google Maps saved places and get them into OsmAnd as favorites or waypoints.

Why Move to OsmAnd?

True offline navigation: OsmAnd downloads complete map data to your device. No cell signal needed for routing, searching, or navigation.

Privacy: OsmAnd doesn't track your location or send data to remote servers. Your location stays on your device.

OpenStreetMap data: Often more detailed than commercial maps for trails, footpaths, and points of interest, especially in less-developed areas.

No subscription: The core features are free. Paid features are a one-time purchase, not recurring fees.

Customization: Extensive control over map rendering, voice guidance, routing preferences, and data management.

The trade-off: OsmAnd has a steeper learning curve than Google Maps, and you need to download map files for areas you'll visit.

The Export Challenge

Google Maps doesn't have a "export to OsmAnd" button. Instead, you need to:

  1. Export your saved places from Google Takeout (which gives you CSV files without coordinates)
  2. Add coordinates to those places (geocoding)
  3. Convert to GPX format (which OsmAnd can import)
  4. Import the GPX into OsmAnd as favorites

This sounds complicated, but it's straightforward once you know the steps.

Step-by-Step: Google Maps to OsmAnd

Step 1: Export from Google Takeout

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

The "Saved" folder contains CSV files for your lists.

Step 2: Convert to GPX with Coordinates

The CSV files need geocoding (adding coordinates) and format conversion. A service like Takeout Tools handles both: upload your CSV files, select GPX as the output format, and download the result.

Alternatively, you can use separate geocoding and conversion tools, but this requires more manual steps.

Step 3: Import into OsmAnd

Android:

  1. Copy the GPX file to your device (email it to yourself, use cloud storage, or connect via USB)
  2. Locate the file using a file manager
  3. Tap the GPX file - OsmAnd should offer to import it
  4. Or: Open OsmAnd → Menu → My Places → Favorites → ⋮ menu → Import

iOS:

  1. Get the GPX file onto your device (AirDrop, email, cloud storage)
  2. Open the file and choose "Share" or "Open with"
  3. Select OsmAnd from the share options
  4. OsmAnd imports the waypoints as favorites

Alternative method (any platform):

  1. Open OsmAnd
  2. Menu → My Places → Tracks (not Favorites)
  3. Import the GPX file
  4. Waypoints appear as track waypoints which you can then save as favorites

Step 4: Organize in OsmAnd

After import, your places appear in OsmAnd as favorites. You can:

  • Create groups: Organize favorites into folders (Restaurants, Travel, etc.)
  • Customize appearance: Set different colors and icons for different categories
  • Add to map: Toggle visibility of specific groups on the main map
  • Navigate: Tap any favorite and choose Navigate to get directions

Understanding OsmAnd Favorites vs Waypoints

OsmAnd has two concepts that can hold your places:

Favorites: Points you've saved for quick access. They appear in the Favorites section of My Places, can be organized into groups, and show with custom icons on the map.

Track waypoints: Points associated with a GPX track. They're stored within the track file and managed separately.

For imported Google Maps places, favorites are usually more practical - they behave similarly to Google Maps saved places.

Pro Tips

  1. Download maps first. Before importing hundreds of places, download the OsmAnd maps for the relevant regions. Otherwise, you won't be able to see or navigate to your imported favorites.

  2. Keep list structure. If you have multiple Google Maps lists, export them as separate GPX files. In OsmAnd, create favorite groups for each and import separately. This preserves your organization.

  3. Check the map preview. After importing, zoom out on OsmAnd to verify your places appear where expected. Occasionally geocoding puts a place in the wrong location.

  4. Use meaningful names. OsmAnd's search works on favorite names. If your Google Maps places have cryptic names, consider cleaning them up before or after import.

  5. Color-code categories. OsmAnd lets you assign colors to favorite groups. Use this to visually distinguish restaurants from hotels from attractions on the map.

  6. Export from OsmAnd as backup. Once your favorites are set up, export them from OsmAnd (My Places → Favorites → Export). This gives you a backup independent of both Google and OsmAnd's cloud.

Troubleshooting

Favorites don't appear on the map

  • Check that the favorite group is visible (My Places → Favorites → tap the eye icon for each group)
  • Verify you have the map downloaded for that area
  • Try restarting OsmAnd

Import fails or shows errors

  • Verify the GPX file is valid (try opening it in Google Earth first)
  • Check file encoding (should be UTF-8)
  • For very large files, try splitting into smaller batches

Places are in the wrong location

  • This usually means geocoding resolved to the wrong address
  • Open the favorite in OsmAnd and manually adjust the position
  • Or re-geocode the original place with a more specific address

Names or descriptions are missing

  • Check that the original Google Takeout CSV had the data
  • Some conversion tools strip certain fields - try a different tool if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sync Google Maps and OsmAnd automatically?

No. There's no sync feature between them. If you add places in Google Maps after migrating, you'll need to re-export and re-import the new places.

Will navigation in OsmAnd use my imported favorites?

Yes. Tap any favorite, then choose "Directions" or "Navigate to" to route there.

What about Google Maps reviews and photos?

Those don't export. The Takeout data only includes place names, addresses, and any notes you've personally added.

Does OsmAnd support custom icons like Google Maps?

OsmAnd has a set of built-in icons you can assign to favorites, but you can't import custom icons. The visual appearance in OsmAnd will be different from Google Maps.

How many favorites can OsmAnd handle?

Thousands. There's no practical limit for typical use. Very large collections (tens of thousands) may slow down the app slightly on older devices.

Can I edit imported favorites in OsmAnd?

Yes. Tap any favorite → Edit to change the name, location, color, icon, or group assignment.

Export for OsmAnd

Convert saved places to GPX for offline navigation

Try Takeout Tools →

Free Tools

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

See Other Export Guides

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