Using GPS on a cell phone

Your phone does not have internet capability??? You will have to by a phone that does. Curious, how old is your phone?

For starters, apps don’t give internet availability.

There’s a couple of ways to connect to the internet. One is through a cell phone data plan. The other is a WiFi connection. You’ll find many WiFi connections through restaurants, hotels, coffee shops.

The apps can then use the internet connection. That includes a GPS map app.

If you want true GPS without the data you need a GPS device, not a phone.

But you may want to spring for a non-contract cell data plan through a cell phone provider. You can buy data on a month to month plan though it’s usually more expensive.

Edit: I just noticed that you are giving technical answers about SIM cards on other forums. What’s the deal?

If you want GPS capability you'll have to buy a smartphone, as those are equipped with both GPS and GLONASS receivers. With an app like Google Maps, you should have no trouble finding your way around.

The internet capability will be provided by whichever cellular network you subscribe to, along with their roaming partners in the other countries. Be sure to pay for a generous data allowance each month, as using GPS will use data.

You can use the GPS function on your smartphone in airplane mode (no Wi-Fi or cellular connection needed) with the google maps app. Enter the city/region where you will be traveling to, then click download (either in settings or on the bottom of the map in the Apple app). The app will save the map for 30 days without a connection and the GPS function on your phone will show where you are located on the map. I would also add hotels/restaurants to your saved list so you can easily locate them without a Wi-Fi/cell connection).

Thank you for your informative replies, which have all brought me forward. I am sorry, I did not express myself clearly or accurately in my post.

First, I DO have a smartphone (Fairphone). By internet availability, I meant that I want to use GPS in a car, for instance, places where I don't have access to wifi. I guess I do have that availability up to a certain limit with my present contract, but doubtless not enough for that purpose. So a better question is: what cell phone data plan (thank you for that term, Cindy) would answer my need?

And thank you, dcnwrob, for the information on downloading the app. I didn’t know that was possible. How does this impact the data plan?

Google Maps gets mentioned a couple of times. Is this the recommended app? Which is perhaps the easiest to use for a beginner like myself?

The Forum is a life saver for me, and I thank you all for your patience!

Edit: And would all of this apply to a tablet, if I buy one to take advantage of the larger screen?

"And would all of this apply to a tablet, if I buy one to take advantage of the larger screen?"

I suppose that would depend on which tablet you're using. I'm mostly familiar with Apple products, but I'm sure one of the others can provide info on other brands. If you were using an iPad with cellular capability (another SIM required), you should be able to use Google Maps, even in areas with no WiFi.

"Google Maps gets mentioned a couple of times. Is this the recommended app?"

I use Google Maps because that's the one I'm most familiar with and I've found that it works well. Google has been improving it on a regular basis. I'm assuming it works as well on the Android platform as on Apple - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps&hl=en .

Maps.me allows GPS locations on a base map without cellular service as Ken describes he does with Google maps, but I don’t know how to download maps to Google Maps and I have the app.

Tom_MN,

This may help - https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&hl=en .

I can't be bothered downloading offline maps when at home and just use cellular data. I had my data allowance increased slightly so that I don't have to worry about going over the limit.

When travelling I try to minimize data usage by leaving Cellular Data switched "off" when I don't need it. That prevent background functions on the phone from using data. One minor issue with that approach is that text messages may not work properly unless cell data is "on". Each trip is a bit of a learning experience.