Organic Maps2026.07.23-6

Organic Maps is a free and open source offline map and GPS navigation application that supports Android and Apple devices. After users download the required regional maps in advance, location search, route planning and navigation can all be used in a non-network environment. It’s based on OpenStreetMap data and is suitable for travel, hiking, biking and everyday driving.

This app puts privacy and offline capabilities at the forefront. Officials clearly state that the app has no advertising, tracking or data collection, and does not require account registration. Domestic users can use the simplified Chinese interface, and the main operations after installation are completed in the graphical interface, without the need for command lines or complex configurations.

Core functions

• Complete offline use After downloading the map, map browsing, location search and route calculation can be completed offline, which saves traffic when traveling abroad or entering mountainous areas with weak signals.
• Multiple travel routes The app supports walking, hiking, cycling and driving routes, and can also give turn-by-turn voice prompts. The Android version supports Android Auto, and the Apple version supports CarPlay.
• Outdoor map information Hiking and biking layers show trails, bike routes, contours, slope, and elevation changes, making it easy to judge distance and climb before setting off.
• Location Search Users can find places by address, name, or category and view hours of operation, accessibility information, and some Wikipedia descriptions. The range available offline depends on the downloaded map data.
• Tracks & Favorites The app can save places, record travel trails, and import or export KML, KMZ, GPX, and GeoJSON files.
• Map Update and Editing Officials usually update map data twice a month. Users can also submit revisions to OpenStreetMap when they find a location is missing or has incorrect information.

Product Features

Organic Maps has a very restrained interface. Map, search, favorites and route buttons are all placed in easy-to-find locations. Commonly used processes do not require an account, and there are no advertisements interspersed. After the map is downloaded, the mobile phone can be positioned using only GPS. GPS positioning itself does not consume mobile data, but downloading the map for the first time and updating data later still require an Internet connection.

The map content comes from OpenStreetMap, and the level of detail will vary depending on the region and volunteer maintenance. Popular cities and common outdoor routes are often informative, while a few areas may lack new roads, shops or real-time traffic information. When preparing for a long trip or outdoor activity, it is recommended to download maps in advance, check the route, and keep necessary backup plans.

Installation and usage tutorial

1. Android users are given priority to install from Google Play, F-Droid or official GitHub Releases, and Apple users install from the App Store. When using GitHub APK, please check the release page and the official verification value, and do not obtain the installation package from download sites from unknown sources.
2. After opening it for the first time, select Simplified Chinese and allow the app to use location permissions. Positioning is only allowed while using the app, which is sufficient for general navigation. When recording tracks in the background, follow the system prompts to adjust permissions.
3. Search for a city, region or country on the map download page and download maps within the travel range. Long-distance routes may pass through multiple areas, so you need to prepare maps along the way. Map files take up storage space on your phone.
4. Enter your destination in the search box and choose walking, biking, public transportation or driving. Check the route distance, estimated time, elevation and road warnings before starting navigation to make sure the route is suitable for your mode of transport.
5. Test the phone by switching it to airplane mode before using it outdoors. Only when you can open the map, find the favorite location and generate a route can you be truly ready. You should also bring charging equipment with you when navigating for a long time.
6. Enable track recording when you need to save the route, and then export the file to a format such as GPX. Collection points and tracks are important data. Export the backup before changing devices or cleaning applications.

Applicable scenarios

• Traveling abroad Download destination maps in advance to reduce roaming traffic and continue to check directions when there is no mobile phone signal.
• Hiking and Cycling Route, contour and altitude information can help users estimate difficulty, and track records can easily save the actual route traveled.
• Daily Backup Navigation Save frequently used city maps on your phone. You can still search and plan routes when encountering network congestion or temporary disconnection.
• Privacy-conscious users The design of no account, no ads, and no collection of identifiers reduces the map application’s reliance on personal data.
• OpenStreetMap Contributors Users can identify map issues and add location and road information to the OpenMap project.

Free scope and license

Organic Maps is free for Android and Apple, with no subscriptions, feature paywalls, or ads. The project continues to be developed through donations and community contributions. The application source code adopts the Apache-2.0 license. Map data, fonts and some third-party resources each comply with the corresponding license. When redistributing, the attribution information needs to be retained according to the project description.

Usage evaluation

Organic Maps is great for preloading maps into your phone and then quietly searching and navigating. Ordinary users can install it from the app store, download the regional map, enter their destination, and then complete the core process. The official store shows that the Android version has been downloaded more than five million times, and the Apple store has also accumulated thousands of ratings. The project scale and long-term maintenance are relatively solid.

Its limitations are also very clear. Offline maps take up space, real-time traffic conditions and some public transportation dynamics still require the cooperation of other services, and map details are also affected by the quality of local OpenStreetMap data. City commuters can use it as a refreshing backup map, while hiking and travel users can more easily appreciate the value of offline search, route and track functions.

Update instructions

The current Android stable version is 2026.07.23-6, released on July 23, 2026. The official general APK is about 61.17 MiB, including ARM and x86 architectures. This version is updated to OpenStreetMap data on July 14, improves business hours display, route guidance and bookmark saving, and makes warnings such as toll roads, ferries, unpaved roads and stairs cover all alternative routes, while fixing multiple crash issues and Chinese wording.